Advanced Skipper ready to set sail
Online learning course seeks industry partners to promote safer boating.
Following a 'soft' launch during the boat show season last year, the Advanced Skipper online boating course introduced by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) is now seeking industry partners to help promote the program with the boating public.
At a media briefing last week, Howard Glenn, BIA CEO, outlined the development of the project and how the boating industry can engage with it in order to encourage safer boating practices and gain access to the local boating market.
Advanced Skipper comprises a number of learning modules which test boaters' knowledge of typical on-water situations. If they pass, members hold the Advanced Skipper qualification for five years and become eligible for a range of benefits and special offers. It costs $55 to register.
Businesses which sign up as partners with Advanced Skipper will be able to offer the course to their customers at a discounted rate and can offer a range of benefits to other members in order to generate sales leads.
The scheme is designed for boaters who may already have some on-water skills and knowledge but who would benefit from a refresher course using real-life boating scenarios. It is not intended as an alternative to boat licensing but rather as an 'advance' in terms of being more current and applicable.
As Howard Glenn pointed out, unlike licenced car drivers who get to practice their skills on a regular basis, many boat licence holders only put their knowledge into action infrequently. As a result, these boaters may benefit from having the opportunity to refresh their skills, build confidence and, hopefully, spend more time out on the water as a result. The scheme also addresses the fact that while boat ownership has stabilised, the number of licence-holders continues to grow, suggesting that there is a large number of potential boaters without regular access to a boat on which to test their skills.
The course comprises 22 scenarios set at different locations around Australia such as Sydney Harbour, Rottnest Island, Murray River and the Gold Coast but which are applicable for all boaters. The modules are not a test of boating rules knowledge but rather seek to challenge users to think through different boating situations to test their practical awareness.
Members who complete the course get access to a range of benefits offered by industry partners. For instance, Nautilus Marine Insurance offers a 5% discount off premiums up to $500 and there will be special deals on offer for the BIA boat shows this year.
Possible future developments with Advanced Skipper include adding a module for PWC users and promoting membership through boat licence and registration renewals. There is also the potential to offer on-water refresher courses to members.
Sign up for Advanced Skipper and save
Marine Business readers who sign up for Advanced Skipper receive a 10% discount on the usual registration fee. Enter the coupon code MARINEBUSAS18 and pay just $49.50 (including GST) for a five-year membership. Offer valid through to 30 April 2018. Go to advancedskipper.org.au for more information and to register.
