WATERLINEMarch 2025 In Industry Women Decarbonisation & Sustainability NEW
CONTENTS 4 CEO REPORT 5 FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINAILITY 12 CLEAN MARINA 13 MARINA OF THE YEAR AWARDS 14 ENVIRONMENT 15 NEW SPONSORS 18 MARINAS26 20 LEGAL LINES 22 INSURANCE 26 FEATURE WOMEN IN INDUSTRY 30 MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE 35 GOLD ANCHOR 38 MEMBERS 39 INDUSTRY NEWS 47 INDUSTRY MOVES 48 NEW MEMBERS/NEXT EDITION 10 WATERLINE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Suzanne Davies ceo@marinas.net.au OPERATIONS MANAGER Chris Stone manager@marinas.net.au ADMINISTRATION & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Silvia Jura admin@marinas.net.au INDUSTRY TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Lily Peel education@marinas.net.au WATERLINE EDITOR Suzanne Davies WATERLINE CO-ORDINATOR Kellie McMillan waterline@marinas.net.au DESIGN & PRINTING Worldwide Printing St Leonards Ph: 02 9460 6767 | stleonards@worldwide.com.au COVER IMAGE Women in Industry PLATINUM SPONSOR ADDRESS Suite 202, 349 Pacific Highway, North Sydney NSW 2060 POSTAL PO Box 724 Crows Nest NSW 1585 P + 61 2 9439 5806 E info@marinas.net.au W marinas.net.au The Waterline Magazine is distributed both in print and digitally. Each issue is published to marinas.net.au and promoted on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. DISCLAIMER This publication has been provided by the MIA for the personal benefit of its members to whom it is addressed. Whilst all due care has been taken with respect to its preparation and publication, MIA makes no representation or warranty to any person in relation to the accuracy of the within material. Members are urged to take their own advice in relation to their respective business needs and decisions and not rely on the contents of this publication. 39 26
March 2025 WATERLINE | 3 1300 128 164 | info@marinestructures.com.au www.marinestructures.com.au EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALASIAN DISTRIBUTOR FOR Environmentally Friendly Mooring Australia’s Market Leader in Marine Infrastructure and Berthing Systems This partnership delivers: Innovative elastic mooring systems Advanced & sustainable solutions to the region Tailored to suit site requirements Elimination of chain damage THE MOORING SYSTEM
4 | WATERLINE March 2025 WELCOME TO OUR NEW LOOK WATERLINE MAGAZINE CEO UPDATE After a lovely summer break for the MIA team, it has been a busy & productive start to the year as I hope it has been for you too!! We have had so many announcements to share with you and trust you caught them all along the way. The major initiative to kick off the year is of course our new Marine Sustainability Pledge (MSP) which replaces the Pledge to Eliminate Single Use Plastics which was due to conclude in 2025. The MSP is a broader, deeper commitment to the environment and sustainability and contained in seven core principles which businesses agree to be held to account by making the Pledge public. Read more about it on page 8, and when you’re done, sign up on the website! It is time to recognise and thank two more industry businesses that have stepped up to support the industry through MIA Sponsorship. Global builder of pontoons and gangways, Poralu Marine has committed to Silver sponsorship. Poralu’s strong environmental values align well with the MIA and our environmental programs such as Clean Marina, Fish Friendly Marinas, Climate Ready and the new Marine Sustainability Pledge. Part of the French owned Wearth Group, Poralu Marine has a close association with the MIA’s Clean Tech Partner the Searial Cleaners which provides hightech environmental management solutions including marine waste collectors and silt management curtains. Also joining as Bronze Sponsors is marine industry insurance specialist broker Network Marine Insurance. You can read more about each of these sponsors on pages 1516 and find them in the Marina Supplier Directory. The financial contributions and support of sponsors enables the MIA to invest in creating and sustaining the broad array of programs and initiatives that it does without further financial impost on members. Please show your recognition of their commitment by considering their businesses when you make your next acquisition. The Marinas26 Exhibitor Prospectus has been released to MIA members. This will be the largest exhibition we will have hosted, and I am delighted to report that at the time of writing, 75% of the exhibition space has already been reserved. On 2 May the Exhibitor Prospectus will be released to non-members and it is expected that all space will be sold be the end of the year. Delegate registrations will open one year from the conference opening on 25 May. Keep your eye out for more. The 2025 Nautilus Marine Insurance Marina of the Year Award submissions have now closed, and I congratulate all who have entered. I am particularly keen to see who will take out our new award categories Woman of the Year and Emerging Talent. The Awards event will be held at the Middle Harbour Skiff Club on Tuesday 6 May, if you haven’t booked, there are a few places left, so call Silvia quickly. So far this year we have hosted four Regional Member Meetings, kicking off in Perth hosted by Rick Coates GM Royal Perth Yacht Club, around 20 members joined me and our good friend Sheryl Waterline is one of the few remaining dedicated marina publications. We are very proud that it is so highly regarded as a source of marina industry news, information and products. In recent years our strategy has been to focus the content on features and provide more technical and news relevant articles. We have increased the size of the publication, its distribution and the advertising content. Advertising is important as it not only helps to fund the production of the magazine but is a great source of information on products and services for our industry. In fact, in a recent survey, 95% of members report using Waterline as a valuable source for suppliers and new products. The hardcopy Marina Supplier Directory will continue to be produced for the time being, as well as being available online as a dynamic, searchable tool for marina operators to source products. Waterline is produced in digital and printed format, the later a benefit of membership. Should you wish to add others to Swarbrick, President of BIA WA for comprehensive updates from our members and guests. Thank you for Shelley Grice and the team from Department of Transport for a great presentation outlining the government’s development plans. There is a lot going on in WA! This meeting was hotly followed by our International Members Meeting, held virtually, but reliably one of our most well attended and informative member meetings. Then it was on to Melbourne and thanks to Phil Hall and his team at Royal Brighton Yacht Club who hosted the MIA board meeting in the earlier part of the day, before we were joined by our local Victorian members for the meeting which followed. We always get such great support from Victorian members, Steve Walker at BIAV and from the local marine agencies who provide such informative updates for us. Our final meeting for the quarter was our Sydney Northern Beaches meeting, held at my old stomping ground, the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. Thanks to GM Jon Harkness and our local CMM Kylie Brown for hosting. Many of our sponsors travel to attend these meetings and I thank them all for their support. Prior to our member meetings kicking off, I visited Thailand to conduct five audits, a combination of Gold Anchor and Clean Marina. This was a trip that was to take place at this time last year, however, had to be postponed due to our staffing challenges at the time. I was fortunate to visit seven members’ facilities, receiving full site tours and meeting many in person for the first time as well as a few other relevant marina related sites. I enjoy visiting our members’ facilities as this helps me to better understand how we can support members individually. Thank you to everyone who took time to welcome me to their marinas and spend time introducing me to your facilities. In April I will head to Singapore for the South East Asian Yachting Conference and the Singapore Yachting Festival where 8 members will join me on a group stand. This is the first time that landside exhibition space will return to the show since the pandemic. I look forward to reporting back to you how that event is evolving. Tropical Cyclone Alfred had all in his path on high alert and caused sleepless nights for many. It was encouraging to hear from our marinas and insurers that damage and claims were limited. I know that many of you spent long days in the lead up working with boat owners, tenants and staff to secure your sites and put emergency weather plans in place. Outcomes like this don’t happen by accident and congratulations to you all. I told you it was a busy start! I am looking forward to seeing you all during the year and wish you all the best for 2025. PS. Close to 40 people have now completed our new online, anytime Work Health Safety Course since its launch on 7 December. It is a concise, yet comprehensive marina tailored course which we recommend all your staff complete. You can register and start the course anytime on the MIA website. the distribution list or add to the current number of mailed copies you receive to your business, please contact: waterline@marinas.net.au We will soon release a survey to help us to continue to improve this publication and ensure it remains useful, relevant and thought provoking and I ask that you spare the five minutes it will take to complete it. In the meantime, we are always open to feedback, suggestions and of course content submissions. Please keep in mind that we maintain strict editorial protocols to ensure the ongoing integrity of the publication. A big thanks to all our readers, contributors and advertisers. We look forward to continuing to bring you a quality read! Suzanne Davies, Waterline Editor March 2025
March 2025 WATERLINE | 5 The health of our oceans has never been more critical. With rising concerns over climate change, overfishing, and pollution, industries, organisations, and individuals must cooperate to protect marine ecosystems. In 2019, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) introduced the pledge to Eliminate Single-Use Plastics (ESUP). Sixty-two singleuse plastic champions signed the pledge, of which fifty-five were marinas. The ESUP Pledge concludes in 2025. With so much changing in the sustainability and environment space, it is time to expand our commitment to broader sustainability initiatives. Australia has made significant strides in eliminating single-use plastics through national and state-level policies. Most recently, 'The National Plastics Plan 2021' set ambitious targets, aiming to phase out problematic plastics and improve recycling. The Australian Government has also supported industry-led initiatives that aim for strong targets within the reusable, recyclable, or compostable space. Coupled with the legislative changes and the growing public engagement with the overall plastics problem, there has been a significant shift in awareness around sustainability and the impacts various industries can have on our ecosystems. To continue the good work of the initial ESUP and to grow awareness of the marina industries environmental responsibilities the MIA is extremely proud to introduce the 2025 Marine Sustainability Pledge (MSP), a new initiative building on the past success around single use plastics while ensuring the industry remains a global leader in healthier oceans and marine ecosystems. The MSP establishes a framework for marinas, shipyards, and marine businesses to adopt sustainable practices that protect aquatic ecosystems. At its core, the MSP promotes eight key principles essential to environmental responsibility. Those principles include MINIMISING PLASTIC USE with the aim of reducing all plastic consumption and eliminate single-use plastics. Engagement in CARBON NEUTRALITY and RENEWABLE ENERGY sees businesses transitioning to renewable energy sources, using energy-efficient technologies, and adopting carbon offsetting initiatives. Naturally, WATER CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT AND POLLUTION PREVENTION play a big part in the new pledge, especially given the industry's relationship with the water. Businesses are encouraged to invest in water harvesting and clean water technologies and to manage water treatment and filtration for facilities where feasible. MARINE HABITAT PROTECTION AND RESTORATION also form another core principle within the pledge. Having businesses commit to initiatives that protect and restore coastal and marine habitats can make an enormous difference. The industry has also been leading the way in recent years with conservation projects like coral reef restoration, seagrass planting and the development of living seawall initiatives (Waterline magazine, July 2023). The pledge also now incorporates AIR QUALITY AND AIR POLLUTION. As businesses have become more aware of the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the environment and staff breathing these harmful substances, it has become appropriate for industry to move towards better practices for controlling dust, fumes, and VOCs that can be released during vessel maintenance and construction activities. Marine businesses are now also asked to pledge to adopt CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRINCIPLES, focusing on resource efficiency and waste reduction. As we have been working towards minimising waste through better design, maintenance, and material recovery, it has become appropriate for the broader industry to encourage refurbishment, recycling, upcycling of materials, and partnering with manufacturers who prioritise sustainability. A new core principle of the MSP is fostering a culture of environmental responsibility by ENGAGING COMMUNITIES AND EDUCATING CUSTOMERS. Raising awareness about marine conservation is essential for long-term sustainability. As we already know, a well-informed group of stakeholders and customers are more likely to take proactive steps toward protecting marine ecosystems. By integrating sustainability education into operations, we can influence positive behavioural changes among employees, customers, and local communities. This can be achieved through workshops, signage, digital campaigns, and interactive programs that highlight best practices in marine conservation and what the facility or business is doing to reduce waste, using eco-friendly products, and respecting marine habitats. Rounding out the core principles of the 2025 MSP is ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH TRANSPARENCY. A pledge is only as strong as the commitment behind it, and accountability is a crucial pillar of the MSP. To ensure signatories remain dedicated to their sustainability goals, participants will be required to report annually on their progress. These reports will highlight key achievements, new initiatives, and year-over-year improvements, allowing businesses to track their journey toward greater environmental responsibility. The reporting process will be streamlined through online submission, making it easy for signatories to share updates while ensuring that the initiative remains accessible and efficient. Those who have pledged and their annual reports will be available on the MIA website, which aims to keep businesses accountable of their responsibilities and makes them aware of the initiatives that others have taken towards leading the future of marine conservation and sustainability. In its first week the MSP has had significant success reaching those putting their best environmental and sustainability foot forward, special mention must go to our first MSP - Royal Phuket Marina in Thailand, closely followed by the Shorlink team and Steve Hosking CMM, Marina Manager Quays Marina. We expect in the weeks to come we will quickly surpass the ESUP numbers especially with easy-to-use online form on the MIA website to submit an application. While many aspects of sustainability can seem too large to tackle all at once, marine businesses are encouraged to take a flexible approach to tackling these principles. Copy and learn from others, use the resources from the MIA website to learn more about each of the core principles and use local government resources to leverage opportunities. MIA's Marina Supplier Directory can highlight those suppliers who can take your environmental and sustainability needs more seriously. All valuable information for those prioritising the environment and sustainability. More information and the online pledge application can be found here: marinas.net.au/accreditation/marine-sustainability-pledge We invite all MIA members or linked businesses to join us in this vital initiative. Every action counts, and with collective effort, we can safeguard the future of our seas. Chris Stone MIA Operations Manager manager@marinas.net.au THE 2025 MARINE SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE: LEADING THE FUTURE OF MARINE CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY
6 | WATERLINE March 2025 With an increasing focus on decarbonisation in the industry globally, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) prepared the Climate Ready Guidebook to help marina owners and operators plan and take action in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Decarbonisation can present opportunities for operational cost savings such as improved resource efficiency, catering for increasing demand for green energy and supply. There are a variety of options available to reduce emissions from your marina that generally fit into one of three categories: 1. Reduce the need to generate emissions 2. Substitute emitting activities/power sources for non-emitting options 3. Offset emissions generated. Emma King, Assistant Marina Manager Birkenhead Point Marina tells how they have implemented changes to reduce and find substitutes to help minimise their environmental impact. The marina started by observing what products were found polluting local waterways and foreshores the most and quickly realised they could make the biggest impact by substituting products sold and used within the Marina and kiosk with more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives. The most effective and simple substitutes the marina has made follow: • The kiosk now only stocks drinks in glass bottles or cans along with snacks that are in compostable or biodegradable packaging. • All shopping bags and garbage bin liners around the marina, including the club lounge/tenant amenities are now compostable and biodegradable. These bags are sold in the kiosk and tenants are given complementary branded reusable jute bags. • Coffee cups sold were replaced with biodegradable cups and lids. The marina sells Birkenhead Point Marina ‘keep cups’ and have the option of porcelain cups for customers who wish to sit down and relax dockside. • Bulk buying all office and marina cleaning supplies have been swapped to environmentally friendly options and environmentally friendly washing detergent is stocked for marina tenants’ washing machines. Only environmentally friendly body wash is supplied in all marina tenant ensuites. • Rain water collection tanks have been installed. With these substitutes and many more there has been a significant reduction in the amount of waste generated by the marina. The Climate Ready Guidebook is available for members from: marinas.net.au/resource-centre/environment-and-sustainability DECARBONISING YOUR MARINA ENVIRONMENTAL BEST PRACTICE Australian legal requirements & definitions Key areas of pollution & potential impact on marina business Water, Land & Air pollution Handling of dangerous goods in relation to our environment Waste management & disposal Refuelling considerations Reporting incidents 2 hour self-paced anytime online course includes: marinas.net.au MIA members - $160 Non-members - $200 (excluding GST) FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY Birkenhead Point Marina Clean Up Australia
March 2025 WATERLINE | 7 FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY INDUSTRY RESOURCES CLEAN MARINA GUIDEBOOK The Clean Marina Guidebook is an educational resource for the operators of marinas, slipways, boat clubs and boatyards to help them implement sound and compliant environmental operations and practices. It also provides the background information for marinas which seek to become Clean Marina accredited. The Clean Marina accreditation is designed to protect inland and coastal waterways by encouraging environmental compliance and the use of best management practices in marinas. More information about the program is available from: marinas.net.au/accreditation/clean-marina-program/about-the-clean-marina-program CLIMATE READY GUIDEBOOK The Climate Ready Guidebook is a resource to help marina owners and operators transition to a lowcarbon economy and build resilience in their infrastructure and operations to mitigate the increasing weather-related climate impacts. Climate risk and resilience are important issues for our industry as more and more marina businesses seek to reduce their carbon footprint and try to understand the supply side implications of changes to recreational vessel power and fuel requirements while also preparing for and building resilience to more severe climate-driven weather events that can damage assets and cause disruptions to operations. It has been prepared in a style and format that is simple to use and similar to other MIA Clean Marina and Fish Friendly material, providing information, guidance and templates. The guidebook along with an action plan template and climate ready checklist is available for download from: marinas.net.au/resource-centre/climate-readyguidebook 10 TIPS FOR A FISH FRIENDLY MARINA The Fish Friendly Marina Accreditation is a supplement to International Clean Marina accreditation. The Tips for a Fish Friendly Marina have been developed to inform and provide advice and supporting material to help marina operators maximise the benefits for fish and recognise those operators actively working to improve fish habitats. More information about the program and 10 Tips for Fish Friendly Marina are available from: www.marinas.net.au/resource-centre/environment-and-sustainability CLEAN BOATIES FACT SHEET As a companion to the International Clean Marina accreditation, the Clean Boaties Fact Sheet is designed to encourage and inform boat owners how to practice environmentally friendly boat cleaning and maintenance techniques including tips on; • Waste, grey and black water disposal • Cleaning and maintenance • Fuelling • Renewable Energy • Marine life and foreshore protection • Biofouling and includes non-toxic alternatives to typical cleaning products. The fact sheet is available for download from: marinas.net.au/resource-centre/environment-and-sustainability MARINE SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE Building on the success of the 2019 Pledge to Eliminate Single-Use Plastics, the MIA has developed the new Marine Sustainability Pledge. The new Pledge focuses on broader sustainability challenges, including carbon emissions, water & air pollution, resource efficiency, and habitat restoration. Read more about Marine Sustainability Pledge on page 8 The Marina Industries Association (MIA) provides a number of environmental resources to assist members manage and improve their environmental compliance, efficiency, and to continuously improve their local environment. Clean Boaties Fact Sheet
8 | WATERLINE March 2025 FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABLE MARINAS By John Hogan, Director, Marine Structures Sustainability is a topic that we all touch on in our daily lives. Our marina industry in Australia and New Zealand already has a commitment to these principles as demonstrated in the Clean Marina Program and other initiatives such as Climate Ready. In the text, Sustainable Marina Development I published over a decade ago, the use of four instead of the normal three aspects of Sustainability was proposed. The commonly used definition of Sustainability means consideration of Environmental, Economic and Social factors; however, I believe we need to add Destination Protection as a major consideration. Given that many industry professionals have access to the management tools to implement such measures at the grass roots level, this article focusses on practical applications, rather than large, capitalintensive projects. DESTINATION PROTECTION Marina owners and operators are naturally motivated to protect their investment for the longevity of their business, however it is only by passing on this passion to all stakeholders that a site becomes special. The secret to this lies within the base design philosophy whereby it is known that many can copy you, however no one can be YOU, if you clearly think and articulate your vision, values and mission. Therefore, a recreational marina may prioritise the tenants onshore and their customers to create a vibe whereby the boat owners are proud to “see and be seen” in this locality. “Keep the big boats close to the till” as Keith Williams used to say, becomes a design and management priority if we are thinking how we wish the site to operate long after the installation contractors have left. Advanced rendering software can give a lifelike indication of the amenity of the built infrastructure. Destination protection can include ‘Fish Friendly’ and ‘Clean Marina’ programs, it can incorporate shared water quality stats and active habitat improvement. Many school programs visit marinas for lessons in ecology, marine science, sailing and general exposure to our land sea connection. These programs along with the love of beaches and swimming has forged thousands of people who love this environment, and it is the reason why over 25% of the superyacht crews worldwide are Kiwis and Aussies. With so many opportunities to protect your destination as a special business in a special location, these ideas to make your own Unique Value Proposition are the key to your strategic planning for the future. The Australian marina industry is actively embracing sustainability through various initiatives aimed at economic viability, environmental conservation and community engagement. The MIA’s Marine Sustainability Pledge is a great example of this. ECONOMIC considerations are always the first and foremost in most organisations, however these days enlightened managers will know that if people are the focus with sound budgets, then this aspect can be effectively delivered. Maintaining an eye for change as the marketplace changes is a key role for management. An example was a manager who assessed that the berths under 10m that were a fixture in the marina, were no longer providing an adequate yield. Once this space was allocated to jetski docks for tenders and skis, the economic benefits flowed quickly. Further, a low-maintenance pontoon system in a marina isn’t just about convenience - it’s a smart, long-term investment. With durable, weather-resistant materials and minimal upkeep requirements, marina operators can save time and money on repairs while ensuring a reliable docking solution for years to come. Plus, a well-designed system improves safety, enhances the overall look of the marina, and provides a better experience for boaters. I have witnessed first-hand that over time, these benefits add up, reducing operational costs and increasing the marina’s value. A final economic factor to mention is energy. An energyefficient marina isn’t just good for the environment - it’s also great for keeping costs down. By using high-capacity batteries to store energy, marinas can take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, reducing overall power expenses. Solar panels and wind turbines can further supplement energy needs, cutting reliance on the grid and making operations more sustainable. Plus, brokered power deals allow the marina to secure the best energy rates, ensuring predictable costs and long-term savings. With a smart mix of green energy and strategic power management, the marina stays efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. A further option here is to leverage government programs supporting renewable energy or environmental conservation. ENVIRONMENTAL is the aspect most often thought of, as the overriding part of Sustainability. While the climate change debate has grown significantly in the past 50 years, I can remember visionary leaders prior to this promoting sound environment principles long before they became in vogue. If there is a possibility to reuse a resource, from the humble water bottle to piles, pontoons, timber and countless others, then we should actively seek out these opportunities. This is a reason why our industry has become expert at repurposing brown field Sanctuary Cove Marina
March 2025 WATERLINE | 9 these connections will only get stronger. More than just docking spots, marinas are evolving into vibrant hubs where land and sea life come together in a way that benefits everyone. Let’s also look at the connection between coffee shops, dogs, and marinas - they always seem to go together to create exciting, community-focused spaces that foster interaction, relaxation, and shared experiences. This combination caters to a lifestyle centred on enjoyment, outdoor activity, and companionship. In closing, the marina environment is ripe for Sustainability options that balance environmental stewardship, economic growth, and community engagement. Australia’s marina industry is already leading the way with initiatives like the Marine Sustainability Pledge, Clean Marina Program, habitat restoration, and eco-education efforts. By using renewable energy, encouraging green boating, and fostering cultural collaboration, marinas are proving that sustainability isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential for preserving Australia’s incredible marine ecosystems. With the right mix of government support, association leadership and guidance, industry standards, and community involvement, marinas can help protect our waters while also creating exciting opportunities for local businesses. The marina of the future is not just a place for recreation and mooring boats - it is a model for how humans and nature can coexist harmoniously. By embracing these options now, we can ensure that Australia's iconic coastal and marine environments remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come. sites into viable vibrant marina locations. Environmentally friendly mooring systems have also come a long way over the years and are now becoming the go-to choice for marinas worldwide. While traditional mooring methods can damage fragile seabeds and marine ecosystems, elastic mooring lines are a reliable alternative that are quickly becoming a preferred option. Electric boats are also making a big splash in the push for more sustainable marinas as they produce zero emissions, meaning cleaner air and healthier waterways. They’re also much quieter, reducing noise pollution that can disturb marine life. Plus, with advancements in battery technology and solar charging options, electric boats are becoming more efficient and practical for everyday use. Marinas that embrace this shift not only lower their environmental impact but also attract eco-conscious boaters looking for greener ways to enjoy the water. It’s a win-win for both boaters and the environment! SOCIAL is my favourite part of this endeavour. The graphic by Oscar Siches of the relationship between people onshore and people on boats is the key to understanding this dynamic. It is not sufficient to only consider what the paying customer desires, as this only provides a limited sealed-off facility that lacks the joie de vivre, the simple interaction between all of the stakeholders. Marinas are all about connection—between people, places, and the water. They’re natural gathering spots where locals and traveling boaters meet, swap stories, share resources, and build a sense of community. It’s a relationship built on curiosity, mutual support, and a love for the sea. As marinas continue to embrace sustainable tourism, inclusive planning, and eco-friendly boating, FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY Delivering Fresh Ideas Creative Designs and Genuine Solutions for Marinas Docks and Moorings www.marinaquip.com Fingers Bollards Pedestals Office WC + Showers WiFi Dockhands Restaurant ATM Supermarket Newsstand Shipchandler Boatyard Airport Laundry Moorings & Docks Marina Services Basic Needs Comfort and Support Services User Types of boats Body of water Distances Hot dog Skewers French fries Drinks (affordable) Fishing area Outlook pier Tables/seats Paint contest Transport School visits Kindergarten Environment description Food stands Promenade or viewpoints Transport and events Resident Fingers Bollards Pedestals Office WC + Showers WiFi Dockhands Restaurant ATM Supermarket Newsstand Shipchandler Boatyard Airport Laundry Moorings & Docks Marina Services Basic Needs Comfort and Support Services User Types of boats Body of water Distances Hot dog Skewers French fries Drinks (affordable) Fishing area Outlook pier Tables/seats Paint contest Transport School visits Kindergarten Environment description Food stands Promenade or viewpoints Transport and events Resident Credit: Oscar Siches
10 | WATERLINE March 2025 ASIA'S FIRST AND ONLY CARBON-NEUTRAL MARINA FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) has proudly announced its distinction as Asia’s first carbon-neutral marina, building upon its previous commitment to a carbon-neutral mixed-use development. This achievement reinforces RPM’s position as a leader in sustainable development and sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible boating practices throughout Asia. The marina’s commitment to sustainability is evident, from 2016 when they installed solar panels that now supply 40% of its daily energy consumption and their work with partners to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, aiming to cut 4 million bottles per year. Marina Industries Association (MIA) CEO, Suzanne Davies said “It was great to visit Royal Phuket Marina on my recent trip to Thailand. It is a beautifully maintained marina, surrounded by modern Thai style architecture and the prioritisation of sustainability and environmental improvement is something our industry can be very proud of. Not only are there initiatives such as solar energy generation, water reuse and water refill stations, but the marina funds License to Clean 003, an ecofriendly catamaran which cruises Phan Nga Bay specially to clean floating trash in the water. The vessel returns to the marina each day where the trash is sorted and sent to a local recycling centre. The vessels are managed by Oceans for All, an expanding environment action group with its origins in Phuket. This is a marina that has environmental sustainability at the core of its culture and, as our first marina to sign up to the MIA’s Marine Sustainability Pledge, is truly ‘Climate Ready’.” More information can be found here: royalphuketmarina.com/sustainability-at-royalphuket-marina Licence to Clean 003
March 2025 WATERLINE | 11 EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Marina Industries Association (MIA) Bronze Sponsor, Choice Energy, is committed to helping marinas embrace sustainable practices. Partnerships Specialist, Alycia McCarthy answers some key questions about how solar can play a vital role in achieving a cleaner, greener and more financially sustainable future for the marina industry. Why should marina operators consider Solar energy? Solar energy offers a compelling solution for marinas seeking to reduce their environmental footprint and operational costs. It aligns perfectly with initiatives like the MIA’s New Marine Sustainability Pledge (MSP) and Clean Marina program, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. By harnessing the power of the sun, marinas can significantly reduce their reliance on an ageing energy grid, leading to cleaner air and water, and a healthier marine environment. What are the environmental benefits of solar for marinas? The positive impact is substantial. A standard 25kW solar system, commonly found on smaller marinas, is equivalent to 1130 trees planted annually. For a 50-boat marina, a system of at least 100kW would likely be installed, multiplying this environmental benefit significantly. This translates to reduced carbon emissions, aligning the industry to help mitigate the effects of climate change. The solar energy reduces non-point source pollution often associated with boating and marina facilities, directly contributing to cleaner water and a thriving marine ecosystem. Beyond environmental benefits, are there financial advantages to going solar? Absolutely. Most solar systems are cash flow positive or, at minimum, cash flow neutral. This means the savings on your energy bills will offset the cost of the system over time. In many cases, the savings begin immediately. This makes solar a financially sound decision, allowing marinas to reinvest those savings back into their businesses and further enhance their facilities. How does solar contribute to future sustainability? Investing in solar is a proactive step towards long-term sustainability. It future proofs your marina against rising energy costs and strengthens your reputation as an environmentally conscious business. By generating clean energy on-site, you reduce your dependence on traditional power sources, which often contribute to pollution and environmental degradation. This forward-thinking approach is essential for the marina industry to thrive in an increasingly environmentally conscious world. What services does Choice Energy offer to support marinas in their solar transition? Choice Energy understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by marina environments and provides efficient and comprehensive solar solutions tailored to the specific needs of marinas. From initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, Choice Energy will guide you through every step, ensuring a seamless transition to clean, sustainable energy. For more information contact: Alycia McCarthy, Partnerships Specialist alycia.mccarthy@choiceenergy.com.au choiceenergy.com.au MEMBERS CONTACTED 90 MEMBERS HELPED 12 SAVING PER ANNUM $79,746 FEATURE DECARBONISATION & SUSTAINABILITY
12 | WATERLINE March 2025 Three Queensland marinas have reaffirmed their commitment to environmental excellence, achieving 100% scores in both Clean Marina and Fish Friendly audits. Coral Sea Marina, Sanctuary Cove Marina, and Gladstone Marina have each been re-accredited, underscoring their dedication to sustainable marine operations. A GROWING FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY The Clean Marina Program, originally launched in 2004, has evolved into a globally recognised accreditation with more than 60 marinas across Asia Pacific and over 100 world-wide, now accredited as Clean Marinas. The addition of the Fish Friendly accreditation has gained further recognition among boat owners. The continued growth of these initiatives highlights the increasing global commitment to sustainable marina management and the protection of marine ecosystems. The Clean Marina Program is a voluntary accreditation system designed to reduce non-point source pollution associated with boating and marina facilities. By promoting clean water and air, the program helps marinas, yacht clubs, slipways, boatyards, and industry operators align with international environmental standards and maintain beautiful waterways. Congratulations to the following marinas for their re-accreditation and fantastic results: • Coral Sea Marina Resort - Clean Marina & Fish Friendly • Gladstone Marina - Clean Marina & Fish Friendly • Hope Island Resort Marina - Clean Marina • Mackay Marina Village - Clean Marina & Fish Friendly • Royal Geelong Yacht Club - Clean Marina • Sanctuary Cove Marina - Clean Marina & Fish Friendly • Sandringham Yacht Club - Clean Marina For more information about the Clean Marina Program, contact Silvia Jura at admin@marinas.net.au QLD MARINAS SET THE STANDARD WITH 100% CLEAN MARINA & FISH FRIENDLY ACCREDITATION CLEAN MARINA The team at Sanctuary Cove Marina were thrilled with the results of their Clean Marina and Fish Friendly audits. “A 100% score is an amazing outcome on both accounts for us,” said Steve Sammes CMM, Mulpha’s General Manager Marinas and Leisure Operations. Sammes highlighted the importance of always being prepared for audits. “Today’s professional marina managers should always be ready. This means not just having the required manuals and policies in place but also demonstrating the marina’s solid operational policies and practices,” he said. According to Sammes, a key element is fostering a strong team culture through collaborative training and empowerment. “Every day is an audit day when staff walk and work at the marina. Our people are frontline and, therefore, also responsible.” “As operators and owners of marina facilities, we are custodians of our cruising waterways, and we have the responsibility to ensure that the environment and fragile ecosystems are preserved for future generations of boaters.” Steve Sammes CMM, General Manager Marinas and Leisure Operations Mulpha Corporation. Gladstone Ports Corporation is proud to have Gladstone Marina re-accredited as a Clean and Fish Friendly Marina with a perfect score of 100%. This international accreditation highlights the marina’s dedication to operating in harmony with the environment while actively enhancing it through operations, community engagement, and education. “We are privileged to be operating in such a beautiful part of the world, with extensive seagrass meadows, a myriad of fish species, and, of course, the pristine Southern Great Barrier Reef at our doorstep.” David Osmond CMM, Marina Superintendent Gladstone Ports Corporation. As a Platinum Gold Anchor Marina, Coral Sea Marina recognises the importance of re-accreditation with the Clean Marina and Fish Friendly programs. “The criteria of the accreditation encourages the education and engagement of guests on sustainable boating practices and ensures that, as a business, we continue to prioritise the preservation of the marine environment of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef regions,” “Our accreditation acts as an indicator for guests and visitors that we are committed to preserving the natural environment in which we operate.” Joscelyn O’Keefe, Head of Marketing & Business Development Coral Sea Marina. GLADSTONE MARINA: A COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION SANCTUARY COVE MARINA: TEAM SPIRIT IS KEY CORAL SEA MARINA: LEADING BY EXAMPLE
March 2025 WATERLINE | 13 MARINA OF THE YEAR INTRODUCING NOMINEES FOR INDUSTRY WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD Mintira has been with Ocean Marina Jomtien for 34 years, rising from security guard to Operations Supervisor. She has held roles as fuel attendant, purchasing, and leadership. Mintira completed the MIA’s Intermediate Marina Management (IMM) and Straddle Carrier Operations & Maintenance (SCOM) courses. Certified in Marine Travelift operation, she leads a team of 37. In 2024, she was awarded Most Inspiring Woman in Travel (Asia). Stephanie joined Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) in 2022 as WHS Property and Compliance Manager, bringing 15 years in high-risk industries like mining and construction. She has held safety roles at Thiess, BHP Billiton, Woolworths, and AV Jennings. At GCCM, Stephanie applies her expertise to enhance safety and compliance, ensuring a secure marina and shipyard environment. With 5-star hotel experience in the UK and Australia, Nicky has spent 15 years shaping Empire Marinas’ premium service, earning multiple industry awards. A former MIA Director and ICOMIA Diversity Committee member, she also hosts The Boat Princess podcast, reaching 30K+ listeners worldwide and advocating for women in boating. Kate Purdie was appointed as General Manager, Abell Point Marina in 2018, leading its’ development into Coral Sea Marina Resort in 2019 and becoming CEO in 2020. With senior leadership experience at international media groups in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, Kate specialises in building high-performing teams to drive global business. In 2024, Kate earned CMP accreditation and is active in the marine and tourism industries, serving on multiple boards. Ange has 20+ years in the marine industry, commencing as Yard Hand at River Quays Marina, later leading commercial dockings at Sydney City Marine and heavy transport projects in WA. Now Service Manager at White Bay 6 Marine Park, Ange completed the Intermediate Marina Management (IMM) course in Sydney in 2024 and is attending the Advanced Marina Management (AMM) course in Auckland in 2025. Ange is also presenter and assessor of MIA’s Straddle Carrier Operations & Maintenance course. Woranart has over 20 years' experience in Thailand’s marine industry and is Marina Director, Royal Phuket Marina. Woranart has been instrumental in the marina's growth and sustainability practices with Royal Phuket Marina recently announced as Asia’s first carbonneutral marina and one of the first to sign the Marine Sustainability Pledge. Beyond sustainability, she strengthens collaborations with marine authorities, yacht associations, and local communities to improve regulations and safety standards. 237 Spit Road, Mosman NSW Middle Harbour 16ft Skiff Club 06 MAY 2025 TUESDAY, 18.00 - 22.00 Tickets now available at marinas.net.au MINTIRA SAWANGPHONG OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR, OCEAN MARINA JOMTIEN STEPHANIE TROUNCE – WHS & PROPERTY MANAGER, GOLD COAST CITY MARINA & SHIPYARD NICKY VAUX - PARTNER AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER EMPIRE MARINAS GROUP KATE PURDIE CMP - CEO, CORAL SEA MARINA RESORT ANGE MELVILLE - SERVICE MANAGER, WHITE BAY 6 MARINE PARK WORANART WONGWANICH MARINA DIRECTOR, ROYAL PHUKET MARINA
14 | WATERLINE March 2025 ENVIRONMENT MARINE SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE By Jeremy Visser, Associate Principal Environmental Consultant / Project Manager (Environment & Risk) BMT The launch of the Marina Industries Association (MIA) Marine Sustainability Pledge (MSP) represents a further opportunity for marine businesses to commit to good environmental performance, building on the previous Single Use Plastics Pledge and the Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Programs. Pledges and certification programs like these are important as the marina industry walks an interesting line between being mostly selfregulating while still being prominently in the public eye. Thus, the MSP, should have key advantages for the industry, such as: • Helping individual businesses to further align with best practice for environmental performance • Promoting the efforts of the industry in self-regulation, both to the public and to regulators Taking the MSP is similar to committing to certification under the Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Programs but has several key differences. Primarily, the pledge is aimed at commitment to overall environmental and sustainability outcomes whereas the accreditation programs are about environmental practice. Additionally, the Clean Marina and Fish Friendly Programs focus principally on point source pollution and marine habitat, while the MSP is intended to be much broader in scope. In this way, it provides a commitment by a marina business that, over time, can lead to comprehensive changes in organisational behaviour with the intent of achieving key sustainability outcomes. Some thoughts on each of the key pledge items: ZERO SINGLE-USE PLASTICS This is a continuation of the previous MIA Single Use Plastics Pledge and aligns with broader efforts across society to eliminate single-use plastics. Despite general changes in societal approaches, this remains a long-term objective due to the lack of plastic alternatives across a lot of areas of life; however, it is important to still take real efforts and sacrifices to cut down single-use plastics as much as possible. CARBON NEUTRALITY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY Similarly, this forms part of the broader social narrative around moving to net zero and carbon neutral futures. This pairs well with the Climate Ready Guidebook developed by the MIA and Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) which sets out opportunities to achieve carbon neutrality, including guides on greenhouse gas audits and common means of reducing emissions and introducing renewables. WATER CONSERVATION AND POLLUTION PREVENTION While the Clean Marina Program and state environmental regulations have a strong focus on pollution prevention, water conservation is an emerging topic of interest, especially for businesses that do have high water uses. Opportunities exist to undertake water efficiency audits to then form the basis to transition business activities to less water-intensive uses. Pollution prevention will always need to remain a core tenet for marine businesses under approvals and general environmental duty/pollution offence provisions of legislation. This is of particular concern for marine businesses due to their proximity to the water. AIR QUALITY AND POLLUTION CONTROL Similar to water pollution, controls on air quality remain important as part of conformance to approval and regulatory requirements. This will also increase as urban development increasingly encroach upon existing industrial areas. CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY Resource efficiency is part of the broader social transition aimed at reducing the generation of waste, especially metals and other materials that either have significant legacy impacts once disposed and/or take significant effort to mine and produce. Bespoke solutions to promote circular economy approaches are being developed for the marine industry but commitment is needed to integrate these into common day-to-day practice. MARINE HABITAT PROTECTION AND RESTORATION While regulation requires detailed assessments of the marine environment when undertaking new capital projects (e.g. new marina and maritime infrastructure, expansions to existing facilities), there is often a lack of corresponding knowledge of the marine habitat values and risks for operating businesses. Despite this, marinas and maritime infrastructure can actually provide a range of unique habitat opportunities for marine fauna. This requires work going ‘above and beyond’ to understand these opportunities and invest in infrastructure adaptation. This aligns in part with efforts under the Fish Friendly Program. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION As many marinas are in the public eye (e.g. due to co-location with public boat ramps, offering of community boating initiatives, physical proximity to foreshore areas) there is an ongoing need to engage with local communities. In particular, there are key opportunities to involve local boaties in support of environmental initiatives, such as monitoring for marine pests and pollution. ACCOUNTABILITY Accountability as part of the pledge is key to ensuring a continuous improvement cycle is ongoing. Overall, the Marine Sustainability Pledge is anticipated to be a key initiative to help both individual marine businesses and the industry as a whole demonstrate an active commitment to the environment and sustainability. If you would like advice on how to implement some of the initiatives above, feel free to reach out to the MIA’s Environmental Partner, BMT, or any of your own trusted environmental consultants. For more information about the Marine Sustainability Pledge see page 8 or contact: Chris Stone, MIA Operations Manager manager@marinas.net.au "The pledge is aimed at commitment to overall environmental and sustainability outcomes ”
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