CEO's Blog | MIASA

February 2015

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:18:33 +0200

A warm welcome to new MIASA members: Welding Fabrication Services, All Pro Seats, Fluidco Hydraulic Systems, TT Fluval Group, Webasto, C-Dynamics, Vision Yachts, Vision Power Boats, Harvey Yachts, Scape Yachts, Triboating and Magson Marine. As the MIASA membership grows, so does our united voice as an industry. I encourage you to join MIASA if you are not already a member. If you are already a member, please remember to pay your annual fees. If every existing member were to introduce and sign up just ONE more member, we will double our numbers in just one month. Forget the ice bucket challenge, let’s get the MIASA member challenge going this month!

Operation Phakisa is gathering momentum and numerous government departments are starting to take action around the maritime agenda. A draft Maritime Policy White Paper is currently open for comment. If you have a particular interest in this and would like to see the paper and give inputs, please contact me directly.

Our MIASA and SABBEX AGMs will be held in April this year on the same day and we will confirm date and venue closer to the time.

January 2015

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 16:21:32 +0200

2015 is looking like a very exciting year for MIASA. It was full tilt out the starting blocks with activation seminars for the Marine Manufacturing Industry Innovation Fund being run in Johannesburg, Durban, PE and Cape Town this month. Knowing how annoying acronyms are in South Africa, we have specially created another one for you, the MMIIF! I will keep you posted on the progress of this very special acronym which I trust will catalyse the requisite R&D (Research and Development!) and innovation projects we need in our sector. The Fund gives us an opportunity to invigorate our thinking, grow our post graduate knowledge capacity and support technological developments. Applications will open on Monday the 26th January and more information is available from [email protected] if you missed out on the workshops.

On that note, MIASA extends a warm welcome to Colleen Bjerring, who will be assisting me and providing support for the MMIIF and the myriad of other things that cross our desks.

November 2014

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 16:19:42 +0200

Our SCA MIASA “Women in Boating” event at the Volvo Ocean Race pavilion earlier this month was a fantastic evening with sponsorship from SCA, Southern Spars and Nautical Gods Yacht Management. SCA management gave us an insight into what it takes to put a Volvo Ocean Race team together and, for the first time in ten years, an all women team competing on advanced design boats. The tenacity, teamwork and motivation of the all-woman sailing team left everyone inspired and humbled.

This month I attended and presented at the African Maritime Domain Conference in Port Elizabeth. This international conference attended by a range of national and international delegates also saw the launch of the South African International Maritime Institute, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and SAMSA. The conference reiterated the political and social support for the Maritime Agenda in South Africa.

As I write this, I am en-route back from Amsterdam, where I attended the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) Annual Board meeting, a number of ICOMIA meetings and the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS). The new Recreational Craft Directive for Europe is a big development and for those of you with an Ipad, ICOMIA and the European Boating Industry (EBI) have developed an interactive app to guide you through the directive for just USD3.99. Let us know if you’d like to purchase a copy (there will also be a PDF version available and if there is sufficient demand, an Android app will be developed).

October 2014

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 08:57:28 +0200

The Cape Town International Boat Show, endorsed by MIASA, was a great success this year with increased public foot traffic through the show. The warm spring weather helped and the wider offering of activities and demonstrations by Impact Expo, enhanced the show.

We are on the final run for the year. Manufacturers are pushing for year end, retailers are seeing increased business with summer on our doorstep and at MIASA we are escalating the projects for 2014. The implementation of the DST Maritime Innovation Fund is at the forefront, along with the skills development projects we outlined with SAMSA. Our upcoming MIASA and Women in Boating event at the SCA Volvo pavilion on the 8th of November promises to be fun for those who can join us. 'First come, first served' as we have limited space. Your invitation will be on its way shortly

Like Boating South Africa on facebook for all the latest updates and news, and follow saboating on twitter.

Warm regards

Vanessa

September 2014

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 09:42:15 +0200

This month has seen two new positive developments for our sector.

The situation for visiting yachties to South Africa has been fraught with difficulties over the last few years, with some visitors having negative experiences. This has created bad press in the cruising world and we have potentially lost repair and maintenance work as a result. I am pleased to report that as part of the Customs modernisation process, and the update of the Customs and Excise Act of 1964, we will see revised and simplified procedures for the import clearance for visiting yachts. A traveller declaration will be used in lieu of a DA1/DA3 and will be issued on arrival at a South African port. The draft rules are currently out for public comment until 26 September, and I encourage you to submit comments should this issue directly affect your business. The draft and comment forms are available from [email protected].

Secondly, SAMSA have been running a series of workshops around the country to garner input into the feasibility and viability of a South African International Maritime Institute. The role of the Institute will be to promote and co-ordinate the provision of maritime training across all the sub-sectors at all levels of education. It will partner with existing institutions and education programmes to create an authoritative knowledge base for the South African Maritime Sector. Feedback from the workshops will inform the architecture and governance of the Institute and I will keep you updated on the progress.

August 2014

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:09:42 +0200

The Department of Trade and Industry and Minister Rob Davies have officially announced the approval of work boats for public procurement in South Africa with provision for the importation of components not produced in South Africa. This is a project we have been working on with the dti for a year and half and I am delighted that we have achieved this significant milestone in our industry. I would like to thank all the companies who participated in the project despite your busy schedules.

Research indicates that government departments have spent R19bn on work boats since 1994 and only R900m of this was procured locally. The designation is therefore a significant step in supporting our sector. Indications are that dti will step up its work with manufacturers and introduce support measures to increase local manufacturing capability, particularly with respect to high technology components.

On the recreational boating front, the Johannesburg Boat Show was a great success again this year at the Nasrec venue, and a number of boats were sold, according to exhibitor feedback. We still have lots of work to do in the recreational boating sector, but this is a good start to spring for both manufacturers and retailers.

July 2014

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:03:24 +0200

It’s all things KwaZulu Natal this month!

The Oceans Lab Initiative is underway in Durban; a think tank around optimising the economic potential of our marine sector and our oceans. It is an ongoing effort that has received support from the Office of the President. President Zuma attended the launch last weekend and commented "South Africa can utilise its location and expertise to increase its share of the global marine manufacturing market, including ship-building and repair, rig repair and refurbishment and boat-building.”

Durban also hosted their Boat Show this past weekend and I was pleased to hear about an Ethekwini Maritime Cluster initiative with Yamaha and Rossburgh High School called Project KANDO, where five learners received instruction on boat building and under guidance built a small boat that was on display at the show. EMC have also initiated a development sailing initiative in partnership with Sail Africa and a mini regatta was held on the Saturday of the show.

Internationally we received coverage by China TV News with a short clip that was broadcast over the time of the recent BRICS meetings in Brazil.

June 2014

Tue, 01 Jul 2014 12:07:44 +0200

I attended the Korean International Boat Show last week with five member companies. With a dti sponsored national pavilion and the support of the local economic office in Seoul, we created a formidable presence at the show. This is our second year exhibiting at the show and while the market is still “young", efforts by the South Korean government to put in marina infrastructure and support the promotion of boating, are laying the groundwork for a growing market opportunity for South African built products. With one boat already sold into Korea and several strong leads for future purchases, I encourage other exporters to join us next year at the show. The support from our Department of Trade and Industry with flights, daily allowances, full stand build costs and incentives from the Boat Show organisers, make this a cost effective showcase for any exhibitor.

A new government initiative with strong commitment from the President and the Government of South Africa will be launched next week. Entitled “Oceans Economy Labs: Realising the Economic Potential of South Africa’s Oceans”, the 5 week project will focus on four key areas:

May 2014

Sun, 01 Jun 2014 18:30:01 +0200

I have just returned from a visit to the Eastern Cape and continued discussion with TNPA about the inclusion of boat building within the Port Elizabeth harbour precinct. There is a clear indication that facilities will be made available, but as with all government departments, progress is dictated by procedures and processes. The next step is for MIASA to inform TNPA of exact requirements within the port in terms of space, access, slip ways, lifting equipment, moorings etc. If you are based in the Eastern Cape and you would like to contribute to this concept document, your inputs will be incorporated whether you are a paid up MIASA member or not. This is an opportunity that could lay the groundwork for the next twenty years in terms of infrastructure and we would like to gather as much information as possible to make realistic recommendations to TNPA based on your company needs and expansion plans.

Another legislative issue that looms for the recreational boating fraternity is SAMSA’s plans to bring South Africa in line with international requirements for radio operator certificates. As you may well know an MoU was concluded between ICASA and SAMSA in 2011 where SAMSA will issue operator certificates on behalf of ICASA. This will require conversion certificates and retraining on the DSC modules. Marine notice 19 and 20 on the SAMSA website will give you some background. I am told that the <25 ton certification is not yet finalised and that we can expect to see a draft marine notice early next month on the SAMSA website. Please keep an eye open for this and submit your comments and objections directly to SAMSA. It will be extremely difficult to make changes after the notice has been gazetted and objections must be submitted timeously.

April 2014

Fri, 09 May 2014 11:01:01 +0200

A significant development this month was the convening of an industry meeting by TNPA, specifically to engage with the needs of the boat building, ship repair and oil and gas sectors within the ports planning for South Africa. We have had protracted engagement with TNPA for over 15 years with few successes. Past experiences have left many jaded, but with the combined efforts of DPE, dti and TNPA I am hoping that this new engagement, initiated by TNPA, will give new impetus and energy to finding practical and implementable solutions. Anybody who would like to contribute ideas or thoughts, please call or mail me.

The Mandela Bay Composites Cluster is making steady progress. This very exciting initiative based in Port Elizabeth aims to bring industry, academia and local and national government closer and to bridge the gap between an isolated composites industry and an export market that is growing. By pulling together the cross sectoral opportunities of maritime, auto, aero, wind energy and biocomposites, the cluster will have a single project centre offering technical expertise, testing, rapid prototyping and mould manufacture, access to finance, research and access to export markets amongst other things.

February 2014

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 11:06:08 +0200

I have successfully concluded three workshops held around the country to launch the MIASA Builders Plate, on the back of a SAMSA initiative to engage with boat builders and designers on the Small Vessels Regs and associated issues. We have received support from SAMSA and if, as an industry, we can demonstrate the successful implementation of the plate, it is possible there may be statutory advantages from SAMSA in due course.

”The launch of the MIASA “Boat Builders Plate” is welcomed by SAMSA. The initiative is long overdue and demonstrates that boat builders are working together on issues of common interest which is very positive for the industry as a whole.”

Please give your full support to the Builders Plate project. Contact me for application forms and details if you did not attend the SAMSA workshop. It is not a complicated process and involves a declaration of self-conformity to your build specification. Importantly, this is a voluntary initiative and does not replace or enforce existing standards, however it encourages good manufacturing practices.

January 2014

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 16:19:58 +0200

We have started the year on a positive note, with in principal approval from the Department of Science and Technology to make funds available to the boating industry for innovation and R&D projects. R15M will be allocated over three years on an 80:20 cost sharing basis with industry putting in the twenty percent. I will be organising scoping workshops around the country to present the Sector Innovation Fund in the second quarter of the year. The projects will have to be done with an academic partner and unfortunately we cannot consider proposals that only benefit one company. So please put your thinking caps on and network with others. This is a great opportunity for us to generate public research that is relevant and applicable and will ensure we retain our competitive edge. Something very similar was done in Finland between 2007 and 2011 with positive results for the boating industry.

There are also positive steps being taken within the composites arena. A successful Composites Conference was hosted in December at the Durban University of Technology and plans are moving ahead to activate the composites industry across all sectors and incorporate bio composites. I will keep you posted on developments.

November 2013

Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:31:25 +0200

MIASA will be going mobile at the end of November. We are moving out of our current office space, as the A grade office space has been a costly expenditure item and the MIASA Board decided resources can be better allocated. Kareemah and I will work remotely and you will continue to receive all the MIASA and SABBEX support and services you have received in the past. Our land line will remain the same until the end of the year and thereafter we are both contactable on our mobile numbers. For the few members who used to drop in I am sorry we won’t be able to offer you a cup of coffee, but I hope I will be able to spend more time on the road visiting members in 2014.

As everyone gears up for the busy run towards the end of the year, I’d like to thank you for your support and membership of MIASA in 2013. There is still much work to be done to grow and invigorate our sector and I look forward to a productive and engaged 2014. Most importantly we need to source funding partners for MIASA so that we can continue with the important work of the Association.

October 2013

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:31:33 +0200

The Cape Town International Boat Show held earlier this month, once again showcased the industry, from boat builders to suppliers, to associated businesses and services. Just over twelve thousand visitors came to the show, with ninety exhibitors displaying their products and services. The new Two Oceans Marine Open Ocean 750 Catamaran, designed by Anton du Toit, generated lots of interest from the public and queues were up to fifty deep on the dock, with people waiting for an opportunity to take a look inside this magnificent vessel. We are currently running a survey on the Cape Town Boat Show and if you have not received our short online survey and you would like to input, please contact the office.

With summer on our doorstep, we are not seeing growth in our local industry. Trailerable craft manufacturers, engine and component suppliers continue to work extremely hard to try and maintain their market share and claim the small pockets of growth that exist. It is a difficult time and one that is mirrored in Europe where according to Ed Slack of IBI News September issue, there is a mixed picture of “bump along the bottom, tick over and in survival mode, but primed for growth” in the boating industry. I suspect the South African reality is somewhat similar.

September 2013

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 10:54:31 +0200

Despite the numerous challenges we face in the boating sector, I am always humbled and grateful for the number of people in our industry who go the extra mile, giving freely of their time and expertise to make a difference at all sorts of levels. MIASA Board members all donate significant time to guiding the work of the Association and supporting me in my role as CEO. They are an ever willing sounding board for issues, big and small.

James Cannell and Oliver Dawson have been stalwart participants in the development of the Boat Building Apprenticeship curriculum over the last month and continue to offer their time and technical expertise in “getting it right” despite the educational jargon and framework constraints we must work within. Our Speaker Series at the Cape Town Boat Show will again see people giving of their time, at no cost, to enrich the lives of others. The MIASA Technical Committee have developed, vetted and refined the MIASA Builders Plate for close on a year, and in doing so I know their judgement and inputs have resulted in the best possible builders plate declaration.

August 2013

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:19:52 +0200

The growth opportunities in a number of African markets and increased member activity in neighbouring SADC countries is starting to paint a different picture for both the commercial and leisure boating industry. With limited market information and networks in many African countries, doing business requires a robust and tenacious approach. Just this morning I received communication regarding a potential Angolan Boat Show later this year. We will work closely with MIASA members to ensure a united and well-articulated presence once the show is confirmed.

Locally, the Johannesburg Boat Show held over the long weekend early in August, saw just under 26 000 boating and biking enthusiasts visiting the show. Indications are that the larger boat market and the fishing market are more buoyant at the moment and the accessories suppliers on the show reported very positive trade.

The Cape Town International Boat Show endorsed by MIASA takes place in early October and MIASA have been working with the local Cape Town SAMSA office on an exciting and informative “Speaker Series”. Internationally, three South African catamaran manufacturers will be exhibiting at the well-renowned Annapolis Boat Show in Maryland on the east coast of the USA in October.

July 2013

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:18:08 +0200

Innovation and R&D are the buzz words this month as I sit preparing a submission to the Department of Science and Technology for the Sector Specific Innovation Fund. What you might not be aware of is the tax incentive that came into effect in October last year, where companies undertaking R&D in South Africa qualify for a whopping 150% tax deduction on their operational R&D expenditure. This incentive is available to all sizes of business and you automatically qualify for a 100% tax deduction. If your expenditure is related to activities approved by the Minister of Science and Technology you get an additional 50% uplift. You can download all the information from www.dst.gov.za and most importantly the application must be submitted and approved BEFORE you commence with the R&D.

The commercial boat building sector continues to show exceptional growth and MIASA member Nautic Africa confirmed yesterday an order of 7 thirty five metre offshore patrol vessels. Well done to all of you making inroads into the African markets, the growth potential is clearly illustrated.

June 2013

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 15:37:12 +0200

MIASA, SABBEX and three of our members participated in a National Pavilion at the Korean International Boat Show last month in Gyeonggi-Do Province, north of Seoul. This is the first time that South Africa has had a marketing presence in Asia supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. Whilst the USA and Europe remain our primary trading partners for leisure craft, starting to understand the Asian market is key. The group undertook site research in the primary boating areas in Korea, largely located in the southern part and on Jeju Island, meeting with 11 different companies and government departments. The national and provincial governments of South Korea are actively supporting the boating industry, which is still in its infancy. Whilst they recognise this fact, they have planned and are constructing over 40 marinas around the coastline. For SABBEX and MIASA members interested in hearing more about this emerging market and its particular requirements, please join us at the SABBEX AGM on the 29th of July for a presentation.

May 2013

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:13:36 +0200

I was reminded this month of the importance of celebrating the smaller successes and the positive changes in individual lives. For the person who gets training, or finds a full time job, the impact is enormous. SABC 2 recently featured the Whisper Boat Building Academy for the Deaf on their early morning show “Growing Tomorrow” and one of the learners, Chadley Samaai proudly told the presenter that the project had changed his life and it kept young people out of trouble. “People don’t have goals, but now Whisper Boats has given them an opportunity” said Chadley. “Whisper Boats trains deaf and hearing impaired in lamination and two graduates were recently employed by a local boat builder” said Mike Harvey, Project Manager at Whisper. Graduates take on small projects such as splicing braided rope to chain for export to New Zealand or building small fibreglass rowing and sailing dinghies for sale in South Africa.

Another small project that is making a difference is the Izivunguvungu (meaning “sudden strong wind” in isiZulu) Boat Building Project working with disadvantaged youth from the Ocean View area. “We’ve had quite a number of youngsters come through our doors that have gone on to find work in the industry,” says Mark Algra, the man driving the project. Building the Blue Eyes 20 trailer sailor, the star pupil is Nkosiyabo Gayeka, a grade 11 student at Ocean View High. Nicknamed “Yster” (iron) by the guys at Izivunguvungu because of his strong will and dedication, he was recently accepted onto the three year accredited Yacht and Boat Building learnership at the False Bay College Boat Building Academy.

April 2013

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:14:10 +0200

he continued inclusion of boat building in the Industrial Policy Action Plan for South Africa is testament to national government’s support of the industry. MIASA will be engaging robustly with government and industry around the second programme of “industrial financing” to see how best to structure sector specific support. Currently, the “stock boat programme” is structured to support manufacturers building recreational vessels over 12 metres and we need to explore other measures to assist trailerable craft and commercial boat builders. In partnership with the Ethekwini Maritime Cluster we have arranged a meeting with banks and finance houses on the 7th of May in Durban to explore better financing options to help grow boating. If you are in KZN please use this opportunity to engage with the financial decision makers.

In the Western Cape, MIASA assisted in arranging industry site visits for Minister Winde, where he had an opportunity to visit Matrix Yachts, Nautic Africa and Southern Spars. The Minister’s commitment to addressing red tape and removing blockages to growth and the creation of jobs for the boat building sector is greatly appreciated.