Industry stats for 2025-26 released by the BIA - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 6 Aug 14:00 PDT
Valuable support across the nation © Boating Industry Association
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has released the State of the Industry Data Report revealing national turnover at $10.5 billion for 2025-26, holding steady on the previous record year.
BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said the report, launched at the Sydney Boat Show, demonstrated sustained business across the sector over the past 12 months. "There are now 23,500 people directly employed in the boating industry as well as 11,500 more in contractor roles supporting more than 2000 businesses across the nation, with a further 1350 or more in formal training roles," said Fielding.
The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG) successfully delivered the third annual Australian Commercial Marine Conference, welcoming a sell-out crowd of 143 registrations as operators, suppliers and industry leaders from across Australia gathered on 29 July aboard SeaLink M/V Starship Sydney at Darling Harbour.
Boating Careers had a busy and successful three days at the Melbourne Career Expo, Australia's largest careers and employment event, held 17-19 July. The Expo attracted 6,921 visitors on Friday (including 5,008 school students), 4,384 visitors on Saturday, with another strong turnout on Sunday.
The Boating Industry Association last night announced Lachlan Fraser of Onboard Marine Services located at The Spit, Sydney, as the BIA Apprentice of the Year for 2026. BIA CEO Andrew Fielding said, "While still completing his apprenticeship, our Apprentice of the Year undertook further training with the business's principal engine brands, Volvo Penta, Mercury and MAN, trained in fire suppression systems and has recently become a qualified surveyor.
Also, the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has declared BLA as winner of the annual Sustainability in the Boating Industry Award. BIA presented the award during the Sydney Boat Show. This annual award recognises outstanding efforts by businesses promoting sustainable practices and supporting environmental responsibility within the boating industry.
Mulpha Australia Ltd have announced that the 38th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) is sailing back into Sanctuary Cove across four massive days from 20-23 May 2027. If you're planning to exhibit, there's more good news - applications open on 18 August! Keep an eye on your inbox over the next two weeks for everything you need to know about participating at SCIBS 2027 and how to secure your place when applications go live. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the Southern Hemisphere's premier marine lifestyle event!
Mercury Marine has extended its agreement with Telwater, remaining the exclusive engine provider for its Boat, Motor and Trailer (BMT) packages for the next three years. Designed by Telwater and powered by Mercury's FourStroke outboard range, these packages remove the complexity of purchasing a boat by taking the guesswork out of selecting the right boat, engine and trailer combination.
Two long-serving Marine Rescue Botany Port Hacking volunteers have been recognised for a remarkable combined 120 years of emergency service at a special ceremony at the unit's Hungry Point Reserve base in Cronulla. Marine Rescue NSW Life Member and retired NSW Police Inspector Noel Parkinson received the National Medal fifth clasp recognising 65 years of service, while fellow volunteer Allan Russell received the National Medal fourth clasp recognising 55 years of combined service with Marine Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service.
More industry news at www.marinebusinessworld.com/Oceania updated daily.
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media