What is the BIA?

[CLICK HERE to download the Application Form for BIA Membership]

WHAT THE BIA INCORPORATES
The Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA) strives to be the voice and authority to government departments, associated bodies and interest groups, representing the Boating and Marine Industry in NSW, whilst creating awareness within the community and promoting the benefits of safe recreational boating. Whilst its activity within the industry is quite diverse, some of the key issues that the BIA deal with include:

* The promotion and benefits of the boating industry to its members and the public.
* The maintenance of committees in the fields of boat shows, legislation, facilities, safety, promotion, training and special subgroups.
* To work closely with government, marine organisations and other interest groups to increase the industries effectiveness.
* To conduct and promote boat shows that reflect the size and importance of the industry and its membership.
* To dedicate profits from boat shows and other marketing endeavours to benefit and promote the industry.
* To maintain a permanent office and full time staff to represent, assist its membership and conduct its affairs.
* The BIA is also involved in important issues that touch upon all aspects of our recreational use of the waterways, namely:
- The Environment
- Boating Safety
- Waterways Infrastructure
- Access
- Public Facilities

BIA AND YOU
Formed in 1960 to promote boating as a safe and recreational pastime, the BIA has gone from strength to strength. It provides a forum to discuss industry needs and serves as a representative of the industry to government (State and Federal), media and public. It is dedicated to the promotion and support of safe boating throughout the state and is an ongoing voice for industry members, ensuring that their interests are well represented.

WHO IS ITS MEMBERSHIP?
The corporate membership of the BIA represents over 90% of recreational boating industries. Its members include boat builders, retailers, engine distributors, yacht brokers, trailer manufacturers, chandlers, hire and charter boat operators, marinas, shipwrights, mechanical repairers, electrical engineers, surveyors, manufacturers of parts and accessories and wholesale marine distributors - all of which are dedicated to the continuous improvement and sensible regulation of the Boating Industry.

WHY SHOULD YOU BELONG?
Because the BIA is you. Association membership is appropriate for any business that provides products or services at either a commercial or retail level to the marine market. It lends increased credibility to your business from the consumer point of view. It provides you with the knowledge that you are part of an Association that will go the extra mile to ensure that your business is represented by one of the largest and most respected Associations in Australia.

FOR HAPPIER, SAFER BOATING IN NEW SOUTH WALES
In short, the BIA is committed to the growth of the marine industry, of happier and safer boating in New South Wales, benefiting all of us. The BIA is continually campaigning for new and improved boating facilities to cater for the ever- growing needs of boat owners and businesses.

DIRECTORS
Ten directors, elected by the membership serve a one year term and guide the policy and programmes of the Association. Directors must be elected from member firms.

AFFILIATIONS
In order for the BIA to work effectively for its members, it is represented in or has affiliation with the following:

* Australian Marine Industries Federation
* Australian International Marine Export Group
* Australian Business Ltd
* BIA Marine Finance
* BIA Marine Insurance
* International Council of Marine Industry Associations
* International Federation of Boat Show Organisations
* Marina Association of Australia
* Sydney Harbour Maritime Forum

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS LTD SERVICES
As part of your BIA Membership, you will have direct access to a range of business advice services provided by Australian Business Advice Line 13 29 59.

MEETINGS AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Membership meetings are held periodically in various locations, providing a forum for members to discuss any issues they are concerned about, or simply, to network. Members of industry sub-groups such as the Marina Association of NSW, Marine Industries Mechanical Repairers Association of NSW, Shipwright and Boatbuilders Association of NSW, Sailing Industry Association of NSW, Marine Brokers Association of NSW, Sydney International Boat Show and Marketing Committee and the Government Relations Committee, meet regularly to discuss issues concerning the boating industry.

BOAT SHOWS & OTHER PROMOTIONS
New South Wales is a leading boating centre nationwide and the BIA Boat Shows are run to reflect this enthusiasm. The BIA has presented the highly successful Sydney International Boat Show since 1967 and it remains the flagship event of all annual promotional activities. The BIA also produces the Rosehill Gardens Boat Show, the Herald Boat Show in Newcastle and the Sydney Big Boats Power & Sail Boat Show. Allocation privileges are shown to BIA members at all Boat Shows. The BIA also undertakes promotional activities to increase public awareness about the benefits of dealing with a BIA member.

These activities include:
* Annual publication of the NSW Marine Directory
* Advertising in the Waterways Licence Handbook
* Production of the Sydney International Boat Show Programme
* Participation in the NSW Fisheries anglers hand books
* Sponsorship and participation of a number of Sydney Weekender programmes

LEGISLATION
The BIA has been extremely active in the legislative field for many years. They continue to present or support key legislation favourable to the recreational boating industry and boat users and express the real concerns of our Industry to Government. Through its Board of Directors, Divisional Committees and professional staff, the Association is active in implementing new initiatives in a number of different fields, including the environment and promoting safe recreational boating.

CODE OF ETHICS
BIA members are obligated to act in a position of trust to render accurate, truthful and expert advice to the community and to accurately and honestly advertise their products. BIA membership gives you a sound business asset and increased integrity that instills customer confidence in your business products, services and staff. A public commitment to fair-trading through the promoted industry obligations and a proof of a long-term commitment to the industry.

CLICK HERE to download the Code of Practice