The Commercial Vessel Association of NSW (CVA) has voted to merge with the Boating Industry Association (BIA), becoming the latest industry body to come under the BIA’s auspices.

The CVA is the largest industry body for the commercial vessel sector and represents a range of commercial boating companies including private ferry operators, tourist boats and charter boat operators. It includes large companies such as SeaLink Travel Group which operates Captain Cook Cruises as well as smaller one-person operations. The merger includes most of the 250 charter vessels and private ferries currently operating on Sydney Harbour.

The CVA will become a new organisational division of the BIA along the lines of other divisions for marinas, boat builders, retailers and other industry sectors.

According to Howard Glenn, BIA national CEO, the CVA decided to join in order to gain access to increased support and services for its members.

“The BIA is proud to merge with the CVA and the businesses that give so many people their first boating experience,” he said.

“The merger means that the BIA now represents the widest range of recreational and commercial vessels, at a time when the distinctions between the two sectors are being blurred by new forms of boat share, and the emphasis on boating tourism.

“A more inclusive coverage of the boating industry, sharing resources and infrastructure, gives all of us a bigger voice to government and the community.”

The announcement of the merger comes in the lead-up to the Marine17 conference which this year will feature a dedicated program of presentations for light commercial marine operators.

This article was originally sourced from the Marine Business website here.