Education a key focus for the industry - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 23 Feb 2023 15:00 PST
Delegates learn how Riviera's strong and safe fuel tanks are engineered and constructed © Riviera Australia
Marine companies know that ongoing training is essential in an industry that employs a plethora of skills.
The Australian Institute of Engineering (AIE) is excited to be offering Apprenticeship training for Cert III in Marine Craft Construction around Victoria and is taking enrolments now. In 2022 AIE introduced a Cert II traineeship course that was tailored to the Marine Industry, this course has shown to be a good introductory pathway for some employees to get a feel for the industry over 12 months before signing up into an apprenticeship. With the Cert III apprenticeship course now an option AIE now have the two courses on offer for business and potential employees. AIE's training program is tailored to assist each business individually that require an on-the-job training program for all or part of the training contact. AIE will provide training under an approved Training Scheme as nominated on the training contract. In conjunction with the employer and apprentice AIE will develop a customised training plan to suit your needs, with a wide range of units on offer.
Reaffirming that message, Australian premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, recently hosted a team of experienced marine technicians and engineers from its worldwide dealership network for a three-day training and service academy. They travelled from the Americas, Europe and Asia, eager to grow their knowledge of the latest systems, technologies and build processes being employed on the new era luxury motor yachts. The service academy took participants through the entire yacht production process, from hull lamination and engineering through to anti-fouling, at Riviera's 16-hectare (39.5 acre) state-of-the-art facility on Queensland's Gold Coast. Chris Attard, Riviera's Dealer and Owner Care Director, said the three-day academy comprising more than 10 separate workshops, as well as extensive tours of the facility, is a part of an annual program conducted by Riviera focused on enhancing the skills of its dealer network teams.
An opportunity for BIA members to advise feedback to their respective committees will present itself shortly. The state council AGM in each of SA, NSW and Qld will be held in late March/early April and is the opportunity for members to receive a report on BIA programs and performance in the past year and to look ahead to new activities and projects. The AGM formal business will also include election of state councillors to serve as representatives of the local state membership in BIA governance. SA - 23 March at Cruising Yacht Clubs of SA, NSW - 30 March at Sydney Superyacht Marina precinct, Qld - 4 April at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron The AGM will be followed by a Member Networking Forums; the AGM in each state will commence at 5pm with light refreshments provided. Formal meeting invitations will be issued 21 days ahead of each meeting.
More boat show news has reached us from Queensland. Long known as a launchpad for marine innovation, with a dedication to improved sustainability, the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) will showcase the best in alternative powered boating and leisure products. The global electric boat market was valued at $5.0 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $16.6 billion by 20311. Consumer take-up of electric marine vessels and products is on the increase. Recognising the growing interest in the sector, the 2023 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is celebrating the companies investing in alternative power sources, with a range of cutting-edge marine industry e-technologies on display, from luxury electric and hybrid yachts, to electric engines, to must-have outdoor 'toys' such as jet boards and electric underwater scooters.
And from Auckland, Horizon Yachts will exhibit at the 2023 Auckland Boat Show in New Zealand in March. It is the first time the builder has attended the New Zealand event, which this year plans a new format in a new venue of the former America's Cup team base, Jellicoe Harbour. Horizon will showcase the latest E75, a spacious yacht with a three-stateroom layout and an enclosed sky lounge configuration as well as an enviable beach garage. Historically one of Horizon's most popular models, the E75 marries a sleek exterior profile with a thoughtful layout and balanced deck spaces.
Overseas, X-Yachts is named as one of the sponsors of the 2023 ORC World Championships in Kiel, Germany. The event will be held from 4th to 12th of August. Following the success of the 2011 and 2014 ORC World Championship, X-Yachts has committed to the said event. The Danish performance yacht builder has had close ties with regatta racing for decades and it continues to do so this year. Managing Director of X-Yachts Australia and New Zealand, Kevin Wallis said, currently, a total of 81 yachts from 13 nations are on the entry list, these yachts will be divided in four classes: A, B and C — as well as a non-World Championship Class D. With the X-79, X-99, X-35 and X-41 designs, it's no wonder the Danish brand, X-Yachts is one of the most favoured designs in the racecourse as it is brand with the most both entries on Class B and Class C with 7 and 15 designs respectively, commented Wallis.
New product releases this week includes Shakespeare® Marine, the world leader in marine antenna design, announced the launch of the 5912-Dorsal antenna in the last quarter of 2022. Since its launch, Shakespeare® Marine has sold 1,040 units. The 5912-Dorsal has received orders from around the world, totalling 19 regions and going as far as New Zealand, in less than six months, making it the widest-reaching new launch in the company's recent history. Shakespeare® Marine researches and innovates across its product range, its launch of the 5912-DORSAL VHF and AIS antenna were followed by the launch of the AM/FM antenna, specifically designed for coastal use applications for boats up to 15m. Developed with key feedback from boaters around the world and designed in-house by Shakespeare® Marine's factory, the unique fin-shape of the antenna removes the chance of it getting snagged, whilst the durable outer material ensures a longer life span, particularly within harsh environments.
And Woodward's technical experts in Colorado have launched an innovative solution with the company's SOGAV™ product line having achieved Zone '0' IGF Code compliance. The development means the newly launched SOGAV235 gas admission valve is an ideal solution for marine engines and equipment using gas or low-flashpoint liquids as fuel in potentially dangerous explosive and flammable atmospheres. Rick Boom, Director Product Management, Large Engine Systems at Woodward, says: "We are delighted that the performance and technical capability of the SOGAV235 gas admission valve for marine engines has achieved IGF Code compliance. Our valve technology supports the increasing need across the maritime industry for the use of proven and safe engine valve technology - adding even greater performance and confidence to our customers operational needs. It delivers complete peace of mind for engine manufacturers and vessel operators."
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Stay safe and Enjoy,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com