The last time I wrote about the outlook for megayachts cruising and chartering in Australia, it was disheartening: Some were being held to unreasonable regulations if they wanted to charter in the Whitsunday Islands and around the Great Barrier Reef. Now comes word that things are about to change–for the better.
The Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef, an association comprised of more than 70 companies, and Super Yacht Base Australia, which represents the country’s megayacht industry (and which the Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef belongs to), have long been promoting and developing the market Down Under. In addition, they have been lobbying various government departments for years to change their restrictive policies. Say what you will about politicians often turning a deaf ear, but according to the Super Yacht Group Great Barrier Reef’s latest newsletter, somebody was listening this time: The Labor Party that was elected in November has promised that by May there will be a customized visa for crew on foreign-flagged megayachts wishing to charter in the country.
This is welcome news, for the policy will replace the case-by-case review currently in place. While megayachts are normally considered pleasure craft by the Australian government, if fee-paying passengers are aboard, it’s a whole different ballgame. And complicated–far too involved for me to explain here.
No specifics for the new customized visa have been announced just yet, although the first meeting regarding the subject should be held this month. Stay tuned.
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