New Appointment to Global Marina Institute Board

14th May 13

New Appointment to Global Marina Institute Board

The Global Marina Institute (GMI) Board met in Sydney recently linked to the Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition. GMI Chairman Mick Bettesworth welcomed new Board member Stefan Borzecki. Stefan is a Marina Industries Association (MIA) Director, a Certified Marina Manager (CMM) and founder and builder of Yaringa Marina and Boat Harbour in Westernport Bay, Victoria.

After studying civil engineering and working on major construction sites around Australia and Saudi Arabia, Stefan completed a post graduate MBA with the central theme of marina development. Since the early 1980’s he has been involved in the design and development of major marinas in Victoria and Queensland including the Port Douglas and Gold Coast Mirage marinas. Stefan has been appointed to the Board by GMI founding partner MIA.

He replaces Steve Sammes CMM from Gold Coast City Marina. Steve served on the GMI Board since its inception in 2011. Mick Bettesworth praised the contribution Steve Sammes has made to the establishment of GMI and to the development of a globally recognised career pathway for the marina industries. “Steve Sammes has not only been a positive force during GMI’s establishment. He has also been very active lecturing at GMI courses in a number of countries and he has guided the development of GMI’s continuing professional development program through a period of significant expansion”.

The Sydney GMI Board meeting agenda focused on continual improvement of existing GMI endorsed courses conducted by GMI partners the MIA and the British Marine Federation (BMF). There was also discussion on development of a high level financial modeling and appraisal seminar for marinas. More details on this seminar will be released after the next GMI Board meeting to be held in London in October.

GMI Board, Sydney April 2013

For further information contact: MIA - Colin Bransgrove, t: +61 2 94395806, e: colin@marinas.net.au

BMF – Emma York, t: +44 (0) 1784 223627, e: eyork@britishmarine.co.uk

Launch of Australian Boater Survey

1st May 13

Launch of Australian Boater Survey

The most ambitious survey ever undertaken with a focus on Australian recreational boat users was launched at Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition in Sydney. The survey has been developed as a joint venture by the Boating Industries Alliance Australia (BIAA) and the Marina Industries Association (MIA).

The primary survey objectives of the monthly online diary survey are to quantify the economic scale of recreational boating and to better understand the characteristics, habits and behaviours of recreational boaters. Types of information which will be obtained from the survey will include: number of boats, boat characteristics, boating days, trips and locations; spending, special issues and boat owner characteristics.

In launching the national research project MIA President Andrew Chapman indicated the Australian recreational boating industry was most fortunate in having the survey underpinned with the world class technical expertise of the Michigan State University based Recreational Marine Research Centre (RMRC). “RMRC has already delivered high quality marina industry research for the marina industry in Australia. This wider industry project builds on the relationship with RMRC who are globally recognised for their recreational marine research”.

Steve Jenkins, the GM of Coastal Infrastructure, Department of Transport (WA) also spoke at the launch. The Department is a funding partner in the project. He highlighted the importance of high quality data to inform government decision making with respect to investment in recreational marine infrastructure. Nathan Nichols, Director Cruise Craft spoke from an industry view point on the importance of good data and the gap in boating data that currently exists in Australia.

MIA EO Colin Bransgrove said there is an immediate opportunity for all industry businesses plus groups, clubs and associations; to promote participation in the survey to recreational boat owners that they are in communication with.

It is a two-step process he said. “Boat owners log onto the survey registration site www.australiaboatingsurvey.com and register to participate in the monthly online survey. Once registered, they will be emailed and surveyed monthly over the 12 month period. RMRC has been using this methodology with great success and it is a straight forward and confidential process”.

The survey web site is in test mode until 10 May when live registrations will commence. The monthly survey will commence by end June 2013. BIAA GM Nik Parker said there was an immediate opportunity for industry to get familiar with the survey and the registration process through the web site before it goes live. He also highlighted the opportunity for more investment in the survey particularly by state agencies that need better data to inform planning, policy and investment decisions.

Contact Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au , Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au

Marina Awards Winners Announced

1st May 13

Marina Awards Winners Announced

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) awards have been announced at Marine13 in Sydney. The awards are for the 2013/14 period and based on performance over the previous financial year period. MIA President Andrew Chapman said the awards have been very well supported by industry with 43 submissions received.

"Congratulations to not only the winners but to all entrants in these awards that have attracted strong support nationally and internationally. The awards celebrate industry best practise and provide a benchmark for other businesses to aspire to."

The Award winners and categories are:

Soldiers Point Marina, NSW - Winner - Commercial Marina Up To 140 Boats
Mackay Marina Village , QLD – Winner - Commercial Marina - 140 Plus Boats
Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore – Winner - International Marina
Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, NSW – Highly Commended, Club Marina
Sandringham Yacht Club, Vic – Winner - Club Marina
Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Marina Industry – John Spragg, Bellingham Marine Australia
Hillarys Boat Harbour, WA - Winner - Public Boat Harbour
Soldiers Point Marina, NSW - Winner - Most Innovative Marketing
Marina at Keppel Bay, SIngapore - Winner - Best Environmental Initiative
Soldiers Point Marina, NSW - Winner - Best Community Engagement Initiative

Sandringham Yacht Club, Vic - Highly Commended, Marina Restaurant
Southport Yacht Club, Qld - Winner - Best Marina Restaurant
Bellingham Marine Australia - Winner - Best Marina Innovation by Supplier
Fenwicks Marina, NSW - Highly Commended, Marina Boat Yard
Gold Coast City Marina, Qld - Winner - Best Marina Boat Yard
Darren Wilkinson, M-Tech - Outstanding New Employee - Supplier
Doug Taylor, Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay - Marina Employee- People's Choice.

The People's Choice Award attracted hundreds of online voters in support of staff from 26 marinas in Australia and overseas.

For more information: contact Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au , Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au or Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au

Marine13 Launch a Significant Milestone for Australian Industry

23rd Apr 13

Marine13 Launch a Significant Milestone for Australian Industry

Marine13 Organising Committee member and Boating Industries Alliance Australia Chairman Darren Vaux said Marine13 was a significant milestone event for Australia’s $8b marine industry. “Strong final numbers for Marine13 reflect the positive sentiment in the industry and recognition of the importance of a united industry working together. There are good grounds for optimism in the industry and Marine13 will provide the ideas, information and inspiration on which industry can set the direction for coming years. This is a timely and vital forum. It’s not just the economic settings that we need to plan for. It is critical that as an industry we are also ahead of the game with demographic, social and competitive changes impacting on boating purchases and boating participation”.

Just days out from the Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition 28- 30 April the number registered is now expected to exceed 450 with attendees from 15 countries. There are 47 conference sessions involving 96 individual speakers, 45 trade exhibitors, nine pre and post events including the International Lifejacket Forum and the Marine13 Gala Dinner featuring the national and international marina awards.

The international nature of the event is illustrated by the fact that 20 speakers are from countries outside of Australia. This is expected to ensure that while the event is Australian orientated there will be a healthy focus on developments and trends in other Western and neighbouring Asian marketplaces.

Conference registrations including day tickets are available online until midnight Thursday 25 April. Tickets for the Gala Awards Dinner and Sydney Harbour Field Trip are also available.

For final information go to www.marine13.com

Darren Vaux

BIAA Chairman

For further enquires re Marine13, Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au , Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au or Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au

Over 400 to Attend Marine13

18th Apr 13

Over 400 to Attend Marine13

Registered attendees at the Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition have grown beyond 400 leading into the event commencing 28- 30 April. Marine13 is attracting a growing number of associated events and VIP’s. Marine13 Organising Committee member and Marina Industries Association (MIA) President Andrew Chapman said this is a great achievement given the challenging economic environment and considering the three stream format is new to the marine industry and governments in Australia. “The Committee is extremely pleased to have achieved this milestone making it probably the biggest marine industry, business to business event in the Southern Hemisphere. We are delighted with the quality and relevance of the 47 conference topics, the national and international speakers and the 45 exhibitors that have invested in the event”

The scale of Marine13 has attracted significant additional activities around the event. These include an ‘International Lifejacket Forum’ with over 85 participants from Australia and overseas; a ‘Fast Craft’ workshop for commercial vessels and a forum to share safety knowledge across Pacific nations; all hosted by Transport for NSW. MIA has also arranged for 30 marina professionals from five countries to meet as part of their continuing professional development program recognised by the Global Marina Institute.

MIA is welcoming a number of VIPs to Marine13 including groups from Korea and China. A key VIP is Mr Zhang, Chairman and President of the Qingdao City Construction Investment Group (QCCI). QCCI is a state-owned company with assets over ￥50 billion (AU$ 8bn) including land development, bridge and road construction and the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center (Marina). Mr Zhang will be one of four presenters in a marina stream session outlining issues and opportunities in emerging marina markets in the Asian region.

Boating Industries Alliance Australia is hosting Andrew Williams, past MD of UK’s National Boat Shows to give delegates a well-researched briefing on how to maximise their boat show investment. Thom Dammrich, President of the US National Marine Manufacturers Association will provide an update on US and global markets. Marine13 will provide several must-attend sessions for dealers and retailers preparing for the forthcoming Australian industry boat show season.

Conference registrations are available online until midnight Thursday 25 April. Tickets for the Gala Awards Dinner and Sydney Harbour Field Trip are also available.

Mr Zhang, Chairman and President QCCI

Full information on exhibiting at Marine13 go to www.marine13.com

For further enquires re Marine13, Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au , Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au or Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au

Marine13 Trade Exhibition Numbers Still Expanding

15th Apr 13

Marine13 Trade Exhibition Numbers Still Expanding

The Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition is still attracting additional exhibitors less than two weeks out from the event commencing 28 April in Sydney.

Organizing Committee member Colin Bransgrove indicated that in the last week, five additional exhibitors had booked space bring the total number of exhibitors to 44.

“The breadth of exhibitors is a feature for delegates at Marine13 with plenty for interest for the three streams of boating business, marinas and marine safety. Insurers, lawyers, bankers, software providers and small business advisors will complement Australian and international companies such as Seijenen Marina Services and Roodberg Holland at Marine13” he said.

Scott Whittaker from Enware Australia Ltd will be promoting their Watermaze treatment system for marinas, boat yards and heavy equipment wash down. “We are investing in Marine13 knowing we’ll be speaking one on one with people interested in our product”. Matthew Hundleby from Gladesville Bridge Marina in Sydney was introduced to Enware at the last Marina conference and has since installed the Watermaze product. “The event makes it easy for me to research new products and services and meet my key suppliers” he said.

Marine13 exhibition organiser Kirsty O’Brien from arinex said the steady growth in exhibitor registrations was attributable to service providers realizing this business to business event was the best way to access the key players in the regions recreational marine sector. ”As a new event, take off was slow but industry can now see the value. We are still getting new enquiries two weeks out and there is very limited space available in the exhibition hall” she said.

Pic of Watermaze System at Gladesville Bridge Marina

Full information on exhibiting at Marine13 go to www.marine13.com

For further enquires re Marine13, Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au , Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au or Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au

Global Marina Institute Exclusively Partners with Marina World

12th Apr 13

Global Marina Institute Exclusively Partners with Marina World

Global Marina Institute (GMI) is delighted to announce that an agreement has been signed with Marina World magazine to be the exclusive marina publication media partner.

GMI, the joint initiative between the British Marine Federation (BMF) and Marina Industries Association (MIA) to deliver global marina training and certification, will be working with Marina World to highlight the work done by the institute in maintaining existing certification and developing new training courses worldwide.

Marina World is the leading international business magazine for owners, operators and developers of marinas globally. This is the perfect platform for GMI which will benefit from having regular updates, news and events included both online and in print.

Mick Bettesworth GMI Chairman said:“Marina World is the must-read publication for those working in the Marina sector and as such I am delighted that they have come on board with GMI.”

The agreement provides both parties with the opportunity to jointly promote professional development in the marina sector across the world through the training and certification offered by GMI and the industry content and news featured in every edition of Marina World.

Carol Fulford, Editorial and Circulation Director of Marina World commented “We can only secure a strong future for the marina industry if we concentrate on establishing and maintaining the highest of standards. The GMI takes a proactive approach to all-essential training and certification and we look forward to keeping our readership up to date on its news and activities.”

GMI will be highlighting forthcoming training opportunities around the world at Marine 13 in Sydney in April 2013 and at the BMF Marinas Conference in May 2013

For further details of the partners:

British Marine Federation www.britishmarine.co.uk
Marina Industries Association www.marinas.net.au

For further information contact:

MIA - Colin Bransgrove, t: +61 2 94395806, e: colin@marinas.net.au

dâ��Albora CEO appointed to MIA Board

9th Apr 13

d’Albora CEO appointed to MIA Board

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) has announced the appointment of Marcus Anketell, Chief Executive Officer –Marinas Division, Ardent Leisure Management Limited to their Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Marcus joined d’Albora Marinas in January 2011, having been the manager of the Northern Region for AMF Bowling. Prior to this, Marcus enjoyed a career in the hospitality and tourism industry with almost 20 years of experience in the areas of hotel and resort management and operations and has undertaken business consultancy roles both locally and abroad.

d'Albora Marinas, owned by the ASX-listed Ardent Leisure Group, is operated by Ardent Leisure Limited and is Australia's largest marina group with seven marinas located in New South Wales and Victoria.

MIA Chairman, Andrew Chapman, said “d’Albora Marinas is a dominant force in the marina industry in Australia and is a significant supporter of the activities and objectives of the MIA. I speak on behalf of the MIA Board in welcoming Marcus. His wealth of experience in the leisure industry generally and the marina industry in particular will ensure he contributes to the continued growth and development of the industry in Australia and overseas.”

Marcus said “I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with MIA’s strong and active Board on all their initiatives to ensure the sustainable development of the industry through education, research and accreditation in the areas of environment and customer service – a focus compatible with d’Alboras’ own objectives.”

“At present, we are all working hard to ensure we deliver a top level industry gathering with the forthcoming international Marine13 conference in Sydney later this month.”

The MIA is the peak industry body for the marina industries in Australia, Asia and the Pacific regions. MIA is dedicated to the needs of marina owners and operators of berthing, mooring, storage and slipway/workshop facilities connected to sailing, cruising and general boating.

Marcus Anketell, CEO d’Albora Marinas & MIA Director

For more information, please contact Colin Bransgrove: t: 61 2 9439 5806 e:colin@marinas.net.au

96 Speakers at Record Breaking Marine13

9th Apr 13

For Immediate Release

96 Speakers at Record Breaking Marine13

96 speakers from nine countries will address delegates at the Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition being held in Sydney at the end of this month. All 47 sessions and the 96 speakers from Australia, Asia, North America and UK/Europe have now been confirmed.

Chairman of the Boating Industries Alliance Australia Darren Vaux said the number and quality of speakers reflected the scale and importance of Marine13 as a landmark forum for the recreational marine sector in Australia and the wider region. “The planning and investment in ensuring session topics and speakers are targeted to the issues and needs of the boating sector has been an extensive 15 month process. I am now extremely pleased to say that what we have in place is a compelling offer for businesses and government agencies wanting to discuss, plan and develop effective boating strategies for the future.”

The range of speakers is extensive including: Jean Murray, Canadian Safe Boating Council; John Leman, International Marina Consultants, Darren Finkelstein, St Kilda Boat Sales; John Fladun, Australian Maritime Safety Authority; Zhenan Zhang, Quindao City Construction Investment Group and Graham Raspass, Sailtime Australia and New Zealand.

Plenary session speakers at Marine13 will address big picture challenges such as changing demographics, the move to on-line business and engaging future boaters. The three streams of boating businesses, marinas and boating safety will drill down on specific topics across 37 sessions. Investment in boat shows, fast tracking your marina re-development and lifejackets – a global challenge to prevent loss of life, are just a sample of the topics to be discussed by the extensive list of qualified speakers from across the globe. Marine13 has also attracted associated events including an International Lifejacket Forum, Fast Craft workshop and Pacific Nations Workshops.

Online registration is still open for Marine13 to be held 28-30 April including multiple delegate registration and day rate incentives. Limited exhibition space is available. For details go to www.marine13.com

From left: Darren Vaux, Graham Raspass and Jean Murray.

For further enquires re Marine13 contact Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au , Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au or Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au

Countdown to Marine13 Boating, Marinas and Safety Conference

25th Mar 13

For Immediate Release March 25, 2013

Countdown to Marine13 Boating, Marinas and Safety Conference

The first biennial Boating, Marina and Safety Conference will be held in Sydney from 28 to 30 April, 2013. This combined government and business conference will bring together key stakeholders involved in the planning, regulation and operational aspects of the boating and marina industries and will be a valuable event for local, state and federal government officers and managers involved in:

- Coastal and estuary planning and management
- Development assessment at the land/water interface
- Economic development and tourism
- Community infrastructure and participation programs
- Waterways environmental management
- Water safety

Additional events supporting Marine13 include an International Lifejacket Forum, Fast Craft Workshop and dedicated commercial vessel safety workshops for Pacific Nations over Wednesday 1 May to Friday 3 May.

“Boating has a substantial impact on coastal and inland communities as there are over 850,000 registered boats and one million boating license holders in Australia. Over 3 million Australians go boating each year and boating is a significant contributor to tourism in communities across our nation, “ said Darren Vaux, Chairman, Boating Industries Alliance Australia.

With over 50 sessions delivered by high-profile local and international speakers, many in interactive workshop sessions, this conference offers an unprecedented opportunity to gather knowledge, understanding and relationships with the key government and business stakeholders in this important industry.

The conference will cover the latest trends, technologies and development in:

Environmental management at the land/water interface
Marina development, planning considerations and community infrastructure
Best practice client and customer service and management
Boating safety compliance, regulation and education

For more information, please contact:

Colin Bransgrove, Executive Officer, Marina Industries Association

E: info@marinas.net.au PH: 02 9439 5806

Minister Launches Fish Friendly Marinas Initiative

18th Mar 13

Minister Launches Fish Friendly Marinas Initiative

A new initiative focused on marina fish habit has been launched in Sydney at d’Albora Marina Rushcutters Bay by the NSW Government Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson. She said Fish Friendly Marinas is an information campaign and accreditation system developed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in collaboration with the Marina Industries Association (MIA) and the NSW Boating Industry Association (BIA).

Minister Hodgkinson said “marinas can provide important habitat for fish. Fish Friendly Marinas has been developed to inform marina managers on how to maximise the benefits for fish and recognise those operators actively working to improve fish habitat. Fish Friendly Marinas provides advice and supporting material to help marina operators incorporate beneficial outcomes for native fish into their existing operational plans, such as ensuring their marina is free from marine pests and providing habitat for native fish. A ‘10 Tips’ publication has also been produced to inform operators and help them communicate their efforts to customers and visitors.” The Minister also announced that d’Albora Marina Rushcutters Bay is the first accredited Fish Friendly Marina.

The initiative is attached to MIA’s International Clean Marinas Program. Additional fish friendly criteria and an audit are requirements to achieve Fish Friendly Marina accreditation.

MIA Executive Officer Colin Bransgrove said the initiative is an important development. “It is essential marinas continue to set the highest environmental standards. Marinas are the ideal location for many community members to see and learn about native fish and the aquatic environment. Clean Marinas and the Fish Friendly accreditation add-on demonstrate that industry, with support from government, is best able to set the standards that meet and exceed community and government expectations.”

d’Albora Marinas CEO Marcus Anketell said it was an honour to be named the first Fish Friendly Marina in Australia. “We are delighted to be launching this exciting new environmental initiative at d’Albora Marinas Rushcutters Bay. d’Albora Marinas are committed to ensuring our marinas are of the highest environmental standard through participation in programs such as Clean Marinas. d’Albora Marina Rushcutters Bay has fully embraced the opportunity to meet the Fish Friendly criteria and subsequently be recognised as the first marina to be accredited as Fish Friendly.”

Colin Bransgrove said the initiative will be popular with many marinas and it will provide further impetus for participation in the Clean Marina Program. “Soldiers Point Marina in Port Stephens has also just been accredited as a Fish Friendly Marina and we anticipate at least 10 more marinas signing up to the initiative in the next month”.

The Hon. Katrina Hodgkinson, Colin Bransgrove, Gabrielle Upton, Member for Vaucluse and d'Albora's CEO, Marcus Anketell launch the Clean Marina 'Fish Friendly' initiative

For further information contact: MIA - Colin Bransgrove, t: 0434018018, e: colin@marinas.net.au

Marine13 Trade Exhibition Attracting Additional Industry Suppliers

12th Mar 13

The three delegate streams at Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition are attracting additional industry suppliers. The boating business, marinas and boating safety streams are providing added value for exhibitors attracted by the opportunity to make new contacts beyond their usual business focus.

Exhibitor Global Spill Control Pty Ltd for example is a specialist in safety and environmental services including spill equipment. The company currently has over 40 marina clients. As well as being able to meet with over 150 marina representatives at Marine13, the exhibition will put Global Spill Control in front of many marine safety and marine regulatory organisations for the first time. Kevin Joyce from Global Spill Control said “ we consider Marine13 as an excellent marketing investment to not only expand our existing marina customer base but to expand into new markets such as government boating agencies that need to be managing environmental risk”.

Leading marina manufacture and exhibitor Bellingham Marine is also attracted by the broad range of marine delegates. Bellingham manager John Spragg said this first ever whole of industry conference provides a platform to generate new business additional to Bellingham’s valued marina clients.

Trade bookings and enquiries for exhibiting are strong and there are only 10 booth spaces remaining according to the event organiser arinex.

John Spragg, Bellingham

Full information on exhibiting at Marine13 go to www.marine13.com . For further enquires re Marine13, Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au , Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au or Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au

Qindao International Marina Venue for Marina Training

7th Mar 13

Qingdao International Marina Venue for Marina Training

The Qingdao International Marina in Shandong Province China was the venue for an intensive three day marina training course that concluded 3 March. The course was conducted by the Marina in partnership with the Marina Industries Association (MIA), a foundation member of the Global Marina Institute.

40 staff from Qingdao International Marina and Olympic Sailing Centre successfully completed the intensive three day training course. The course consisted of 16 units; a mix of class room and practical training including marina business, environmental management, health and safety, customer service and knot tying and splicing.

The course was led by MIA President Andrew Chapman (CMM) and Clemens Overdijk (CMM). According to Mr Chapman the course was judged by participants and Qingdao International Marina to have been a great success. “The class was very responsive to the syllabus. The course content was developed specifically to meet the needs of the marina, while still aligning with the core competencies reflected in international best practice for marina training as delivered by MIA”.

During the past 12 months MIA has delivered 15 marina training courses across five countries: in Singapore, Korea, UAE (in association with the British Marine Federation), China and Australia. Mr Overdijk said through delivering marina training across the region the MIA has a detailed understanding of specific training needs within these countries. “Qingdao International Marina is to be congratulated for working closely with MIA in the development of tailored training based on MIA’s established credentials as an internationally respected marina training organisation”.

Mr Chapman said as the marina industries in China expands it is important leading marinas such as Qingdao International Marina and Olympic Sailing Centre continue to set a high benchmark aligned to international best practice. “This will ensure that other marinas follow the lead of Qingdao and that the public users of marinas experience service and standards that are of the highest level”.

For further information and enquiry regarding the IMM courses visit www.marinas.net.au Further information contact: MIA - Colin Bransgrove colin@marinas.net.au

Barriers to Boating Addressed at Marine13

1st Mar 13

Barriers to Boating Addressed at Marine13

The Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition being held in Sydney 28-30 April 2013 will be putting the spot light on the barriers to recreational boating. In a major collaborative initiative by the Boating Industries Alliance Australia (BIAA) and Yachting Australia (YA) an expert panel will examine not only the factors holding back participation but also flag strategies to grow the number of boaters across the various boating sectors (sail, power and passive) and by demographic segments.

In 2012 Yachting Australia released the Gemba Report that highlighted the need for the sailing sector, in particular, to look at new ways to attract people into the sport. Ross Kilborn, YA Sport Development Director, said “The Gemba Report really brought it home that we need to do more to promote sailing: currently sailing is ranked 37th out of 46 sports in both passion and participation, with the most common barrier to entry being the perceived cost of sailing, especially among young families”.

In announcing the panel discussion at Marine13, Darren Vaux, Chairman of the BIAA, said “we have been working with YA for some time to coordinate our strategies for boating promotion and following the strength of feeling from industry and sailing clubs at the recent International Sailing Summit, we are very pleased to be able to gather together some of the world’s leading proponents of boating promotion at Marine13”.

Drawing on the industry-leading exemplar of the US Discover Boating campaign together with the inspirational performance of the Australian Sailing Team at the 2012 Olympic Games, the panel will hear expert commentary from Thom Dammrich, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Malcolm Page, double-Olympic and seven-times World Champion 470 sailor. Joining Dammrich and Page will be local and international industry players who have embraced the challenge of innovating their businesses to provide easier and more affordable boating experiences.

All businesses in the boating sector in Australia have a role to play in growing participation and this crucial session on the first morning of Marine13 will set the agenda for industry, recreation and sport development into the future.

Have you say by joining the discussion at Marine13. Online registration is now open with an early bird registration incentive in place. Visit www.marine13.com/registration.php to secure you seat at the leading Australian marine industry business-to-business event in 2013.

Full information on Marine13, including exhibition and sponsorship details are also provided at www.marine13.com

For further enquires re Marine13 contact Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au, Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au or Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au

Early Bird Incentive for Marine13 Expires C.O.B. TODAY

28th Feb 13

Early Bird Incentive for Marine13 Expires C.O.B. Today

The opportunity for early bird registration cost saving at Marine13 ends 28 February. The Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition is being held in Sydney 28-30 April 2013.

According to the Marine13 organisers, Arinex, there has been a flood of registrations in the last week as the deadline for the early bird booking closes. Exhibition bookings are also flowing with around 60 business to business exhibitors expected across the three streams of boating business, marinas and boating safety.

Analysis of the delegate registrations to date indicates a good spread across Australian states and Asian and Pacific countries including Singapore, Korea and various Pacific Islands. Government agency registrations are also promising. The boating safety stream will be covering world best practice in boating safety education and regulation. Speakers from seven countries will provide safety regulatory case studies.

Marine13 Steering Committee member Nik Parker said each week new activities and benefits from attending Marine13 are being developed and rolled out. “We have put in place a buddy scheme for conference delegates across various business areas in recreational boating. For example noted NSW trailer boat retailer Ken Bullen is leading a cluster of like-minded retailers. He is encouraging other trailer boat retailers to register and to network as a group with him during the conference, exhibition and the associated social activities”.

Nik Parker, GM, BIAA

Full information on Marine13 are provided at www.marine13.com

For further enquires re Marine13, Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au , Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au or Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au

MARINA AWARDS ATTRACT RECORD ENTRIES

11th Feb 13

A record 58 entries have been received across 13 categories for the Marina Industries Association’s (MIA) Marina of the Year Awards 2013-14, with winners to be announced at the Marine13 International Conference in Sydney, April 28th -29th, 2013.

The industry awards are held every two years and recognise excellence and leadership in the marine industry in Australia and internationally, providing important benchmarks for industry and the wider community.

Organised in partnership with Club Marine, Australia's largest boat and pleasure craft insurance provider, the award categories offered for entry include Commercial Marina, International Marina, Marina Restaurant, Club Marina as well as more specific categories relating to community, environmental and marketing initiatives, most outstanding contribution by an individual and best marina employee.

The benefits of entry are significant, including extensive publicity and a two year marketing opportunity for winners and finalists.

Chairman of MIA, Andrew Chapman said, “MIA is committed to encourage excellence spanning all aspects of the marina industry including associated services and suppliers. The high level of participation will ensure there is wide promotion of business achievement right across the spectrum of the marina industries.”
The awards are judged by a panel with broad representation from industry, the state boating industry associations and principal awards sponsor, Club Marine. Site audits for finalists will be conducted in the major categories.
Presentations to winners and finalists will be made at a special Awards dinner to be held on Monday 29th April and at the Marine13 Welcome function on Sunday 28th April, 2013. The presentation will be one of the many highlights of Marine13, the first ever international Conference and Exhibition for the marine industries to be held in Australia.

For further information and enquiry regarding the Marina of the Year Awards contact the MIA at www.marinas.net.au MIA - Colin Bransgrove, t: 0434018018, e: colin@marinas.net.au

Marina Industries Association Takes Marina Training to Hong Kong

31st Jan 13

Marina Industries Association Takes Marina Training to Hong Kong

For the first time the internationally renowned Intermediate Marina Management Course (IMM) will be delivered in Hong Kong this February. The course is conducted by the Marina Industries Association (MIA) under the banner of the Global Marina Institute (GMI). MIA President Andrew Chapman CMM said delivering the course for the first time in Hong Kong was another sign of the development of the marina industries across the region.

“Hong Kong has a comparatively mature marina sector with nine marinas operating at high occupancy levels. However with the growth in marina facilities in China and nearby countries we are seeing strong demand for recognised marina training. There is also growing demand from marina staff to embark on a recognised marina career pathway” he said.

The course will be conducted from 24 – 27 February and includes both theoretical and practical components including site visits to three Hong Kong marinas. IMM course topics include leadership development; safety and emergency management, operations, maritime law and marketing. Eight registrations have been confirmed to date with strong enquiry from marinas as far afield as New Zealand. Marinas across the region are encouraged to enroll suitable staff in the course noting the next regional IMM course will be held on the Gold Coast Australia in August.

The Hong Kong course follows successful MIA marina training that has been conducted in China and Korea over the past three years. Andrew Chapman said with the emergence of the marina industry across the Asia Pacific region it is important that marina training in the region is internationally recognised and aligned, while also allowing for the nuances of each country to be accommodated. “MIA has strong industry alliances across the region and this is ensuring the roll out of marina training is effectively integrated with the needs of each country while still aligning with global standards”.

For further information and enquiry regarding the IMM course in Hong Kong contact the MIA at www.marinas.net.au or email colin@marinas.net.au

Andrew Chapman, President MIA

Over 50 Conference Sessions at Marine13

31st Jan 13

Over 50 Conference Sessions at Marine13

Delegates at the Marine13 International Conference and Trade Exhibition being held in Sydney, 28- 30 April 2013, will be spoilt for choice with over 50 conference plenary and stream sessions to choose from over the two full days. During conference breaks delegates will also interact with an estimated 65 trade exhibitors addressing the needs of boating businesses, marinas and boating safety.

Marine13 Steering Committee member Andy Warner, President of the Boating Industry Association Victoria believes this inaugural international event is just the tonic for industry after a tough few years for recreational boating. “Participation in Marine13 is a ‘must do’ for anyone who is proactive in business. With over 50 sessions and world-class speakers from around the globe, the information and inspiration that delegates will take back to their work place will certainly kick-start them in 2013 and beyond. It is also timely that the marina industry and related government personnel physically get together to network and to develop a positive ‘go forward’ plan for recreational boating”.

Forecasting the future for the marine sector will be a focus at the start of the conference. Key note speakers on the Monday include Benjamin Pedley, Head of Investments at UBS Wealth Management Australia, explaining societal and consumer trends and offering a framework for dealing with change. Thom Dammrich, President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, will follow with the latest encouraging news from the US boating industry and lessons on growing participation. Following these plenary sessions the boating business and marina streams will focus on the barriers and issues inhibiting the uptake of recreational boating in Australia and consider a range of strategies including case studies to get more people of all ages into boating.

Online registration is open for Marine13 with early bird and multiple delegate registration incentives in place. Exhibition and sponsorship details are also provided at www.marine13.com

For further enquires re Marine13 contact Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au, Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au or Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au

Mr Andy Warner, President BIA Victoria

World First Certified Marina Professional Announced

18th Dec 12

World First Certified Marina Professional Announced

The Global Marina Institute (GMI) is pleased to announce the awarding of the first Certified Marina Professional (CMP) designation. The recipient is Richard Hewett, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC) in Melbourne, Australia.

This certification was launched earlier this year by GMI. The CMP builds on the well established Certified Marina Manager career pathway provided by GMI and delivered through its members the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the Marina Industries Association (MIA). CMP applicants are required to have successfully completed the Advanced Marina Management course and demonstrate a minimum of five years’ experience in the marina industries in a senior management position. CMP applicants also are required to submit a 5,000 word report on a marina related topic. The reports are expected to become a valuable reference for the marina industries.

Richard Hewett led the SYC through a major infrastructure upgrade that has resulted in a significant growth in membership, community participation in the Club’s services and facilities and a doubling of Club’s revenues. This upgrade was the focus of his CMP report.

GMI Chairman Mick Bettesworth said a significant milestone had been reached in the development of the career pathway for the marina industries. “This achievement signals another step forward for industry in the development of a long term professional career pathway. This new certification expands on the globally accepted Certified Marina Manager (CMM) designation of which there are over 200 practicing CMMS across many countries. The CMP provides the opportunity for proven industry professionals not directly managing a marina to benefit from the certification that includes both a commitment to ongoing professional development and to the provision of industry leadership”.

Richard Hewett said he was extremely pleased to become the first CMP. “This is an honour not only for myself, but for the SYC community. The expanded GMI career pathway now caters for a broader range of people committed to the marina industries and GMI through the BMF and MIA must be congratulated for this. Importantly our members now know they have both a CMP and a CMM (Paul Gascoigne SYC Marina and Yard Manager) onsite to look after their needs”.

Richard Hewett will be presented with this CMP by GMI Chairman Mick Bettesworth at Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition, 28-30 April 2013 in Sydney.

Richard Hewett, Chief Executive Officer of the Sandringham Yacht Club

Notes to Editors:
The Global Marina Institute Ltd (GMI) was formed in 2011 as a partnership between British Marine Federation and Marina Industries Association. It delivers global marina training and certification with the aim of maintaining and increasing standards in marinas across the world. GMI is working to maintain existing certifications and to develop new certification pathways and training courses to meet the needs of both existing marinas and marinas developing around the World.

For further details of the partners:
• British Marine Federation www.britishmarine.co.uk
• Marina Industries Association www.marinas.net.au

For further information contact:
MIA - Colin Bransgrove, t: +61 2 94395806, e: colin@marinas.net.au
BMF – Emma York, t: +44 (0) 1784 223627, e: eyork@britishmarine.co.uk

International Meetings Building Around Marine13

11th Dec 12

International Meetings Building Around Marine13

The Marine13 International Conference and Exhibition being held in Sydney 28- 30 April 2013 is the catalyst for a growing range of international meetings linked to the conference streams of boating business, boating safety and marinas.

Howard Glenn, General Manager for the Office of Boating Safety and Maritime Affairs, Transport for NSW, said several additional components to Marine13 were being finalized. “As proud supporters of this international maritime event, OBSMA is helping to coordinate an International Lifejacket Forum on 1 May. This event will have the participation of boating safety authorities from the United Kingdom, France, Canada and the USA.

“OBMSA is also working with Roads and Maritime Services to conduct a series of specialist commercial vessel safety workshops over 1 to 3 May.”

Mr Glenn said Marine13 provided an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and build upon experiences in promoting safe and responsible boating, and reducing boating fatalities.

On Sunday 28 April the Global Marina Institute (GMI) will be meeting to discuss international marina education and certification. The Board of GMI comprises marina leaders from Britain, Spain, France and Australia. GMI Board member and Chairman of the Marine13 Steering Committee Jeff d’Albora said the meeting of GMI at Marine13 was important for the Australian and international marina industries. “Bringing world leaders in marina education to Marine13 will benefit the marina industries. The experience of GMI meeting participants will also be shared across a number of the Marine13 marina stream sessions”.

Dr Edward Mahoney, Professor Emeritus at the Michigan State University in the USA will also be meeting with representatives of Australian State boating agencies and industry. The roll out of the Australian Boater Survey will be the focus of the meeting with a target to engage with a panel of over 15,000 boaters across the country to capture much-needed data on the economic impact of recreational boating and boat usage.
Online registration is open for Marine13 with an early bird registration incentive in place. Exhibition and sponsorship details are also provided at www.marine13.com

Principal Sponsor

Jeff d'Albora
For further enquires re Marine13 contact Colin Bransgrove at colin@marinas.net.au ;Nik Parker at nikparker@biaa.com.au or Neil Patchett at neil.patchett@transport.nsw.gov.au