SYDNEY BOAT SHOW: Divers climb aboard

Although fishos and divers don’t always see eye to eye, the Australia International Dive Expo (AIDE) will he held as part of this year’s Sydney International Boat Show to reflect the diverse interests of those who head out in boats.

The diving sector will have the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest boating event and, as an added bonus to SIBS visitors, pitch itself to a wider audience.

The Boating Industry Association (BIA) says research from last year’s show identified that 15 per cent of visitors to the Sydney boat show have an interest in diving and snorkelling. Of course, more than 70 per cent like to fish.

"We are excited to incorporate this new element into the show. The demand for a diving expo has been growing for years," says Domenic Genua from the BIA. "We look forward to growing the expo as a part of the Sydney International Boat Show."

The Malaysian based AsiaEvents Exsic Pty Ltd has been organising the Australia International Dive Expo (AIDE) since 2014. This comes off the back of their long-standing international success with the Malaysia Dive Expo, which has been going for 12 consecutive years.

BIA says AIDE has become an important and valuable platform for the Australian public to learn more about the marine world. The aim is to reach both existing and would-be divers to provide them with access to the latest information and developments.

Mirroring similar values to the Sydney International Boat Show, the Dive Expo will be both educational and entertaining, show organisers say.

TRY DIVING
From dive try-outs, lessons, tours and holiday packages to the latest underwater gear, photography and marine conservation practices, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the marine world at the boat show.

The BIA says demonstrations and presentations by experts in the industry will also have visitors well engaged with their interests.

Dive Expo Director Ness Puvanes welcomed the partnership, which gives the Australia International Dive Expo the chance to reach a wider water-loving audience for the exhibitors.

Some elements of the dive fraternity have been pushing for a Marine Park in the Sydney region and at the expensive of fishing access and the metro angling fraternity whose numbers are far greater. There is no mention of spearfishing as part of Dive Expo, but we hope that growing sport gets a look in at the show too.

The Sydney International Boat Show will take place from August 3-7 from 10am-8pm in the halls, with the adjoining marina display closing daily at 7pm. This 50th anniversary show returns fully to Darling Harbour at the ICC-Sydney and the Cockle Bay Marina.

More at
Sydney boat show.