14 | WATERLINE July 2026 FEATURE BOATYARDS & YARD EQUIPMENT SUPPORTING BOATYARD EXCELLENCE THROUGH INDUSTRY RESOURCES By Lily Peel, MIA Industry Training & Development Coordinator As the marine industry continues to evolve, boatyard operators face increasing demands around safety, workforce development, environmental management, and operational efficiency. To support these challenges, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) offers a range of resources specifically designed for the boatyard sector. One of the MIA’s flagship training programs is the Straddle Carrier Operation and Maintenance Course (SCOM). Delivered in partnership with a Registered Training Organisation and linked to nationally recognised units of competency, this VET-accredited course provides specialised training in the safe and efficient launching and retrieval of vessels using straddle carriers. Focused on safety and industry best practice, the course has become a valuable resource for boatyard operators across the region. Beyond training, the MIA continues to work with Safe Work Australia and other industry bodies regarding proposed licensing requirements for straddle carriers within the marine sector. The MIA remains committed to promoting safe, practical, and industry-specific operating standards. It continues to ensure that any changes to regulation consider the unique training requirements to safely lift and stand vessels which is very different to lifting of regularly shaped and evenly weighted objects. Recognising the growth of drystack facilities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, the MIA has developed a new Negative Forklift and Drystack Operations Course. Developed through industry collaboration, this marine-specific program addresses the unique risks, procedures, and operational requirements associated with using forklifts to launch and retrieve vessels in drystack environments. Like the straddle carrier course, it is VET-accredited and tailored specifically for marine operations. Complementing these practical training programs is the MIA’s suite of online courses, which provide an ideal induction pathway for employees, contractors, and site personnel. Topics include Workplace Health and Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Oil Spill Response, Extreme Weather Preparedness, and Environmental Best Practice. The recently updated Marina Operations System further supports boatyard businesses by providing an editable framework for developing comprehensive operational documentation. Accompanied by template procedures, risk registers, training registers, and other practical tools, it enables organisations to build robust management systems tailored to their specific operations. The MIA encourages boatyard operators to explore these resources and contribute ideas for future training and resource development to help strengthen the industry. For more information, contact: Lily Peel education@marinas.net.au Negative Forklift & Drystack Operations Course marinas.net.au education@marinas.net.au • Developed in collaboration with Industry Leaders. • Focuses on safe operation of negative forklifts within dry stack facilities. • The course aims to support dry stack operators in reducing risk, improving operational standards, and strengthening workplace health and safety outcomes. • VET accredited and tailored specifically for marine operations.
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