26 | WATERLINE September 2026 GOLD ANCHOR The new Gold Anchor criteria is the most substantial revision in the last decade. The six key sections remain unchanged, but the criteria have been changed to reflect the shifts in customer and stakeholder expectations and respond to the management of new facilities, technology and risks. The criteria descriptors are more concise, clearer and more objective. Some criteria have been consolidated and cross category duplication removed. This has resulted in a decline in the number of criteria measured from 87 to 72. None of the substance has gone - the criteria remains robust and relevant. One of the most significant areas of change is in the environmental section where requirements have been elevated in line with stronger environmental regulations and community expectations. Given the change to the way customers consume, a handful of items have been removed entirely - among them Chandlery, Charter and Boat Hire. As a program designed to help marinas improve their operational management, safety, and mitigate risk, the policy and procedure criteria have been elevated and scores increased to recognise the importance of risk management. On the service side, the revisions are focused on the changes to customer expectation – both prior to arrival and when arriving and staying at the facility. Capturing customer sentiment through the Berth Holder Questionnaire remains a cornerstone of the accreditation, doubling the value to the overall score. The purpose of the program remains the same, allowing a marina to measure itself against international best practice, identify its gaps, and provide an improvement pathway to work towards. If you’re looking to improve your facility or tighten your policies and procedures, the Gold Anchor accreditation program is worth a look. For more information, contact: Chris Stone, MIA Operations Manager manager@marinas.net.au or visit: marinas.net.au REFINING THE STANDARD INSIDE THE NEW GOLD ANCHOR CRITERIA By Chris Stone, MIA Operations Manager THE 72 CRITERIA ASSESSED AND MEASURED IN THE GOLD ANCHOR ASSESSMENT INCLUDE: 1. Ambiance 2. Policies, Procedures and Planning 3. Customer Service 4. Environmental 5. On-Water Facilities 6. On-Shore Facilities Industries Association SPONSORS & PARTNERS PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS INSURANCE PARTNER HR PARTNER CLOTHING PARTNER LEGAL PARTNER These are the businesses providing support and commitment to the industry through their sponsorship of the MIA. We ask that you consider their products and services when contemplating your next purchase.
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