Modern navigation laws commence

Century-old maritime laws will be replaced with new requirements for commercial seafarers and vessels with the commencement of the Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 today (July 1).

These are the biggest reforms to Australia’s maritime sector in more than 100 years, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) administering both acts.

"The Navigation Act 2012 sees Australia’s maritime laws reflect the expectations of a modern shipping  industry," AMSA’s CEO Graham Peachey said.

The fundamental requirements for ships to be seaworthy remain unchanged while the new Navigation Act highlights the need for ships to be operated and navigated safely by competent seafarers who have decent working and living conditions.

The Navigation Act also provides AMSA with a range of new measures to ensure compliance with safety and environmental requirements including increased financial penalties for non-compliant vessels, exclusion of vessels from Australian ports with poor inspection histories, issuing on-the-spot infringement notices for marine order offences.

“AMSA recognises that the majority of the shipping industry seeks to ensure that ships are operated safely and with no damage to the environment,” Mr Peachey said.

Today also marks the introduction of the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety, with AMSA becoming the national regulator for commercial vessel safety. The National System will mean eight existing regulations will be replaced with one set of national rules.

"Having one set of rules cuts red tape and reduces the administrative burden for businesses in the maritime industry and allows industry to operate across state and territory borders freely," Mr Peachey said.

The development of the national safety standards has been in conjunction with each of the states and territories who will act as delegates of the national regulator in implementing the new standards.

Meanwhile, NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Acting Maritime Director Michael Wright said the agency is gearing up for its new role in the national system for the regulation of commercial vessels.

"This will simplify the existing eight systems of commercial vessel regulation into one, cutting red tape and simplifying arrangements for operators, owners and crews of commercial vessels," said Mr Wright.

"The new legislation will replace about 50 acts across the country in the eight jurisdictions.

"AMSA will become the regulator with RMS and other state and territory marine safety regulators its delegates.

"It is expected the new system will clear up inconsistencies and barriers of trade for those travelling between state waters and bring greater economic benefits with a reduction in duplication of paperwork and requirements.

"An education and communication campaign about the new arrangements has been in place since last year.

"Recently, AMSA placed ads in all major newspapers alerting readers to the upcoming changes," Mr Wright said.

RMS says it has written to around 12000 commercial vessel operators and crew holding current NSW certificates. These vessels include passenger boats, houseboats, party boats, oyster punts, work boats, fishing boats and tourist boats.