The Boating Industry Association of Western Australia (BIAWA) is a not for profit organisation and the peak body representing the recreational and light commercial boating industries in Western Australia. Our executive, together with those from the BIAs from each State and the NT, form the national executive, the Australian Marine Industries Federation.
The BIAWA is member driven, with an elected Board that oversees the management of the Association by a small but dynamic staff in meeting the aims and objectives of the Association to develop a progressive and sustainable Industry and to promote recreational boating.
The primary aim of the BIAWA is to promote and develop the recreational and light commercial boating industry and also safe, responsible recreational boating activities. This means that the activities of the Association, though primarily industry driven, also extend to servicing the boating community.
Objectives of the BIA WA
The BIA aims to further the interests of its members by:
- Improving the sustainability of the recreational and light commercial boating industry
- Increasing participation in boating activities
- Building constructive relationships with Government, like industry, and boating clubs and associations.
- Encouraging additional sustainable marine facilities
- Increasing the image and profile of the industry
- Developing a strong BIA brand image
- Educating boat users on the merits of dealing with BIA Members
- Actively promoting boating safety education
- Actively promoting career opportunities in the marine industry
- Developing education and training opportunities
- Ensuring the protection of the natural environment
In order to achieve these goals the BIA undertakes a wide range of activities and programs, the most prominent of which are the annual Perth International Boat Show, the Hillarys Boat, Dive and Fishing Show, and the Rottnest Safety Convoys.
BIAWA Code of Practice more than just a declaration
We often describe the BIA as the Motor Trade Association of the boating world, but there is more to this industry association than simply serving the interest of the member companies. The BIA has a very public interface and we see this as crucial to keeping in touch with the real needs and issues of the boating public.
The BIAWA manages the bi-annual Rottnest Safety Convoys and provides opportunities for boaters to attend updates and seminars on all aspects of boating at various events and activities that we run.We also work together with groups such as Boating WA to lobby government on behalf of boat owners and operators, to ensure that legislation and regulations give full consideration to the needs of the boating public.
We are in the process of working with other marine industry groups on issues of education, training and facility development towards high quality servicing of boat owners, inclusive of forward planning and recommendations for marina developments and launching facilities.
Each state in Australia has a BIA, and although independently operated on a state basis, each has a representative that sits on the Board of the Australian Marine Industries Federation to address issues on a national basis. All BIA members nationally operate under a national 'BIA Code of Practice' and are bound to this once accepted as a member.
The Code of Practice protects the public, the member and the Association from poor or dishonest practices and maintains the credibility and integrity of the industry and our BIA members. Therefore we take the Code of Practice very seriously and we actively work to ensure that it is applied by our members in their day-to-day dealings with the public.
The BIA Code of Practice places members in a position of trust, to:
- act honestly and fairly in all business dealings with the consumer;
- act honestly and fairly in all business dealings with the consumer;
- maintain professional courtesy and integrity at all times;
- ensure that all advertising and representations are truthful and accurate;
- at all times act in an environmentally responsible manner;
- do all that is possible to promote safe boating and educational practices;
- render accurate, truthful and expert advice to the community;
- strive for excellence in quality of service to customers;
- promptly attend to all justifiable warranty claims.
The BIA has a duty to the boating public and to its members to ensure adherence to the Code of Practice. If you believe that you have a genuine issue with a BIA member, or other member of the industry, you may contact the BIA initially by telephone to discuss your concern; we may then ask you to formalise your concern in writing, to enable us to follow this up towards a satisfactory outcome.
The BIA Office: 9271 9688. Email: admin@biawa.asn.au
Mission Statement
The BIAWA is focused on the sustainable and progressive development of the recreational and light commercial industry in Western Australia, and on the promotion and development of safe, responsible and enjoyable recreational boating pursuits for the whole of the community.
This means that the BIAWA operates in the interest of the industry and of the community to ensure that the Western Australian Government objectives of economic, social and environmental development are met within our industry and markets.
