Former Tomaree High School student Mike McKiernan devised Deckee.com two years ago to give boat owners a trusted source for boating services, a platform to share reviews and knowledge, and a simple solution for businesses to win more customers.

Last week it was named the Best Tourism Solution in the annual NEWi Awards for Digital Creativity.

The award is the latest in a string of achievements for Deckee, which recently welcomed solo sailor Jessica Watson and tech whiz Ian Belcher to its team.

Ms Watson said that "word-of-mouth advice is so important to boaties", adding that she "[wants] to help give the marine community a platform to share that advice and knowledge online".

After working for several years in the Port Stephens boating industry, Mr McKiernan realised that no single website compiled up-to-date boating information that was easily accessible.

"Every day I found myself offering advice and recommendations to boat owners so Deckee was founded out of a need to provide the boating community with expert knowledge and advice they craved," he said.

"We can also help boat owners find and hire the best local marine businesses, and provide a simple solution for businesses to reach more customers online."

Today Deckee.com is Australia's leading boating community and business directory, and aims to assist the estimated five million Australians who enjoy boating and support the marine industry.