Marine Queensland has an accreditation program which has been sanctioned and financed by the Queensland State Government in conjunction with Marine Queensland. The accreditation program has identified the minimum standards and procedures for the way in which Marine Brokerage businesses are to be operated. These standards protect the interests of the boating public when purchasing or selling a vessel. Always deal through a brokerage displaying this logo when needing the services of a marine broker. Following is an extract from the National BIA/Marine Queensland Code of Practice. Should you require a full copy of this document please telephone: +61 (0) 7 4946 4404.

Foreword

This Code of Practice has been prepared and adopted by Marine Queensland.

The Code establishes standards of conduct for all Marine Queensland members to whom the code is expressed to apply. Many of the provisions are a restatement of principles and practices already observed in the industry and provides:

	Guidelines to members and customers;
	Assistance to members and customers to understand their obligations and rights;
	Guidelines for fair trading and environmental outcomes that can be achieved on an Industry wide basis;
	Guide to members wanting to reduce avoidable costs and inconvenience by improving client relations and understanding principles likely to be taken into account in the resolution of complaints and enforcement of fair trading laws;
	Consistency in the recreational boating industry which may eliminate complaints;
	Assistance to persons engaged in conciliation, mediation and resolution of complaints;
	Assistance to customers wanting to clarify their rights and reasonable expectations on sales, service and repair transactions;
	For consumers to be referred to members adhering to the code;
	Guidelines for members and recreational boaters to act in an environmentally responsible manner.

Aims and Objectives of the Code of Practice

The aims and objectives of the Code of Practice are:

	To record the ethics and obligations to be observed by all Marine Queensland members in the conduct of their business and in their dealings with others. The Code comprises the ethics, obligations and other information in this document.
	To promote industry self regulation.
	To maintain and enhance the reputation, standing and good name of the Marine Queensland and its members.
	To promote public confidence in dealing with a Marine Queensland member.
	To clarify all reasonable expectations of all parties to the Code.
	To help prevent consumer/member problems.
	To set methods to resolve disputes, if and when they arise.
	To outline the best management practices for design, operation and maintenance of marinas and shipwright services.
	To promote effective and practical management procedures which will mitigate any harmful environmental effects.

To Whom the Code Applies

The Code is applicable to:

	All Marine Queensland members whose businesses involve the manufacture, sale or purchase of vessels, parts and accessories, operating and running requirements therefore and vessel storage, servicing and repair, ancillary and related marine services of all kinds. All references in the Code to Marine Queensland members are to those members only.
	Consumers who deal with Marine Queensland members.
	The general community in which Marine Queensland members work and live.

Observance of the Code

Marine Queensland, in approving the Code, expects that its' members will, in their business transactions carried on with consumers, conduct those transactions in accordance with the Code.

It is not intended that the Code should over-ride any principles of law, but members should realise that failure to observe the Code may, according to the circumstances, be conduct prejudicial to the interests of Marine Queensland and may be the subject of disciplinary proceedings against the member.

Ignorance of the Code will not be accepted as an excuse for its non-observance, by either a member or by one of his staff.

The Ethics

The ethics to be observed by members are:

1.	Act honestly and fairly in all business dealings with the consumer.
2.	Maintain professional courtesy and integrity at all times.
3.	Ensure all advertising and representations are truthful and accurate.
4.	At all times act in an environmentally responsible manner.
5.	Do all that is possible to promote safe boating and education practices.
6.	Render accurate, truthful and expert advice to the community.
7.	Strive for excellence in quality of service to customers
	Industry training initiatives; Development and implementation of the web based sales channel - BoatsonSale.com.au; Electrical certification of vessels at the point of registration transfer.  are trained and experienced professionals operate under a strict code of ethics administered by Marine Queensland act in the best interests of their clients use legally compliant contract documentation operate an approved trust account to protect their clients funds