The International SeaKeepers Society Australian Charitable Trust has been officially registered as a charity and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient, opening new opportunities for Australians to support ocean research, conservation and education through tax-deductible giving.
The designation means eligible donations made to SeaKeepers Australia are tax deductible, creating a new pathway for individuals, businesses, vessel owners and the broader marine industry to contribute to the organisation’s work while receiving associated tax benefits.
The development also brings SeaKeepers’ Vessel Donation Program to Australia, extending an initiative that has operated for many years in the United States as part of the organisation’s international DISCOVERY Program.
Through the program, yacht owners are provided with an alternative option when considering the future of a vessel.
Rather than pursuing a traditional sale, owners may choose to donate a vessel, with the proceeds supporting SeaKeepers’ ocean-focused programs and mission-driven activities.
The International SeaKeepers Society has used vessel donations to generate funding for marine science expeditions, citizen science projects, education initiatives and conservation activities around the world.
For yacht brokers, the Vessel Donation Program may provide another solution for clients exploring alternatives to a conventional vessel sale. In some cases, donating a vessel may offer financial, estate planning or philanthropic advantages, while also contributing to practical environmental outcomes.
In the United States, SeaKeepers has established a clear and professionally managed donation process. Depending on the vessel and ownership structure, donors generally provide vessel documentation, proof of ownership and a recent appraisal before transfer documents and tax forms are prepared. Once finalised, proceeds from the donated vessel are directed towards SeaKeepers programming.
With the Australian Charitable Trust now registered and endorsed as a DGR, similar opportunities are available in Australia.
The expansion of the Vessel Donation Program into Australia is expected to support yacht owners, brokers, family offices and professional advisors seeking charitable giving options with a marine conservation focus. It also strengthens SeaKeepers’ ability to support marine science and educational initiatives throughout the South Pacific and beyond.
SeaKeepers has spent more than 25 years working with yacht owners, captains, brokers and industry professionals to turn the resources and reach of the yachting community into measurable ocean impact.
The organisation now operates internationally, with chapters in the United States, United Kingdom, Asia and the South Pacific regions.
SeaKeepers Australia is welcoming conversations with yacht brokers, owners, family offices and professional advisors interested in learning more about vessel donation opportunities through The International SeaKeepers Society Australian Charitable Trust.
About Seakeepers
SeaKeepers facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education by engaging the yachting community.
Its main focus is providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students, ensuring the planet’s future wellbeing.
SeaKeepers empowers the yachting community to leverage its unique role in advancing marine science and raising awareness of global ocean issues.
For more information, visit their website HERE
