Australian crew represent some 20% of the Superyacht industry. This equates to approximately 10,000 -15,000 Australians working as crew on yachts. This could be more than the combined total in the commercial, navy and merchant navy combined.

The primary issue concerning Australian crew is the lack of reciprocity of qualifications between those with MCA (yachting) qualifications and those with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) qualifications. This issue needs to be addressed and highlighted because the Merchant Navy is not producing enough recruits to fill future maritime roles in the future, i.e. Harbour Masters and Harbour Pilots et al. The Superyacht industry is producing the experienced crew but their qualifications and experience is not being recognised!
At the conference, Donna Morris, Principal of Australian Superyacht Crew Recruitment and Training was part of a key panel discussing these issues. Donna stated;

“In Australia, “Recognition of Prior Learning” for State certificates takes time to acquire, so that on return to Australia after gaining sea time on Superyachts internationally, and if crew have RYA Yachtmaster qualifications, they have to go through an expensive and time consuming requalification process to meet State and AMSA qualifications.”

AMSA is currently working on a significant revision to Marine Orders Part 3 which will go further towards rationalising requirements for marine qualifications in Australia in accordance with the STCW Convention. AMSA have ensure Superyacht Australia that they have input when they are in a position to publicly consult on this revision.

Mick Kinley Deputy CEO AMSA said “we will ensure Superyacht Australia have the opportunity to provide comment on how these amendments deal with the issues they have raised. We are prepared to consider qualifications limited to superyachts but we will need to further investigate how such qualifications fit with Australia’s obligation under the STCW Convention”

The $4 million, 24m ferry has been built by the crew at MEC (Marine Engineering Consultants) for use ferrying LNG construction contractors between Gladstone and Curtis Island. The workers will have plenty to keep them occupied on the trip, since the catamaran has been fitted with wireless modems and several flat screen televisions, which use satellite services.   But since the new boat has a cruising speed of 24 knots, the passengers may not have much time to stick their feet up and enjoy the technology. MEC boss Murray Owen was having flash backs at the boat launch after being involved with the last company that built ferries here, Atlay Cats, in the early 1990s.

“They produced five from about 23 metres to 32 metres here, they went to places like China and Hong Kong and I did the deliveries for them.”

Mr Owen is hoping MEC will produce more and better ferries than Atlay Cats did back then and said the quick production of the first one for Riverside Marine, was bound to help.

“It was supposed to take eight months, but we built it in about 7. “I believe Riverside will need more ferries and we are hopeful of getting something out of them. I am confident we will produce more ferries.”

Mr Owen said he was quoting to build ferries for other companies currently. While MEC has never built a ferry before, the company did provide the aluminium construction for Brisbane CityCats and Sydney ferries.

“It is unique in a way for us, but not a big change,” said Mr Owen.

MEC was established by Mr Owen four years ago and then two years on, he decided to focus on producing commercial vessels because of the slump in the luxury boat market. The company also does a lot of refit work, particularly with super-yachts, and Mr Owen said the company’s diversified approach had enabled him to keep about 50 staff and contractors during the downturn.

“The refits and commercial work have kept us going,” he said.

MEC ferry built and launched on the Gold Coast:

Lara Giddings, premier of Tasmania, last week announced a new A$3m marina in Prince of Wales Bay. The development is a joint venture between CleanLIFT Marine and INCAT. It will include 160 berths for boats up to 35m, dry-stack storage for boats up to 10m, as well as chandlery, brokerage and shower facilities.

“This $3m investment is another sign of growing confidence and prosperity in the Tasmanian economy,” Giddings said in a statement. “Private capital investment has been growing for five consecutive quarters, with more than $4bn invested in the past year. The project will have positive flow-on effects for the Prince of Whales Bay area, including existing businesses.”

Giddings said that the marina is near boat refit and maintenance services, and that a Derwent Maritime Industrial Sites Master Plan is currently under development.

“There has been significant growth in the recreational boating market and a clear trend in boat owners moving their boats to marinas,” said Giddings. “This has led to a shortage of quality marina berths in southern Tasmania, with waiting lists at all existing facilities – this project will help fill a gap in the marina market.”

Stage one of the marina is due for completion in December 2011 and the marina is expected to be complete by March 2012.

Building Brand Australia is an Australian Government program to better communicate our credentials as a world business partner and global citizen. In 2010 the Australian Government endorsed Australia Unlimited as the consistent branding approach that reflects the broader capability of contemporary Australia.

Developed by global advertising agency M&C Saatchi following industry consultation, a public tender and extensive international and domestic research. Research was run in 14 countries and with 14,000 participants.

Like Australia’s new branding, the Australian Superyacht and marine industry represent a dynamic Australia.

The Australian marine industry has earned its place on the world stage through innovation and technology. Australia’s superyacht sector and related services are world leaders.
Highlighting the strength of the marine industry in Australia, the stand will showcase a number of the country’s leading marine manufacturers, yacht builders and refit specialists including Coursemaster Autopiliots, Hydrive Engineering, Muir Winches, Azzura Marine, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, VEEM Propellers and Stormy Australia.  The stand will also promote Australia as an idyllic cruising destination, profiling the entire Australian Superyacht industry and its capabilities.

Ocean Media, publisher of the well known Great Southern Route and acclaimed Ocean Magazine will also be at Monaco promoting the Australian superyacht industry and their publications which are targeted at the Superyacht sector.

Superyacht Australia Chief Executive MaryAnne Edwards says “This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the innovation of Australian marine manufacturers, and raise Australia’s profile as a destination for international superyachts. Our aim is to ensure Australia is on every superyacht cruising itinerary.”

Highlighting the significance of this event for Australian companies Superyacht Australia will be joined on the stand by Dr Nicholas Baker, Trade Commissioner & Counselor Commercial Austrade, Australian Embassy Paris.

The evening hosted by AIMEX alongside Austrade and the New South Wales (NSW) government ensured that some key contacts were made prior to the 5 day show, maximising the opportunities for the 23 strong Australian contingent. 

Gerard Seeber the new Austrade Consul General based in Dubai was enthusiastic about the large contingent from Australia stating that Austrade Dubai had been invited to a press conference by the Boat Show organisers to talk about the capability of the Australian marine sector with Australia being the 3rd largest pavilion at the Show. Seeber mentioned the value of the marine manufacturing industry to Australia and the importance of nurturing business in the UAE; a valuable emerging market for the Australian marine sector. 

Sharon Foster, Export Advisor spoke on behalf of the NSW Department of Trade and Investment.  Foster stated that NSW had a strong maritime engineering sector with cutting edge capabilities.  She advised the marine sector is a significant contributor to the NSW economy.  The NSW government has been a strong supporter of the marine sector in NSW allowing many companies the opportunity to exhibit at international shows and supporting NSW companies drive to export.

MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO said “it was great to see major UAE companies like Gulf Craft represented at the function with Erwin Bamps keen to talk about the Australian market and opportunities for Australian products.”  Major distributor ART Marine also attended the event advising they were keen to support Australian companies where they could. Art Marine currently distributes Riviera in the Middle East.

The Dubai International Boat Show runs from the 13-17 March.  Australian companies represented at the show are; Aqualuma Marine Lighting, Austral Propellers, Bellingham Marine, Boat Bog, Central Coast Marine Installations, Coursemaster Autopilots, GME, HyDrive Engineering, Marine Technologies Australia, Marine Tech Industries Australia, Ocean Media, PolyFlex Group Australia, Pyrotek Noise Control, Riviera Marine, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Seawind Catamarans, Spear Green Design, Stebercraft, Superior Jetties, Superyacht Australia, Superyacht Sydney, Supra Boats and VEEM Propellers.

From 1 November 2012 a Domestic Vessel Division (DVD) will be created within AMSA to operate the National System.

This initiative follows COAG’s signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) in August 2011 that provides for AMSA becoming the National Regulator of all domestic commercial vessels and their crew, and the implementation of a National System from 1 January, 2013.

“This is an exciting initiative which embraces AMSA’s new regulatory responsibilities as defined by COAG,” AMSA CEO Graham Peachey commented.  “It also represents a new chapter in the history of our organisation.   From next year AMSA will be increasing its regulatory scope by approximately 30,000 domestic vessels, over 100,000 stakeholders and of course stewardship of a new National Law.  As you can imagine, the work that needs to be done to ensure the successful implementation of the new System is vast.”

“In practical terms being a National Regulator means providing for the development, maintenance, monitoring and enforcement of a range of national standards for commercial vessels; a national compliance and enforcement system that can be consistently applied to all commercial vessels; and a national data solution for the management of commercial vessels, linking ownership, vessel details, inspection and survey history, incidents, seafarer qualifications and operators for improved risk management and compliance monitoring.”

These are big tasks, big pieces of work that involve the support, skills and commitment of many AMSA people around the country in addition to state and territory maritime colleagues.”

“However, while the National System will be implemented by a combination of AMSA staff and the staff of maritime jurisdictions undertaking the role of National Regulator, the DVD will co-ordinate and be responsible for the operation of the National System within AMSA.”

From 2013, the way domestic commercial vessel safety in Australia is regulated and operated will change in three ways:

• A proposed Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act will apply to operations of the domestic commercial vessel fleet;
• A National System for Commercial Vessel Safety will operate in all states and territories;
• The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will become the National Regulator of the National System;

Click here for more details or contact richard.wallace@amsa.gov.au

The final day of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference in Singapore brought presentations on the developing destination markets in the Asia Pacific region.

The day started with an update on the Australian industry presented by Mary Anne Edwards, CEO of Superyacht Australia, followed by a very informative presentation by Captain Richard Morris on how the governments of Fiji and Tahiti have adopted a very positive attitude to attracting superyachts to the islands. According to Morris, some 50 large superyachts visit Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Fiji each year.

Marinas for superyachts in Asia was a topic addressed by leading marina manufacturers Ilkka Seppala, the CEO of Marinetek, and John Hogan, CEO of Superior Marinas. The importance of leaving pre-conceived ideas behind when dealing with Asian marina developers was emphasized with a growing trend for state-of-the-art architecture with regard to clubhouse designs and the importance of the club to the overhaul success of marina in Asia.

The marina market in Korea was shown to be growing at a very fast rate with over 40 marina projects, 14 of which are already due to be completed by the end of 2012. Many of these marinas are already being designed to accommodate superyachts.

The event leads up to the three-day Singapore Yacht Show, which starts on Friday, April 27 at the One 15 Marina Club in Singapore.

The Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference was organized by the Informa Yacht Group in collaboration with the Singapore Superyacht Association.

The 2012 Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference (ASMEX) programme is taking shape with industry heavy weights confirming their attendance. The ASMEX organizers announced today that Thom Dammrich, NMMA President will be addressing the conference as a keynote speaker providing a current overview of the USA Superyacht and recreational boating industry.  Dammrich is an excellent presenter and will attract considerable interest from marine industry stakeholders who will be keen to hear what is happening in the US market and predictions for the future.

Mr Dammrich assumed the role of president with the National Marine Manufacturers Association in November 1999 and is a current executive member of ICOMIA. Under Dammrich’s leadership, NMMA has bolstered industry advocacy at the state and federal level as well as expanded industry and consumer-related research, and statistics efforts.

NMMA represents more than 1,600 members that produce 80 percent of the recreational boating products currently sold in North America.

Dammrich furthers his involvement and commitment to recreational boating interests by serving on several industry boards. They include the American Sportfishing Association; the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation; the International Council of Marine Industry Associations; the International Marine Certification Institute, and as Chairman of the American Recreation Coalition. In addition, he was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to serve as Chairman of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (a federal advisory committee to the Secretary of the Interior).

Dammrich’s academic accomplishments include an MBA and MS in accounting, with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

ASMEX organizers are also pleased to announce that The Superyacht Report will be presenting the results of their ‘State of the Industry’ paper, giving an overview of the fleet, order book, and market activity, and highlighting the situation and the potential for Australia as a part of this.  Plus Marco Struik, Managing Director of Struik & Hamerslag; a significant and well known European Yacht Interior and Refit company has confirmed his attendance at the conference and will speak about the refit and repair industry globally. 

Other significant topics of discussion will be the positive progress with policies and regulation surrounding the Superyacht industry in Australia, particularly developments with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Australian Customs and GBRMPA.

Further international and Australian speakers will feature in the programme which will be out shortly.

The social programme for ASMEX 2012 will be a highlight again with Sevenstar Yacht Transport sponsoring the Welcome Registration by the ‘Poolside’ at the prestigious Hyatt Regency, Sanctuary Cove where guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, fine food and wine by the candle lit lagoon. ASMEX organizers have also advised that the Conference Dinner will be at one of the Gold Coast’s well known venues and intimating an exciting night has been planned.

 ASMEX is the key Australian marine industry conference and provides a platform to ensure industry is kept well informed and given the opportunity for valuable networking with colleagues. The ASMEX registration fee once again has been kept to a minimum at $350 (inc GST), AIMEX and Superyacht Australia members and SCIBS exhibitors are entitled a discounted registration fee of $275.

Registrations can be completed via the Superyacht Australia website and the AIMEX website

ASMEX 2012 registrations are now open. The Australian Marine Export Group and Superyacht Australia are very aware that in the current economic climate a conference such as this is important for everyone.

AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards said “Whilst it is impossible to predict the future it is imperative for businesses to better understand the current operating environment and where future opportunities and sales may come from.” 

To this end the ASMEX organizers are pleased to announce that The Superyacht Report will be presenting the results of their ‘State of the Industry’ paper, giving an overview of the fleet, order book, and market activity, and highlighting the situation and the potential for Australia as a part of this. Marco Struik, Managing Director of Struik & Hamerslag; a significant and well known European Yacht Interior and Refit company has confirmed his attendance at the conference and will speak about the refit and repair industry globally.  

 Another significant topic of discussion will be the positive progress with policies and regulation surrounding the Superyacht industry in Australia, particularly developments with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Australian Customs.

An exciting array of international and Australian speakers will feature in the programme which will be out shortly.

The social programme for ASMEX 2012 will be a highlight again with Sevenstar Yacht Transport sponsoring the Welcome Registration by the ‘Poolside’ at the prestigious Hyatt Regency, Sanctuary Cove where guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment, fine food and wine by the candle lit lagoon. ASMEX organizers have also advised that the Conference Dinner will be at one of the Gold Coast’s well known venues and intimating an exciting night has been planned.

ASMEX is the key Australian marine industry conference and provides a platform to ensure industry is kept well informed and given the opportunity for valuable networking with colleagues. The ASMEX registration fee once again has been kept to a minimum at $350 (inc GST), AIMEX and Superyacht Australia members and SCIBS exhibitors are entitled a discounted registration fee of $275. Registrations can be completed via the Superyacht Australia website www.superyacht-australia.com and the AIMEX website www.aimex.asn.au.

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 Further information:

The Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Industry Conference is a 2 day event (22-23 May 2012) and will bring together key industry stakeholders: boat builders, Captains, owners, service providers and marine industry manufacturers.  A key focus of the Superyacht and Marine export  industry is promoting Australia as a key cruising destination, highlighting the excellent refit & repair services plus the wide range of quality Superyacht, commercial and leisure boating products and services available in the Australian market.

The conference will address key issues facing the Australian Superyacht and Export industry and explore current and future opportunities in todays economic environment. The conference will provide an overview of key global markets and in particular how we can drive more business for our region.

Support for ASMEX 2012 remains strong with the Gold Coast City Council, Business Gold Coast, Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research (DIISR), Queensland Government, Tourism Australia, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Sevenstar Yacht Transport and Ocean Media once again involved. Further opportunities are available for businesses looking for a unique and strong brand profile in this market.

Registrations are open and further information can be found at www.superyacht-australia.com or www.aimex.asn.au or by contacting marketing@superyacht-australia.com

The Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Industry Conference is a 2 day event (22-23 May 2012) and will t bring together key industry stakeholders: boat builders, Captains, owners, service providers and marine industry manufacturers.  A key focus of the Superyacht and Marine export  industry is promoting Australia as a key cruising destination, highlighting the excellent refit & repair services plus the wide range of quality Superyacht, commercial and leisure boatingproducts and services available in the Australian market.

The conference will address key issues facing the Australian Superyacht and Export industry and explore current and future opportunities in todays economic environment The conference will provide an overview of key global markets and in particular how we can drive more business for our region.

The ASMEX 2012 programme is being currently being finalised with a significant list of industry heavy weights expected to address the conference.

The Australian Superyacht & Export Conference will cover a range of key topics including:

•  Update on the Australian Superyacht and export industry
• Discussions regarding the key issues affecting the Australian Superyacht Industry and how Superyacht Australia is working to improve these i.e. GST, Tax, Customs, qualifications, navigation act, Great Barrier Reef, Global Marketing
• Overview of both Federal and State government policies in relation to the marine sector
• Key issues affecting marine industry exporters and how these need to be addressed: i.e. cost of manufacturing, importance of innovation, management of exchange rates, freight/logistics
• Charter/Brokerage issues
• Managing & Marketing your business in todays global economic climate
• Government support- what is available for the marine sector
• The importance of websites and electronic media to promote and profile your business
• Overview of key global markets looking at current market conditions, threats and opportunities

Support for ASMEX 2012 remains strong with the Gold Coast City Council, Business Gold Coast, Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research (DIISR), Queensland Government, Tourism Australia, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and Ocean Media once again involved. Further opportunities are available for businesses looking for a unique and strong brand profile in this market.

ASMEX is also very aware of the current economic climate the industry is operating in and realize that a conference such as this is important for everyone to understand what the opportunities are and how to drive sales in this market.  To this end ASMEX have kept the registration fee at a minimum. Registration fees include the social programme which was a highlight in 2011. In 2012 this will include a ‘Poolside’ Welcome Registration Cocktail Party at the Hyatt, Sanctuary Cove, morning teas, lunches, and of course the Conference Dinner which will be in a new and exciting location

 Registrations will open on the 9^th of January and further information can be found at www.superyacht-australia.com or by contacting marketing@superyacht-australia.com