Project goals

• This is a national campaign supported by maritime regulators and leading non-government organisations in aquatic recreation.

• Phase one of this campaign aims to help people make informed decisions when buying a boat.

• This unified effort ensures that the advice you receive is trusted, consistent and relevant to the Australian boating environment. 

Project lead

Boating Industry Association Ltd 

A Great Day on the Water is a Safe Day 

Nothing beats a day on the water. It’s a chance to explore, relax, and create memories with family and friends. The Responsible Boat Ownership campaign is here to help you make sure every one of those days is a safe and enjoyable one. 

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned skipper, this campaign provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you make informed decisions about your boating journey. 

Make an Informed Choice. Own the Responsibility. 

Boating should always be a safe and fun experience. But as boat ownership grows across Australia, so does our shared responsibility to keep our waterways safe for everyone. 

This campaign is a national initiative, supported by Australia's leading maritime safety authorities, boating industry and aquatic recreation organisations. We’re working together to provide you with the essential knowledge you need, covering three key pillars of safe boating: Safe People, Safe Vessels, and Safe Waterways. 

Key Messages for a Safe Boating Life

Own it

Thinking of buying a new or used boat? We'll help you navigate the process, from understanding what to look for, to spotting potential safety risks, so you can buy with confidence and enjoy owning, and using your boat.

Maintain it

A boat's journey doesn't end at the ramp. Proper storage and maintenance are crucial for keeping your vessel in top condition and ready for your next trip. Our guide provides tips to protect your investment and ensure it's always seaworthy. 

Enjoy it

The aim is to help you make informed, safe and sustainable decisions so you can make the most of your boating experience. A good skipper is an informed skipper.

Why This Campaign Matters 

Sadly, accidents on the water can and do happen. This campaign aims to reduce boating incidents by empowering you with knowledge. Our focus is on helping people make a sound decision when considering buying a boat. To identify a potentially unsafe boat before you buy it, so you can help keep yourself, your family and friends, and others on the water safe.