Boating

• Boat building, repair and mechanical servicing
• Marina services
• Boat operations
• Tourism

The industry is dominated by small businesses operating around the coastal and inland waterways of Australia.

Much of the industry operates around marine facilities such as marinas, slipways, boatbuilding and storage facilities and charter bases in both tourist destinations and ‘out of the way’ locations.

The Australian boating industry employs over 29,000 people across more than more than 2,500 businesses. 

Australia is a world leader in the design of large, high-speed, multi-hull aluminium vessels.  

International marine tourism and recreational activities are other major areas of economic activity.

• 91% of Vehicle trimmers work full-time and almost 94% of boat builders are employed full-time
• Almost all ‘trimmers’ hold a Certificate III or IV qualification
• The most common level of educational attainment for Boat Builders and Shipwrights is Year 12
• Most people who work in the industry are passionate about boating, the sea and waterways
• Women represent less than 20% of the workforce
• The average age of the workforce is 30 - 45 years of age.

_{Source: Skills for Australia}

There has been a decline in the demand for boat building but there is constant innovation in boat building technology.

Roles, skills development and training need to be constantly updated to keep up with the changing industry environment.

Marine Trimmers, Marine Technicians, Boat Servicing Technicians, Boat Builder and Repairers have been identified as being in skill shortage on the Skill Shortage List Australia, from the Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business.

There are a wide range of licensing requirements across Australia and the states and territories for a number of occupations in this industry.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is responsible for the safety of vessels and the seafarers who are operating in the domestic commercial industry.

State and territory governments also have regulation and licencing requirements. You can find more information from the links provided below.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) is important in all workplaces. Safe Work Australia provides links to all state and territory information.