Minister encourages scrutiny of national maritime regulations
Minister for Ports Denis Napthine, is encouraging the Victorian boating community to have their say on the draft national maritime regulations and marine orders which underpin the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety.
The draft regulations and marine orders are needed to support the operation of the planned national maritime system which will be administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Dr Napthine said the draft regulations and orders will be of interest to a range of vessel owners and operators who may be regulated under the new national law.
“Current Victorian commercially certified vessels will transfer to the national system when it commences. In addition, some vessels not classed as commercial currently in Victoria are expected to be classed as commercial under the new national scheme and will therefore become subject to new regulatory requirements,” Dr Napthine said.
“The draft regulations define which community groups are excluded from the national system. It also specifies the circumstances when vessels owned and operated by clubs and community groups are to be defined as a domestic commercial vessel and regulated under the national law. I encourage all stakeholder groups to consider how the proposed regulations may impact on them.”
Vessels owned and operated by community groups and schools that are excluded from the operation of the national system will continue to be regulated as recreational vessels under State and Territory law.
Dr Napthine emphasised that the consultation period set by AMSA was limited and that stakeholder groups should keep this is in mind to make sure they do not miss the opportunity to have their say.
“If Victorian vessel owners and operators have any concerns about what is being proposed then they should come forward and make comment to ensure the national regulator is aware of their views,” Dr Napthine said.
The national regulations and marine orders are proposed to be made under the authority of the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012. This law was passed by the Commonwealth Parliament on 23 August 2012.
The comment period finishes on 8 October 2012. The draft regulations and orders can be found at https://www.nationalsystem.amsa.gov.au/confluence/display/public/Home
If people require further information call AMSA on (02) 6279 5767 or make a submission by email to AMSA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
