A major new national initiative, Responsible Boat Ownership, will launch next week in the lead-up to Safe Boating Week 2025 (October 6–12). The campaign, developed by the Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) in partnership with the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG), brings together maritime regulators and aquatic recreation organisations across Australia to encourage safe, responsible and sustainable boating practices.
Empowering Boaters Through Knowledge
The campaign has been designed to help Australians make informed decisions about boating while fostering a culture of safety and responsibility. It is structured around three key pillars:
- Own it – supporting prospective buyers with practical guidance on choosing safe and suitable vessels.
- Maintain it – offering advice on how to properly store and care for boats to ensure reliability and safety.
- Enjoy it – encouraging boaters to make sustainable choices and enjoy time on the water with confidence.
To support the “Own it” pillar, the BIA has launched the new Accredited Marine Broker program. Under this scheme, brokers must meet strict criteria that protect consumers and ensure fair, transparent transactions.
Safety as a Shared Responsibility
Highlighting the importance of collaboration across the sector, Justin Foster, Chair of ANZSBEG, emphasised that boating safety involves everyone:
“Safety is a shared responsibility,” he said. “This campaign provides practical, easy-to-follow advice for everyone, from first-time buyers to seasoned skippers. The BIA encourages all stakeholders to get involved and help make Safe Boating Week 2025 a turning point for a safer, more sustainable future for recreational boating.”
With boating ownership rising steadily nationwide, campaign leaders are reminding Australians that safety cannot be left to chance. “Boating should always be a safe and enjoyable experience. But as boat ownership grows across Australia, so does our shared responsibility to keep our waterways safe for everyone,” a BIA spokesperson said.
Project Goals and National Backing
The Responsible Boat Ownership project is supported by maritime regulators and leading non-government organisations in aquatic recreation. Phase one focuses on equipping buyers with trusted, consistent advice to make better decisions when purchasing a vessel. By unifying resources and expert knowledge across the sector, the initiative aims to reduce accidents and raise awareness of best practice.
The campaign is also tied directly to the themes of Safe Boating Week 2025, reinforcing the global message that safe people, safe vessels and safe waterways are at the heart of a thriving boating community.
Making Every Day on the Water a Safe Day
Accidents on the water can and do happen, but campaign leaders say knowledge is the most powerful prevention tool. By encouraging Australians to buy wisely, maintain vessels properly, and operate responsibly, the program seeks to create safer outcomes for boaters, their families, and the wider community.
The campaign’s central message is clear: Make an Informed Choice. Own the Responsibility. Or, as its motto reminds us, A great day on the water is a safe day.
With peak boating season ahead, the launch of Responsible Boat Ownership provides a timely reminder that safe and sustainable boating benefits everyone.
To support the campaign, three Fact Sheets have been prepared. They can be found on the below links.
Own it! Maintain it! Enjoy it!
