Victoria's Marine Search and Rescue Services Recognised at Melbourne Boat Show

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BIAV and EMV

The contribution of Victoria's Marine Search and Rescue Services will take centre stage at the Melbourne Boat Show on Friday 17 June 2016.

Irene Hoe, President of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) and Craig Lapsley, Irene Hoe President, BIAV Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner announced the establishment of an annual Marine Search and Rescue Breakfast, a joint initiative between the BIAV and EMV, providing the boating industry and the wider community with a major opportunity to appreciate the history and ongoing contribution of all Marine Search and Rescue Services in Victoria.

The Marine Search and Rescue Breakfast will be addressed by Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner, Craig Lapsley.

The Melbourne Boat Show will feature several displays of Marine Search and Rescue Services including the Volunteer Coast Guard, Volunteer Marine Rescue, other Independent Marine Search and Rescue organisations, Victoria Police and Transport Safety Victoria and will actively promote boating safety to the expected 30,000 plus visitors.

Ms Hoe said the BIAV has sponsored free tickets to the Melbourne Boat Show to members of the Marine Search and Rescue Service community to enable the members to view the latest boats, technology and services in Victoria's Marine Industry.

"Boating and water related sports provides a special time for families and the opportunities to develop personal lifetime skills in appreciating the environment and developing an awareness of water safety and boating skills which makes the Victorian Marine Safety network an indispensable part of Victoria's lifestyle," Ms Hoe said.

                                                 
Marine Search and Rescue representatives at the recent Port
Phillip regional forum with
Craig Lapsley, Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner (third left)


Facts about Boating in Victoria

Currently there are 268,336 current Marine Licences, 172,805 registered boats and 996,000* boating participants in Victoria. (*Morgan Poll 2012 - Victorian and Tasmanian)

90% of Victorian recreation vessels are trailered, less than 8 metres in length with 68% of registered boats being operated on Port Phillip and Western Port Bays.

The projected increase of the population in the central coast area of Victoria, including Port Phillip and Western Port Bays, from 4.6 million to nearly 8 million by 2050, will see a doubling of boating activities which will result in a boost in Victoria's economic development and employment.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, BIAV Media Communications - Mobile: 0417 329 201