14 | WATERLINE September 2025 The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has formed a collaboration with expert risk advisor Paul Chivers to enhance safety across the marine sector. This partnership will focus on engaging businesses, improving risk management practices and delivering practical safety education tailored to the unique challenges of marinas, boatyards, service providers, and marine operators. BIA CFO Andrew Scott said this was an exciting collaboration with significant potential to support industry members due to the extensive experience of Chivers in high-risk environments, including SailGP, event risk management and maritime safety. “Paul brings a systems-thinking approach that prioritises real-world solutions over compliance-driven box-ticking exercises” Scott said. The marine industry presents distinct safety challenges, from confined spaces on vessels to working at height in boatyards, and Chivers is looking forward to working with BIA to provide industry-relevant risk management strategies that empower businesses to operate safely and efficiently. ENGAGING, PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS FOR INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS A key focus of this collaboration will be the development and delivery of interactive workshops designed to equip industry professionals with practical, actionable safety strategies. These sessions will address key industry risks and provide hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as: • Confined Spaces in the Marine Industry – Addressing risks in engine compartments, fuel storage areas, and bilges, with a focus on ventilation, fire hazards, and emergency preparedness. • Working at Heights in Workshops, Boatyards & Marinas – Best practices for fall prevention on vessels, docks, and infrastructure, factoring in slippery surfaces, vessel movement, and wind exposure. • Fire Safety & Hot Work Risks – Understanding welding, grinding and fibreglass repair hazards, with an emphasis on ignition sources and safety controls. • Sun & Heat Exposure in Marine Work – Strategies to reduce UV-related health risks, including protective clothing, hydration strategies, and work scheduling in high-UV environments. • Risk Assessment & Incident Response – How businesses can apply effective risk analysis techniques to prevent accidents and improve safety culture. These workshops will be industry-specific, interactive and discussion-driven, ensuring businesses gain practical takeaways which can be immediately applied in their operations. STRENGTHENING BIA’S MARINE CARD TRAINING & SAFETY SYSTEMS Another priority will be the evolution of the Marine Card training program, ensuring that it remains a trusted industry standard for safety awareness. Over the next year, Chivers will support: STRENGTHENING SAFE MARINE BUSINESSES: A COLLABORATIVE VISION BETWEEN BIA AND RISKFACILITATOR Paul Chivers, Riskfacilitator
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