Free trade agreement suggests new opportunities - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 2 Apr 14:00 PDT
More than 120 Marine Rescue NSW vessels are positioned across key locations to ensure crews can reach those in trouble as quickly as possible © Marine Rescue NSW
European Boating Industry (EBI) applauds the recent EU free trade agreements announced with the Mercosur region, Australia and India.
Opening new opportunities for Europe's boating sector and reducing tariffs is critical for export-oriented boat builders and equipment manufacturers.
A safety warning ahead of the Easter break. More than 3,500 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers are standing ready around the clock to assist boaters on the state's waterways this Easter long weekend. From the Tweed to Eden, and inland on the Alpine Lakes and the Murray River at Moama, rescue crews across 46 units will be on call 24/7, supported by more than 120 rescue vessels positioned for swift deployment. Commissioner Todd Andrews said Easter is traditionally an extremely busy period for Marine Rescue NSW, but he anticipates that the current fuel situation may lead to fewer boaters taking to the water.
From Tasmania and over the years, MAST has created a library of over 90 boating safety videos. The collection of videos has been curated to educate users of Tasmania's waterways about boating safety and rules and to demonstrate practical tips such as how to launch a boat from a boat ramp. Each year, MAST reviews the collection and adds videos to keep the information relevant and engaging. Recently, to update some of the older videos, our team filmed new videos in both the north and south of the state and topics covered include: Weather - what you need to know about weather patterns, what they mean and where to find this information. Diving safety - what you need to know about diving regulations, appropriate signalling flags, currents, and water traffic considerations. Boating alone - what you must do including planning of your trip, telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return, carrying a communication device, and attaching your kill switch.
The Marine Structures Tropical Gala Dinner will send off Marinas26 delegates in style after two full days of conferencing and exhibition at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast. Following the success of the Superior Soiree at Marinas24, Marine Structures, formed through the merger of Superior Jetties and The Jetty Specialist, returns as sponsor of the closing dinner, ensuring Marinas26 finishes on a high.
Sailing news includes the update regards the World Sailing Day. With just two months remaining until the inaugural World Sailing Day-28 May, momentum is building across the global sailing and yachting community as clubs, marinas, businesses, and maritime organisations prepare to take part in what is set to become a new annual fixture for the global sailing community. Created as a single, coordinated global moment, World Sailing Day establishes a fixed date each year when the world comes together to celebrate, promote, and experience sailing in all its forms. From yacht clubs and regattas to marina activations, open days, waterfront events, and industry-led initiatives, participation is already spanning multiple countries and sectors, reflecting the breadth and diversity of sailing worldwide.
From our neighbours to the east, the review into Yachting New Zealand's club membership model and affiliation fee structure has gathered pace with the appointment of a 16-member advisory group to lead the work. The appointments follow a call for expressions of interest last month, which attracted strong engagement from clubs and individuals nationwide, reflecting the importance of the review to the sailing community. Yachting New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the Membership and Affiliation Advisory Group brings the right balance of skills, experience, geography, club size representation, and age diversity to provide evidence-based guidance.
Sailing and yacht clubs take note. On Australia Day, the Newcastle Harbour Swim, hosted by Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, became the first ocean swim in Australia to use GPS-controlled MarkSetBot Buoys, the same technology seen at the America's Cup and SailGP, delivering unmatched course accuracy, visibility, and safety in challenging harbour conditions. On Australia Day in Newcastle, it wasn't just swimmers making waves. At the iconic Newcastle Harbour Swim, hosted by Stockton Surf Life Saving Club, history was quietly being made out on the water. For the first time at an Australian ocean swim, the course wasn't marked by traditional anchored buoys. Instead, it was set by cutting-edge, GPS-controlled MarkSetBot Buoys, the same technology trusted on the world stage at events like the America's Cup and SailGP.
Finally, Australian Sailing proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone as Gordon Ingate OAM marks his 100th birthday, a life defined by resilience, innovation, and an enduring contribution to the sport of sailing. Australia's oldest living Olympian and one of the nation's most accomplished sailors, Ingate's journey to the Olympic stage was anything but smooth sailing. Born in Sydney in 1926, Ingate's sailing journey began in Sea Scouts at just nine years old, before progressing into VS Skiffs. At 22, Ingate qualified for the 1948 London Olympic Games, but was unable to secure the extended leave required to travel by ship.
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Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media