Congratulations to Fremantle Sailing Club (FSC) on its successful Clean Marina and Fish Friendly accreditation. The club had been accredited as a Clean Marinas until 2018, however due to compliance issues the site was unable to continue complying with the stringent criteria. Club CEO Craig Evans CMM and Boatyard Services Manager Steve Ottaway CMM were determined to reaffirm the Club’s leadership in environmental management and sustainable marina operations and set about improving the club’s environmental practices and outcomes so that it could once again accredit as a Clean Marina.
Fremantle Sailing Club Photo credit: Johnno Wroth
Occupying more than 345,000 m² on Western Australia’s iconic Indian Ocean coastline, FSC is not only Australia’s largest yacht club but one of the most complex marina operations in the country. The site features 678 berths, 280 hardstand bays, a six-lane boat ramp, and 70-bay boatyard serviced by two straddle carriers and eight large work sheds. With over 3,500 members, 37 permanent staff, and more than 200 contractors regularly working onsite, the scale of daily activity made reaccreditation a significant achievement.
“Operating a marina of this size and activity level presents unique environmental challenges,” said Craig Evans CMM, CEO Fremantle Sailing Club. “Regaining our Clean Marina and Fish Friendly accreditation demonstrates the dedication of our team and members to responsible, sustainable operations that protect the waters we all enjoy.”
Evans said the reaccreditation reflected a coordinated effort across the organisation. “This result is a tribute to the efforts of many, but particularly our Boatyard Services Manager, Steve Ottaway CMM, and Harbour Master, Sam Blackburn, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in achieving the result.”
Fremantle Sailing Club Photo credit: Johnno Wroth
For Steve, the reaccreditation also highlights the Club’s focus on continual improvement. “The Clean Marina program gives us a framework to measure our performance and identify practical steps to enhance our environmental systems,” he said. “It’s a reminder that every process, from waste management and spill prevention to stormwater controls, plays a role in protecting our harbour.”
Elgin Associates, one of the MIA’s Clean Marina auditors, commended the Club’s professionalism and culture of responsibility. Luke Finley from Elgin said “Fremantle Sailing Club sets a high benchmark for large, multi-use facilities.” “Their attention to detail, especially in a high-traffic boatyard and international entry point, reflects a strong environmental ethos that is embedded across the organisation.”
The Clean Marina and Fish Friendly programs form part of the MIA’s international suite of environmental accreditations, encouraging marinas to go beyond compliance to demonstrate environmental leadership. For FSC, the achievement is both symbolic and practical, recognising a proud maritime history while ensuring its operations safeguard the ocean for generations to come.
For more information visit www.marinas.net.au
