A COVID-19 message from the Boating Industry Association

Boaters are passionate about their lifestyle and believe that many aspects of it can be carried out safely in compliance with social distancing requirements.

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) recognises this and asks the boating industry and boating community to follow federal health advice and observe state government rules that apply to combat COVID-19. Observing the restrictions now will help ensure boating is firmly placed to be part of the wider recovery as soon as possible.

The BIA has joined with the Marina Industries Association to promote the central messages relating to Stay at Home, isolation when required, social distancing and good hygiene practices across Australia. At the same time, we have been working with governments to get clarity on the types of boating activity permissible within the various state rules.

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It is important to note the rules vary from state to state and the boating community needs to take the time to check the restrictions and requirements that apply for their particular jurisdiction. Remember, as always, the skipper is responsible for compliance and for the safety of their vessel and those on board, and this includes compliance with any regulations relating to COVID-19.

In New South Wales and Queensland there have been clarifications and amendments to government guidelines to include restricted use of boating for limited activities such as gathering food or exercise. Any such boating activity must meet the essential or reasonable excuse criteria set out by the relevant state agency.

The BIA is asking the boating community that, where permitted, boaters be safe and responsible, only use your boat on your local waters, restrict the time you spend on the water and only to the extent and for the purposes permitted by government agencies.

This is not business as usual and it is certainly not the time to find ways to justify activities that do not strictly meet the criteria set out in each state. The message from the government is very clear: Stay home unless you must go out, and if you do, limit the time you are out. If we all do our part, we will get through this safely and quickly together and be able to get back to the boating we love.

Darren Vaux, president of the Boating Industry Association, said: “In recent days there have been clarifications to some forms of permissible boating activity. We completely understand that boaters and boating businesses are keen to return to normal boating activity and that, in a lot of instances, boating can be conducted safely in isolation.

“However, we are asking industry and boaters alike to be sensible and sensitive to the core message of Stay at Home unless absolutely necessary for your safety and that of the broader community and adhere strictly to the government requirements and criteria.

“Nobody wants to see crowded boat ramps, wharves and waterways as this would, in the bigger picture, possibly lead to further restrictions. Now more than ever the message of You’re the Skipper, You’re Responsible needs to be headed in the responsible actions of our boating community.”

The BIA would like to remind boaters to observe the social distancing and hygiene requirements at all times, which for boating where permitted include:

The BIA will continue to support the boating industry and the boating community in its representations to state and federal governments to support access to appropriate levels of boating through the crisis and to promote access to boating as a key activity that can deliver physical and health benefits in the early stages of the recovery.

For the latest news specifically for the boating industry, the BIA has a COVID-19 page on its website with links to regulator statements nationally.