From jetty construction to maintaining iconic marine infrastructure projects, CCIWA Member Shorewater Marine has grown into a trusted mid-tier provider operating along the Western Australian and South Australian coastlines.
Founded more than 20 years ago by Managing Director Shaun Williamson, the business began as a small, home-based operation and has steadily evolved into a commercial diving and marine services company employing around 25 people.
Williamson, a commercial diver by trade, spoke from his Wangara office.
“We started very small,” he said.
“It was really just me responding to demand for underwater work that not many people were doing at the time.
“As those jobs grew in scale and complexity, the business grew with them.”
Today, Shorewater Marine delivers commercial diving services, jetty construction, asset maintenance and inspections, and environmental assessments, working closely with government agencies, ports and local councils.
Finding a niche in a competitive market
Rather than competing with large national or multinational operators, Shorewater Marine has carved out a niche as a “mobile, responsive mid-tier business” focused on onshore and nearshore marine assets.
“We saw a gap for a business that could service onshore infrastructure and coastal assets, while still being agile and relationship driven,” Williamson said.
That approach has allowed Shorewater Marine to build long-term client relationships across WA, including with the Department of Transport, local governments and port authorities.
“We focus on maintaining and extending the life of critical assets; that’s where we add value,” Williamson said.
Major projects all over WA
Among the company’s recent and current projects is the maintenance of the iconic Busselton Jetty, in WA’s South West. Shorewater Marine was also responsible for installing the underwater sculptures at the site.
Williamson said this tender was a significant win for the company.
“It was technically challenging but also something the whole community could appreciate,” he said.
“Being part of maintaining such an important asset over a long-term contract is something we’re very proud of.”
Other major projects have included jetty construction works at Hillarys Boat Harbour and Two Rocks, delivered under Department of Transport contracts, as well as extensive pile refurbishment works on the former Fremantle Traffic Bridge.
“That bridge project ran for about 18 months and involved refurbishing more than 100 piles,” Williamson said.
“It was a complex job, but it went very well and strengthened our relationships with Main Roads and our project partners.”
Looking ahead, Shorewater Marine has an underwater maintenance contract with Esperance Port, alongside a steady pipeline of day-to-day commercial and environmental work.
Investing in skills and apprentices
Workforce development is a key focus for the business, particularly in an industry facing skills shortages.
The company has made a “deliberate decision” to invest in apprentices.
“Commercial diving can be a difficult industry to build long-term careers in, so we’re focused on giving people trade pathways and broader skills they can carry with them.”
Shorewater Marine currently employs three apprentices and has recently signed off two more, while also investing in management capability and supervisory training.
“There’s a real shortage of skilled divers, vessel masters and marine personnel,” Williamson said.
“Growing those skills internally is critical for our future.”
Why CCIWA matters to the business
As the business has grown, so too has the complexity of compliance, employment law and workplace regulation. That’s where CCIWA has played a key role.
“The services CCIWA provides are phenomenal for a business our size,” Williamson said.
“From HR and workplace advice to training and legal support, it’s been invaluable over the years.”
Here to support your business
- Employee Relations Helpline – HR support just one phone call away
- Business Law WA – employment and commercial law services
- Workplace Training & Development – training that works for your team, your industry and your goals
- Policy and Advocacy – we stand for WA business
Without a dedicated internal HR team, Shorewater Marine relies on CCIWA as a trusted sounding board.
“It’s reassuring to be able to pick up the phone and ask, ‘Are we doing this right?’,” Williamson said.
“Whether it’s contracts, workplace issues or new legislation, having that back-up gives us confidence.”
Williamson also values CCIWA’s role as a collective voice for WA businesses.
“There’s no other organisation quite like it,” he said.
“For a mid-sized business like ours, CCIWA ticks all the boxes. Without it, a lot of businesses would be lost, including ours.”
To be part of WA’s peak business organisation, get in touch via 1300 422 492 or [email protected].
