December 2025 WATERLINE | 35 As 2025 draws to a close, the Marina Industries Association (MIA) is looking ahead with excitement to what 2026 will bring for education and training across our industry. Throughout the past year, we’ve focused on developing new courses, reviewing our existing programs, and refining the learning pathways that support career growth across marinas, boatyards, and related marine operations. COURSE REVIEW AND RENEWAL In line with our three-year review cycle, we have completed a comprehensive update of our suite of online and virtual courses. This ensures that all content reflects current industry standards, best practices, and new developments. For those who have completed these courses in the past, we highly recommend revisiting them, a lot can change in three years. And for those yet to begin, 2026 is the perfect time to start. We’ll be offering a special bundle deal for all online courses to make it even easier to access the full foundation of marina industry knowledge. NEW TECHNICAL TRAINING Negative Forklift and Heavy Lift Straddle Carrier Courses Responding to strong industry demand, we’re proud to announce the launch of the Negative Forklift and Dry Stack Operations Course, debuting in Sydney on March 14 - 15, 2026. Developed by experienced industry leaders, this program focuses on the unique and highly specialised skill of operating marine forklifts. Currently, there are no other formal qualifications in this field, and the MIA is excited to fill this important training gap and strengthen the professional standards within our industry. Also nearing completion is the Heavy Lift Straddle Carrier Operation and Maintenance Course. Designed to meet the growing demand for training on lifting larger and more complex vessels, this advanced course builds on our successful Straddle Carrier Operation and Maintenance Course. It focuses on the planning and execution of complex marine lifts using heavylift capacity straddle carriers, further enhancing safety and capability across our marinas and boatyards. A CLEARER PATHWAY FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT In 2025, we took time to refine and strengthen the career pathway offered through MIA training. The goal was to create a structured, progressive framework to help newcomers enter the industry confidently and provide clear steps for career advancement. In September, we launched the first Dockhand Course at Shellharbour Marina, a refreshed version of our long-running Marina 101 course. The Dockhand Course introduces participants to the core skills needed in marina operations, making it ideal for school leavers and newcomers. Delivered under a licensing model, marinas can purchase an annual licence from MIA to deliver the course locally as often as they wish, helping attract new and local talent into your area. The next step in the pathway is the new Dockmaster Course, designed for those with one to three years of experience in marina operations. This two-day, in-person program bridges the gap between the Dockhand Course and the Intermediate Marina Management Course. It focuses on strengthening operational knowledge, leadership skills, and industry understanding, preparing participants for supervisory and management roles. This restructured learning pathway, in conjunction with the suite of online courses offered, provides a clear route for growth, ensuring that investment in staff development leads to long-term engagement and rewarding careers within the marina industry. EDUCATION AND GROWTH AHEAD 2026 UPDATE FROM THE MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE MARINA TRAINING INSTITUTE LOOKING AHEAD AT MANAGEMENT COURSES FOR 2026 In 2026, the Intermediate Marina Management Course will head west to Fremantle, Western Australia, hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club, 26 – 30 July. With the course already half full before official dates were announced, it’s shaping up to be another successful event. Meanwhile, the Advanced Marina Management Course will return to Queensland, taking place at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, the course will run from August 30 – September 4. ACKNOWLEDGING INDUSTRY SUPPORT The success of MIA’s education program is only possible thanks to the incredible support of our industry volunteers, most of whom are Certified Members, who share their time, knowledge, and passion to develop and deliver our courses. On behalf of industry, we thank you. To everyone who contributed in 2025, whether through course review, delivery, providing venues or mentoring, we extend our sincere thanks. Your efforts ensure that our programs remain relevant, practical, and of the highest standard. As we move into 2026, we look forward to building on this momentum, continuing to support the growth of our industry, and inspiring the next generation of marina professionals.
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