March 2012 - Boating Industry Association of NSW

industry news & issues
2011 Year end stats
The latest data from NSW Maritime
shows that NSW had 11,772 new
vessel registrations for the year.
This was down 7.7% on the previous
year (12,751). Total registrations at
31/12/11 for PWC were 8,603 and
non-PWC were 213,280, a total
of 221,883 registered recreational
vessels in the state.
The year ended with 41,211 PWC
licence holders and 467,543 general
boating licence holders.
This is a combined 508,754
licences being held in NSW.
• See page 19 for more details.
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BIA submission – Temperate East Marine
Bioregional Plan & Commonwealth Marine
Reserves
The areas specified within the
draft zone along the entire east coast
of NSW which are accessible by
recreational fishers indicate that NO
fishing restrictions are being advocated
for recreational activities.
BIA supported the proposed
recommendations which allow a range
of activities to continue.
It was submitted there was NO
evidence that recreational fishing,
particularly hook and line fishing and
sports fishing, had any non-sustainable
effect on the marine environment that
would justify boating /fishing activities
being restricted.
Advocated there is no impact
of recreational fishing on marine
community structure due to the
operational distance of boats offshore
and water depths.
In future consideration of
management plans for specific areas
BIA outlined criteria that must be met
in the consideration of Marine Protected
Areas.
In particular the justification for
any sanctuary zones (no take) and
especially management of migratory
or highly mobile species must have
excellent scientific research and
genuine consultation with coastal
communities.
BIA advocated maintenance of
a responsible user and recreational
management approach (tool box
of measurers, bag limits, gear
requirements, encouragement of catch
and release, licensing and education
programs).
These measures are well accepted
by boaters/fishers and the continued
use of best practice will lead to healthy
waterways, conservation, better
boating and more fish.
BIA also highlighted concerns of
future plans of management being
declared adjacent to state Marine Parks
and the safety implications and greater
exposure to risk for boats travelling
longer distances further offshore.
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24 - March 2012 BIA of NSW LOGBOOK
Diploma of Marine
Surveying – EOI
The BIA continues to work with
TAFE under our Strategic Alliance to
establish a Diploma qualification in
Marine Surveying.
Training and assessment options
are due this year, and those who would
like further information should contact
Alan Barrett at BIA – barrett@bia.org.
au or 9438 2077.
Boat Show Planning
If you are in the process of planning
the upcoming season of boat shows,
we may be able to help.
The BIA has a series of flyers that
are guides on how to get the best out
of your time at a show.
If you would like a copy, please
Email your request to info@
sydneyboatshow.com.au and we
will email you a copy.
Trailer Boat Fishing
Tournament
The BIA of NSW will again be
supporting the upcoming Club Marine
Trailer Boat Fishing Tournament.
This event scheduled for March
30, 31 & April 01 in Nelson Bay; Port
Stephens is in its 19 th year.
It attracts an enormous number of
vessels and anglers from around the
state. For more information about this
event, visit www.tbft.com.au
LIFEJACKETS
You must have an approved
lifejacket for each person on
board.
Check that they are in good
condition and everyone knows
where they are stored.
It is recommended that
children wear a lifejacket
whenever in a boat. Make sure
it is the right size and properly
fi tted.
Be prepared - have a drill so
people know what to do if there is
an accident.
It is compulsory to wear a lifejacket when crossing a coastal bar.
ENJOY SAFE BOATING
www.bia.org.au Ph: 02 9438 2077
For employment in the marine industry log onto www.bia.org.au and
click on ‘Employment ... Jobs Vacant/Jobs Wanted’
For boating weather log onto www.bom.gov.au/marine
Boating Industry Association