The Shipwrights & Boatbuilders Association (SBA) is a division of the Boating Industry Association (BIA), and is dedicated to the interests of shipwrights, boatbuilders, & small-ship surveyors.
 
The SBA serves corporate members of the BIA who are engaged in building, refitting, surveying, repairing or otherwise servicing boats, as well as qualified trades-people who may be employed in the industry, or whom are currently not practicing or retired.
 
The objectives of the SBA are to:
 
• develop an accreditation structure for the trade
• provide a forum for technical, product, regulatory & other related information exchange
• provide an employment forum
• provide opportunity to members for promotion of the trade and their businesses
• advocate on behalf of the industry with respect to regulation & education
• provide a meaningful code of conduct & identifiable brand associated with such
• foster a professional community that is pro-actively engaged for the betterment of the trade & the industry
SBA membership is open to suitably qualified trades-people or those who are training to become shipwrights. For further information regarding the advantages & benefits of membership, please contact the Member Services Representative at the BIA on (02) 9438 2077.
 
Shipwrights and Surveyors – What we do……
 
Shipwrights:
 
Shipwrights are professional trades-people, specialists in the construction, repair, and maintenance of boats. Shipwrights generally serve an apprenticeship or traineeship of up to 4 years under an experienced tradesman, and attend formal tertiary training in their craft.
 
Modern shipwrights can be very specialized, as construction methods, materials, and types of vessel have diversified greatly in the last half-century. Generally though, shipwrights are qualified to offer the following services:
 
·         Build new vessels
·         Fitout of vessel interior (custom or otherwise)
·         Restoration, repair & maintenance of boats and their structural or functional components.
·         Installation of onboard machinery and components.
·         Custom installation of onboard systems
·         Docking & slipping of vessels for maintenance or repair
·         Aesthetic and protective servicing such as varnishing, painting, anodizing, galvanizing & gel-coating.

Surveyors:
 
Shipwrights with many years experience may train to become Small Ship Surveyors. Surveyors provide technical advisory services for vessels of most types.
 
Small Ship Surveyors may also specialize, but generally these professionals will offer the following services:
 
·         Pre & post purchase inspections and reports
·         Insurance inspections & reports
·         Repair advisory and specification
·         Damage & loss assessment
·         Consultancy
Professional Shipwrights and Small Ship Surveyors will carry appropriate insurance and be conversant with relevant legislation. These professionals are equipped to provide high quality advice & service.