Foreign-flagged yachts can now charter in Australia

In a bid to reverse restrictions on foreign-flagged yachts operating commercially in Australian waters, the Special Recreational Vessels Bill 2019 was introduced into parliament last week.

Today saw the bill go through. The legislation will do away with the former importation requirements and give superyachts the use of a temporary Coastal Trading licence.

The bill is expected to go into effect immediately, however work is still being done to revise the Coastal Trading Act to cater to superyachts in the long-term. 

Now, Australia's charter fleet will no longer be limited by importation costs; the new move will create a much wider selection of charter yachts across the country.

It is hoped the move will allow Australia to share in the burgeoning superyacht economy of neighbouring countries in the South Pacific. 

“We have been working tirelessly to achieve this for many years for the industry." Comments David Good, CEO of Superyacht Australia. "The ability to charter in Australia now supplements charter in New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji and Papua New Guinea where superyacht charter is already permitted and reinforces the South Pacific as a destination of choice for superyachts,” 

Changes to the Coastal Trading Act were considered by parliament in 2015 and 2018. Good has previously stated that now is a critical time to act, suggesting that events in the region such as the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and the America's Cup in New Zealand in 2021 would draw in a huge number of visiting superyachts.

One of the most popular places to charter a yacht in Australia is the Whitsundays. This idyllic island chain is a paradise for yachts, with plenty of secluded beaches and bays to explore, as well as thriving marine life and colourful coral reefs.