Australia Opens Up

New legislation offers great opportunities for visiting superyachts to charter in Australia, benefit from top-class refit work and join the America’s Cup party.

- Marieke Derks

Last year, the ‘Asia team’ of the Superyacht Services Guide spent three months in Australia researching information for a special edition of the publication. We were impressed by what Australia has to offer to superyachts owners, guests, captains and crew in terms of cruising grounds and land-based exploration, as well as marine infrastructure, services, expertise and skills.

We traveled around the country visiting marinas and boatyards, interviewed superyacht Captains and crew, and met with service companies and parties that offer land-based experiences, resorts, helicopters and private jets.

It made us realise the importance of the country for the wider Asia- Pacific region, not only in attracting visiting superyachts to the region but also in enabling them to stay longer. Using Australia as a base, yachts can easily venture out into Asia and the Pacific for further exploration.

OPENING UP

Under the guidance of Superyacht Australia, the government has recognized the potential of the industry and eased barriers over the last few years, now making the country an attractive destination for superyachts to visit.

International crew are welcome in Australia to work on visiting yachts. The current Crew Visa regulations were put in place four years ago and allow crew to work on a foreign-flagged yacht and stay in the country for 12 months. The visa is linked to a specific yacht and can be extended twice in a year.

The Control Permit is a temporary entry permit that allows a yacht to stay and cruise in Australia without need to import the yacht. The permit is valid for up to 12 months and can be extended. When having maintenance or refit work done at a boatyard, there are special VAT exemptions and regulations.