New laws passed for formation of single maritime safety system

by Marie Scoutas on 15 Nov 2012 Duncan Gay, the Minister for Roads and Ports, said the Australian Parliament have already passed new laws (Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Application) which pave way for the creation of a single maritime safety system that will monitor the operation of commercial vessels in the country's maritime territory.

Mr. Gay says the Marine Safety Amendment (Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Application) Bill 2012 enables the formation of a single maritime safety system to govern the operation of commercial vessels in Australian waters.

'These changes break down the maritime borders meaning a commercial vessel that complies with national standards and is certified to operate in QLD can work in NSW without additional inspection and certification,' Minister Gay said.

'Or that a vessel built in NSW can be sold and operated in any other state or territory without the need for further inspection and possible expensive modifications. These reforms were agreed to at the Council of Australian Governments in July 2009 and implementation of the national system is also a key initiative in the Government’s Maritime Policy Agenda, which I announced in August 2012.

'It ensures uniformity in standards, legislation and administration and it means greater efficiency by reducing the regulatory burden for the maritime industry.

'Current registration certificates, survey certificates and crew certificates will continue to be recognised until either these certificates expire or until 2016. As existing NSW certificates expire they will be replaced with national certificates.

'These changes will not affect the management of ports and harbours or the regulation of waterways, and it will not affect recreational vessels.

'NSW has had a significant involvement in the development of the National Law and industry has been widely consulted.

'The Boating Industry Association of NSW has lent its support as the changes would dramatically simplify the regulatory environment for all parties engaged in maritime commercial enterprises.

'It is a common sense reform and I’m pleased NSW will now formally come under the new maritime safety system when it commences in March 2013' Mr. Gay said.