The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) has teamed up with the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS) to support and educate the industry, and public for safer outcomes of new and used vessels.

BIA CEO Andrew Scott said the partnership would help improve awareness of, and access to, trusted marine surveyors to support the recreation al boating and light commercial vessel sectors.

“BIA is committed to the promotion of safe, responsible and enjoyable boating,” Scott said.

“A great day on the water includes public confidence in boats that are being bought and sold.

“There are more than 900,000 registered boats in Australia and while not everyone needs a marine surveyor when buying and selling used boats; there are times when it is a good idea. It is, for example, recommended for people considering buying the larger recreational vessels such as those kept in the water on berths or moorings to consider the services of a surveyor.

“A trusted surveyor, such as those who are a member of AIMS and abide by the AIMS Code of Conduct, can help give buyers peace of mind that they have made the correct decision.”

AIMS is the peak industry body for Marine Surveyors in Australasia and the largest marine surveyor association in the Southern Hemisphere. AIMS has members in all States and Territories of Australia as well as New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific regions.

The partnership between BIA and AIMS is a win for recreational vessel owners across Australia. At the heart of the work that marine surveyors undertake is vessel safety.

AIMS CEO Eric Perez said: “Marine surveyors perform surveys of recreational vessels on behalf of owners, insurers or potential purchasers with the purpose of assessing the condition or value of vessels.

“AIMS supports the need for safe and responsible boating ensuring vessel safety by engaging an AIMS marine surveyor.”

Scott said the partnership was timely as it would assist BIA in its work with maritime regulators across Australia and New Zealand in development of a national Responsible Boat Owner campaign for the coming season. This campaign will have a strong focus on safe vessels.

For information on boating go to: www.discoverboating.com.au

For information on BIA go to: www.bia.org.au

Media contact: media@bia.org.au; m. 0418 279 465 / gm@aimsurveyors.com.au; m. 0492 881 737

Picture caption: Pictured at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron from left are BIA Business Development Manager Andrew Fielding, AIMS CEO Eric Perez and BIA CEO Andrew Scott.