The Marina Industries Association is pleased to announce the first marinas to receive their ratings based on the International Gold Anchor rating scheme launched in Australia in 2009. The three-to-five gold anchor rating system is designed for the Asia Pacific region. The scheme was developed in consultation with marinas and end users by the Marina Industries Association of Australia. A Gold Anchor rating provides boat owners and marina users with a simple way to determine which marinas best fit their needs via a quick and easy reference system similar to the hotel association's star rating scheme. Gold Anchor marinas are independently assessed against specialised points-based criteria covering more than 96 different elements of marina facilities and services. Once a rating has been assigned to a marina it is subject to mystery shopper checks over the following three-year rating period to ensure the integrity of the scheme remains. The first marinas to receive their Gold Anchor accreditation are the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Pittwater NSW, Yaringa Boat Harbour in Western Port Bay Vic, Port Geographe Marina Busselton WA, Empire Marina Bobbin Head NSW, Soldiers Point Marina and Anchorage Marina both located in Port Stephens NSW, Sandringham Yacht Club Vic and Marina YE situated in Melbourne Vic.
 
These marinas will be able to generate interest and awareness via members, local market and nationwide broadcast and print media. The website, www.goldanchor.net.au will house information and details for marinas wishing to participate in the scheme. Importantly, it will include a directory for Gold Anchor rated marinas to help consumers differentiate and choose marinas based on their needs. This will be a primary source of marina information for consumers and will be included on any consumer press coverage for this scheme.Benefits of the scheme participation include strengthening a marinas position in the marketplace, benchmarking against others in the industry and having a system to provide independent feedback on your marinas services and facilities. Participating marinas have already used the scheme to undertake improvements to facilities and services. Gold Anchor rated marinas are able to leverage off the Gold Anchor marketing strategy including online, print and press release support, logo association and point of sale branding including flags.

Courtesy of www.marinas.net.au