The Boating Industry Association (BIA) is backing a Trans-Tasman effort to promote Responsible Boat Ownership, according to BIA CEO Andrew Fielding. The Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) today launched a new public education campaign aimed at promoting safe and responsible boating practices to the millions of people who go boating each year. The “Responsible Boat Ownership” campaign kicks off for Safe Boating Week 2025, which runs across Australia from 6 to 12 October.
The campaign is a key initiative of ANZSBEG, a collaborative body that includes maritime regulators across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, alongside peak bodies in aquatic recreation such as Surf Life Saving, Royal Life Saving, Australian Sailing, Paddle Australia, Marine Search and Rescue, Bureau of Meteorology, and the BIA. This collaboration ensures that all advice provided is trustworthy, consistent and relevant.
The initial phase of the “Responsible Boat Ownership” campaign is designed to help people make informed decisions when buying a boat. Fielding noted that BIA is proud to lead this national initiative to support a culture of safer boating in Australia. “We want all Australians to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water,” he stated. “This campaign is about empowering boaters with the knowledge to make responsible choices. It’s a joint effort to foster a culture of safety that goes beyond just one week of the year.”
The BIA is supporting this effort with the launch of a new BIA Marine Accredited Broker program, which requires brokers to meet criteria that help protect and assure the best interests of the public. Additionally, BIA has formed alliances with marine surveyors to promote opportunities for the public to buy boats from trusted sources and to consider engaging a qualified marine surveyor when appropriate. “We are taking these steps to help the public make informed decisions when buying a boat, particularly used boats, because a great day on the water is a safe day,” Fielding added.
The Responsible Boat Ownership campaign provides essential knowledge covering three key pillars of safe boating:
- Own it: Helps potential and new boaters navigate the process of buying a new or used boat, understanding what to look for and spotting potential safety risks.
- Maintain it: Provides tips on proper storage and maintenance to keep a vessel in top condition and ready for the next outing.
- Enjoy it: Aims to help boaters make informed, safe and sustainable decisions to maximise their boating experience, emphasising that an informed skipper is a good skipper.
More information at BIA Accredited Marine Broker program
More information at ANZSBEG/ Responsible Boat Ownership
Media Contact: neil@bia.org.au or 0418 279 465
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