The BIA no longer holds the licence for the Watsons Bay Pilot Station and recently handed the facility back to Transport for NSW via their property managers The APP Group.
For over 100 years a building has stood on the site in Watsons Bay serving those who use the water for recreation or work. In 1907 a Life Boat House was erected at the location. In 1959 this was replaced by a Ships’ Pilot Station. This closed in 2008 when the Pilots moved to Botany Bay. It was converted into a Boating Safety Education Centre in 2015 with a mission to teach people about safe, responsible and enjoyable boating.
BIA through 2016-17 managed to have a system in place where the Marine Teachers Association of NSW (MTA) was regularly bringing young people from a variety of schools to the Station as part of the Education Department’s Marine Studies program. Marine Studies is an elective course as part of the NSW High School Curriculum with more than 7000 participating students. The course included education and training in competencies which TfNSW recognised as appropriate to acquire an NSW Boat Driver Licence.
BIA established at the same time a partnership with the Sydney Heritage Fleet who provided school group accommodation aboard the Tall Ship James Craig in Darling Harbour as well as providing over-water transport to and from the Station. BIA also had a partnership with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science at Chowder Bay where the MTA students could attend for science-based learning experiences to balance their Marine Studies and practical on-, in- and under-water marine education.
In early 2020 the global pandemic COVID 19 disrupted almost all facets of life with a focus on disease control through actions such as social distancing and remote work/ learning from home. The pandemic effectively forced the closure of the program at the Pilot Station.
Leasing of the facility is being managed by the APP Group.
The APP Group advise that: The Premises is a free standing, two storey building, with timber clad walls and a wide eave flat roof, set on a platform base within a maritime surround.
A maximum of 10-year term is available containing a break clause allowing the landlord to terminate the lease at any time giving 6-months’ notice.
The current permitted use is for the purposes of an educational facility to conduct maritime educational activities including but not limited to boating safety and sailing activities, recreational boating and maritime activities, maritime industry-based management functions and meetings and such other uses as permitted by the development consent. Alternative uses may be available subject to planning approval.
To participate in the EOI, contact APP for the, 1. Lease Application Package, a. Lease Application Form, b. Maintenance Responsibilities Schedule
Applications are to be submitted by Sunday, 30th November 2025 at 5.00pm
For more information visit bia.org.au
