BIA eNews 12 June 2024

[mrsswordfisherman]

eNews

From the CEO The Sydney International Boat Show is now seven weeks away and I can feel the excitement of the team and our members building.   We have the venues locked in, the exhibitors are likely to exceed last year’s excellent turnout of almost 200 businesses, the program is nearly full of events and activations, and we are expecting more than 50,000 people to attend.   BIA ran the inaugural, stand-alone Sydney Boat Show in 1967. Fifty-five editions later, and only cancelled due to a global pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the event is now regarded by the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) as one of a limited number of its recognised boat shows.

 

NEWS

BIA Calls for Sustainability Nominations After a successful inaugural year in 2023, the BIA is once again calling for nominations for the Sustainability in the Boating Industry Award. Nominees will be assessed on their achievements in reducing environmental impacts through actions such as use of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, contributing to emissions reduction, and/ or implementing sustainable business practices. Nominations must be returned by 3 July 2024. The winner will be announced at the Sydney International Boat Show in August where they will receive a trophy and certificate, as well as $2000 towards upskilling staff in Sustainability practices.

NSW Boating fees poised to go up BIA is calling upon the NSW Minister for Transport to use her authority to halt Transport for NSW plans to substantially increase boating licence, registration and mooring fees from 1 July. BIA spokesperson Neil Patchett said the Minister was asked to hold increases above CPI, to enable consultation on the range of significant increases well above the norm.  “For more than 20 years the Policy team at Transport for NSW has adjusted boating fees to reflect CPI without causing much distress,” Patchett said. “This year there was a major change somewhere in the system and method. This year they have applied extra-ordinary increases ranging up to 88 per cent, even though the current rate of inflation in the wider economy is 5.89 per cent." “Fees are up across the board and includes boat and PWC licence, boat and PWC registration and moorings. The increases vary and include significant increases that range from double CPI to 15 times CPI.” Only last year NSW Maritime issued a media statement on 17 July to celebrating the lowest number of fatalities in 5 years and recognised the good safety outcomes across the State.  BIA is hopeful the Minister will step in on behalf of the millions who go boating each year in NSW. Meanwhile it was good to see Ben Fordham of Sydney’s leading breakfast show on 2GB dig into the issue with BIA - listen to the interview here. Queries to neil@bia.org.au

SIBS Webinar Replay Now Available The BIA hosted a webinar in support of Sydney Boat Show exhibitors last week.  This webinar saw speakers from the Mulpha Events team present advice and tips for maximising participation at the show, as well as guest speaker business coach Steve Sapsford, provide guidance on optimising the sales process and preparing staff for the Show. A recording of the webinar is now available to re-watch and for those that were unable to attend on the day.

Participate in the 2024 State of Industry survey: the industry needs your data! Data is a valuable commodity in any business, including the associations representing the marine industry in Australia. Collecting data on the size, value and profile of the industry and gathering feedback on the impact of key issues, is a key activity in supporting the work of the associations when talking with governments and other stakeholders. BIA members will be invited to participate in the annual State of Industry survey shortly; your help to complete the survey will be much appreciated. As in previous years, there are between 20 and 25 questions in all, depending on options selected, but it should take only 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey report will be launched at the Official Opening of the Sydney International Boat Show.

SA Boating Safety Strategy BIA has commended the South Australian Marine Services team within the Department of Infrastructure and Transport for work to date on the State’s first Boating Safety Strategy. The consultation process has been encouraging and it is obvious the Marine Services team is prepared to seriously consider initiatives which have proven successful in other jurisdictions that support safe, responsible and enjoyable boating. BIA advocacy will continue to work with Marine Services SA for the best possible outcomes for the boating industry and boating public.

Value and demand for careers in the marine industry remain high The recent BIA marine trades demand survey has provided a very clear picture of the challenges members face in securing their ever-growing needs for a well-trained workforce, including most importantly apprentices. Key highlights of the feedback from members with businesses in the marine trades sector taking part shows that close to one in two marine businesses have taken on an apprentice in the last 12 months, with around 40 percent having a current need to expand their workforce.  Across the wider industry, around two thirds have undertaken a recruitment exercise over the same period, but with less than half being successful in securing new employees.  In the manufacturing sector, recruitment success falls to less than 20 percent, closely matched by mechanical service and repair at one in three business being able to fill vacancies. BIA uses this data to help shape programs that promote the many varied and exciting career opportunities that exist within the marine industry, and also to advocate to key stakeholder, particularly state and federal departments for skills, training and small business support. More details of the data analysis will be discussed in future editions of ENews, with thanks to those members making a submission for their invaluable insights to the scale of the workforce development issues the industry as a while continues to face.

 

BIA participation in international standards development During this week BIA is participating in the International Standards ISO/TC188 Small Craft standards week in being held in Southampton, UK. Building on the work of the 2023 meeting program, topics of discussion are the new ISO standards for electric propulsion systems and lithium-ion batteries, plus the commencement of a review of the key safety standards ISO 12217 stability series. These latter standards, covering vessels up to and over 6 metres, plus sailing vessels, provide the basis of assessment of suitability of vessels in terms of buoyancy, loading and performance in varying levels of environmental conditions, ie wind speed and wave height.  With current work at Standards Australia focused on improving the AS 1799 standard to better define stability assessment and testing requirements for Australian-manufactured vessels over 6 metres, and associated Australian Builders Plate compliance, being part of the global effort to draft new and updated standards is an important outcome of the standards week. BIA is representing Standards Australia with Nik Parker joining the meetings via video conference as Chair of SA Committee CS114 Small Craft, with AMSA’s Senior Marine Surveyor Adam Gohl also joining the late-night technical discussions in support of marine safety agencies, with a focus on electrical systems. The SA Small Craft Committee is currently working to review and adopt many of the ISO/TC188 portfolio of more than 150 small craft standards, to provide a more complete set of technical standards for use by Australian manufacturers, and to better align Australian industry standards with the global marine industry.

Sustainability targets and initiatives survey BIA is supporting the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in the Austrade Sustainability Dialogue to further develop a national picture on sustainability initiatives. At this stage ACCI have a lot of data in from some industries and BIA has provided information on our own sustainability activities including Propelling Our Future – a decarbonisation study into the recreational boating sector.

Advertising bookings open for Logbook’s September issue Logbook is the BIA’s long-standing bi-annual publication, reporting on the state of the industry and the year’s biggest initiatives. Advertising bookings for the September 2024 issue. This presents a valuable opportunity to reach a highly targeted audience within the boating sector, including BIA members, marine professionals, tradespersons, industry stakeholders, boat owners, and enthusiasts. Don't miss the chance to showcase your brand and messages to an engaged audience.

EVE

Sydney Int. Boat Show ticket sales off to strong start with early bird incentive Tickets for the 2024 Sydney International Boat Show went on sale last week, launching initially to database subscribers with the incentive of early bird ticket purchasers going into the draw to win AUD$10,000 in ‘Boat Show Dollars’ to spend with an exhibitor at the Show. In its 55th year, the 2024 Show will run from Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 August from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday 4 August from 10am to 5pm, with attendance expected to exceed 50,000. Visitors are being encouraged to stay and play longer this year with a variety of exclusive packages and offers available with surrounding accommodation partners.

Boating Expo at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron BIA members Yachtshare, Freedom Boat Club Brisbane and other trusted boating partners are to present the Get Onboard Boat Expo this weekend at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. The Get Onboard Boat Expo is a FREE event that will showcase the many ways to experience affordable and convenient boating in Brisbane. Whether you share a boat, join a club or purchase your own boat, the expo provides you with all the different pathways into boating, from novice to experienced salty seadog. Getting the boat is just one part of the picture. You need to get a licence and actually know how to drive the boat. Get Onboard Boat Expo also brings you licensing, sailing, and boat training providers who can teach you how to boat safely and get the most out of your time on the water. If you have considered getting into boating and are not sure where to start, the expo will provide the opportunity to learn more. This gives you the comfort of getting to know the boats and the people who will support your boating adventures. A range of vessels will be on display to suit all tastes. Boats include the Dufour 37; Beneteau Oceanis 45; Jeanneau Sunfast 3300; Trophy T24CC; Whittley CR2380 & CR2180; and more. In addition to the boats, there will be information booths and displays from boat trainers and boating accessories. Exhibitors include ABC Boating College; Whittely Boats; Southern Cross Yachting; Sunstate Hobie and The Yachts Sales Co. Come and see the boats and the water toys in a relaxed environment and enjoy the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron's hospitality at its best. When: Friday 14 June - 12pm to 5pm & Saturday 15 June - 10am - 2pm Where: Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

A day of golf for a great cause at Bayview Industry members are invited to join Pacific Boating and the BIA on Friday, 30 August 2024, for The Charity Challenge Golf Series at Bayview Golf Club. This event not only promises a day of fantastic golf but also supports a noble cause - assisting the Melanoma Institute Australia and their pioneering research into melanoma treatments. Gather staff or friends, and don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference while enjoying a memorable day on one of Sydney’s most beautiful courses. Sponsorship opportunities are available, costs per team of 4 are applicable,

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Wide Bay Bar and Virtual Nav aids  BIA would like to commend Maritime Safety Queensland, the Qld Recreational Boating Council, and Bill Corten in particular, for efforts to improve navigation aids at the Wide Bay Bar, SE Qld. This includes the application of ‘virtual nav aids’ which are shown via a vessel’s AIS system. The latest hydrographic survey of the Wide Bay Bar has been completed, and the latest depths are shown in the attached chart dated 13 May 2024. The depths shown on the chart are from an on-water survey undertaken by Maritime Safety Qld. Mariners should be cognisant that the depths and positions of sandbars are continually changing. Therefore, the depths on the chartlet may have changed and no longer be as shown. Following the survey, the Virtual Navaids on Wide Bay Bar continue to provide guidance on the best water over the bar. The Virtual Navigation Aids have been repositioned following the survey and Mariners should replace the positions of the buoys, if entered manually on non-AIS equipped systems. Mariners should not rely on the Virtual Navaids as their only means of navigation when crossing the bar. The attached map provides the positions of the Virtual Navaids that will be displayed on a vessel’s AIS system. The Virtual Navaids are a representation of the IALA maritime Buoyage System A and represent Safe Water and port and starboard lateral navigation beacons. They are to be passed on the port or starboard side of the vessel depending on the beacon. They are not waypoints or reference points that are steered towards and passed over.

Commercial Houseboat crewing exemption In direct response to BIA’s extended advocacy over the last three years on behalf of the Class 4 DCV houseboat sector, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has put in place a new exemption to support houseboat business owners and employees operating houseboats when not on hire. The new Exemption 48 - Marine Safety (Houseboats) Exemption 2024 provides for masters and crew of Class 4 houseboats up to 24 metres in length to perform certain activities when not on hire, providing they hold at least a Coxswain Grade 3 certificate of competency and meet other conditions under the exemption. Since plans for the Coxswain 3 qualification were proposed to provide an entry level commercial vessel qualification, but limited to vessels up to 12 metres in length, BIA has worked to find a solution for houseboat business that supports business operations in a safe way, while also ensuring an appropriate level of competency is assessed for each operator. Chair of the BIA Houseboat Hirers Association, Allen Buckley said “we welcome this pragmatic approach from AMSA which recognises both the professionalism of the operators in the houseboat industry and the lower risk profile of this sector of the DCV fleet.  This will considerably help our more than 50 member businesses operating commercial houseboats on the River Murray and other inland waterways.” EX48 exempts masters and crew from the competency requirements under Marine Order 504 – Certificates of operation and operation requirements (MO504) and Marine Order 505 – Certificates of competency when operating the vessel without hirers onboard for the purposes of: ·        relocating the vessel within a marina  ·        maintenance or survey  ·        pump out of sewage ·        refuelling or ·        delivery or retrieval of the vessel. A person is permitted to perform these tasks if they: ·        hold a certificate of competency that is at least a Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal   ·        have received an onboard induction, familiarisation and training for the vessel in accordance with MO504 ·        only operate the vessel during daylight hours   ·        only operate the vessel in category E waters, and ·        only operate the vessel without passengers on board. AMSA advises that the new exemption will provide greater flexibility for operators and crew, while still considering the risks involved, noting that operators do not need to apply for the exemption, but must ensure they meet the criteria to be eligible to hold a Coxswains 3 CoC. More information on EX48 is available here or BIA Members may contact Nik Parker or George Bolton for further advice.

SA State Budget: support for boating and tourism The Government of South Australia has delivered the 2024-25 State Budget, reporting a healthy surplus alongside investment in support for the community, business and key infrastructure projects, plus a significant investment in jobs for the future, including partnering with the Commonwealth Government to address critical skills shortages and increase training in key industries in the state. These investments also include support for boating and tourism, with funding committed to: address critical concerns regarding the condition and sustainability of a number of State jetties; sustaining national parks to help protect and conserve our iconic natural places, enhancing biodiversity outcomes, visitor experiences, and connection with nature; and accelerating consumer awareness of South Australian tourism destinations through additional marketing to increase the state’s appeal and awareness, both interstate and internationally, and supporting regional areas, particularly the River Murray. The full SA State Budget 2024-25 is available here.

 

Changes to Apprenticeship financial support From 1 July 2024 the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System will move to Phase 2. This will see a reduction in financial support that employers taking on a new apprentice may be eligible to claim, currently $15,000 over three years. From 1 July 2024, for new Priority Occupation apprenticeships commencing from this date will be supported as follows: ·        For employers - Priority Hiring Incentive of up to $5000 over 1 year in two instalments of $2,000 at 6 months and $3,000 at 12 months. ·        For apprentices - Australian Apprenticeship Training Support Payment of up to $5000 over 2 years, paid over four instalments, with $1,750 paid at 6 months and 12 months, and $750 paid at 18 and 24 months.  Importantly, apprentices and employers who have financial assistance under the Incentives System approved prior to 30 June 2024 will continue to receive the support through grandfathering arrangements. BIA encourages members looking to take on an apprentice soon to consider the implications of this change with some urgency. New guidelines will be published on 1 July 2024 to reflect the following changes in financial support that new employers and apprentices may claim.

Annual Wage Review 2024 The Fair Work Commission has handed down its annual wage review decision, with the Commission deciding to increase the National Minimum Wage and minimum wages in all modern awards by 3.75%. These increases will take effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2024. BIA’s business support partner, Business Australia, advises: ·        Employers should ensure that employees who are paid in accordance with a modern award or the National Minimum Wage receive the appropriate pay increase by the relevant, effective date. ·        Employers who do not pay strictly in accordance with award terms (e.g., those that pay above award rates, annualised salaries or ‘flat rates’ of pay) should ensure that their payments will still satisfy all their obligations under the relevant award/minimum wage once the increases apply. ·        Employers who pay in accordance with an enterprise agreement should ensure that the base rates of pay under the agreement is no lower than the increased relevant modern award rates of pay, particularly if the agreement was made several years ago. A summary of the decision is available here. BIA Members seeking guidance on the modern Awards or related workplace matters should contact BIA’s Workplace Advice Line, provided by Business Australia on 13 29 59.

Electrical standards; review underway Standards Australia (SA) is close to finalising for public comment new editions of the AS 3004 series of standards, covering electrical systems on boats and marinas.  AS 3004.1 and .2 were last published in 2014, and the review over the past year has taken account of improvements in interpretation and application, plus industry innovation and development during the last 10 years.  Of particular note, enhanced and additional specifications for electric propulsion systems and lithium batteries systems, whether for propulsion or house-power consumption, both on the vessel and on the marina for charging facilities, have been included. BIA is represented on the SA committee EL057 by Brian Gatt of Logix Group and his unstinting support in attending fortnightly drafting meetings since mid-2023 has been very well received by the committee and BIA in support of industry colleagues. The public consultation drafts are now expected in later August or September and BIA members with an interest in these standards or the topics addressed by AS 3004 will be informed when the opportunity to review is available. In the meantime, members with concerns regarding the interpretation or application of AS 3004 series should contact Nik Parker at nik@bia.org.au