Commercial Vessels Advisory Group

The Maritime Branch of Transport for NSW chairs the Commercial Vessels Advisory Group (CVAG) and membership consists of commercial vessel industry groups, community associations and regulatory agency representatives.

The purpose of the CVAG is to enable Transport for NSW Maritime leaders and leaders from domestic commercial vessel member-based peak bodies  to collectively share information, ideas, insights, trends, issues, and opportunities that can contribute to making NSW waterways betters places to live work and play.

It is a strategic two-way forum for Transport for NSW to openly discuss with member-based peak body leaders current and upcoming legislation, regulation, policies, reforms and initiatives that aim to address current and emerging issues and opportunities on NSW waterways. 

Becoming a member

Transport for NSW Maritime reviewed the Terms of Reference (TOR) under which CVAG operates in 2023. A copy of the latest TOR can be found below.

Members of CVAG must demonstrate that they represent a particular section of the commercial vessel industry. This may be demonstrated by being the sole or peak body representing a commercial group or industry, or by having significant industry connection which demonstrates a strong representation of the commercial sector using the waterways.

Examples of membership categories include:

  • Commercial vessel owners.
  • Commercial vessel manufacturers and distributors.
  • Boating Industry Association of NSW.
  • Charter operators, cruise operators, tourism.
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries.
  • Marine Rescue NSW.
  • Fishing - commercial.
  • Marina Owners and Operators.
  • Regulatory Agencies eg. AMSA.
  • Sea Plane operators.
  • General commercial activities (eg. Parasailing, hire and drive operators, water taxis etc.)
  • Sydney Coastal Councils Group.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the future CVAG, we encourage you to apply on the form below. Applications should be emailed to cvag@transport.nsw.gov.au

Meeting minutes

Minutes are published online for the previous 12 months meetings. Past minutes are held in Transport for NSW systems as per record keeping requirements.

CVAG Members
  • Hendrik Clasie, Chair
  • Anthony Haworth, Sea Link Marine and Tourism
  • Brent Warhurst, Australian Maritime Officers Union
  • Chris Saunders, Maritime and Safety Training NSW (NSW Fishing and Training Committee Ltd)
  • Daniel Da Silva, Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG)
  • Grant Campbell, NSW Police Marine Area Command (MAC)
  • Harley Ogden, Sydney Harbour Liquor Accord
  • Ian Brightwell, Bulk Liquid Industries Association
  • John Paton, Charter Fishing Working Group
  • Kathryn Silk, Australian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants (AIDGC)
  • Kelvin Parkin, Marine Rescue NSW
  • Matthew Lloyd, Book My Boat / MTL Marine
  • Neil Patchett, Boating Industry Association (BIA)
  • Nick Lester, Sea Link / Captain Cook Cruises
  • Phillip Pitt, Pacific Boating Group Pty Ltd
  • Richard Cordwell, Sydney Harbour Attractions Pty Ltd 
  • Samantha Moran, Office of Transport Safety Investigations (OTSI)
  • Simon Robards, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

Contact us

For further information, please contact:

Email: cvag@transport.nsw.gov.au