Safety in the spotlight, Simrad cashback, AIMEX takes up SYBA ops

by Jeni Bone, editor on 6 Jul 2010 This week, the news has been filled with ghastly tragedies on waterways in Australia and the US.

In the US, fourth of July celebrations bring people on to the water in droves. Add to that the festive spirit and family days out too often end in tragedy. The latest, the death of a 30-year old man who just days before had been celebrating his engagement. While boating with his fiance near the Statue of Liberty, his 17ft boat was hit by a larger boat, that was allegedly piloted by a drunk skipper.

Then on one of Queensland's busiest waterways, the Gold Coast Broadwater, a woman had her leg severed, also by a skipper under the influence. Boating accidents and fatalities are not great promotions for the marine lifestyle.

Around the world, marine safety authorities urge boaters to observe the rules and stay under the limit.

This is why the issues of safety are paramount to our industry. Western Australia is getting ready to welcome visiting speakers and delegates from overseas and around Australia to the national Marine Safety Conference in Perth, 22 to 24 August.

Among the 35 experts to speak at the conference are US Coast Guard’s Boating Manager, Jeff Hoedt and ABC Television’s ‘New Inventor of the Year 2009’ for his new safety propeller design, Colin Chamberlain. The full program and information on how to attend can be found at www.nmsc.gov.au

Also this week, the announcement that two Australian marine organisations have joined forces, with AIMEX (Australian International Marine Export group), the peak body for Australian marine exporters, to take over the day to day operations of Super Yacht Base Australia (SYBA) the peak body for the Australian superyacht sector.

Monaco Yacht Show will be the first show of strength for this united Australian team, confident of waving the flag for Australia as a destination and its manufacturers.

We have a few stories coming to light later this week, including a very special, but as yet unrevealed event AND some new opportunities for advertisers. Please pop in again and enjoy all the latest global marine industry news and views.