New laws for Vic boaters

Victoria's 300,000 recreational boaters and 1,500 commercial maritime operators are being advised by Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) to ensure they're ready for new marine safety legislation which takes effect on 1 July 2012.

The Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) and associated Regulations introduce a number of changes that aim to improve safety for both commercial operations and recreational boating across the State.TSV is responsible for administering this new legislation, which has been developed to meet the safety needs of today’s boating community. Key changes include:

• The introduction of an 'owner onus' system to ensure those responsible for marine safety offences are held accountable for their actions
• Safety duties for those who participate in boating activities to take reasonable care to protect themselves and others
• The requirement for commercial vessels to operate under a safety management system and have a safe operation certificate and a safe construction certificate
• Additional enforcement tools to address non-compliance with marine safety legislation and waterway rules
• A recreational boat operator licence will be known as a marine licence and a person who is the master of a vessel must hold a marine licence.

TSV's Director of Maritime Safety, Peter Corcoran said: "Safety on Victoria’s waters is paramount.

"The new Marine Safety Act will help to ensure everyone involved in recreational and commercial boating activities shares a common safety focus and is held accountable for their actions."

The current Marine Act 1988 (Vic) has been in place for over 20 years and was reviewed as part of an extensive transport legislation overhaul in Victoria.

"We are working hard to ensure a smooth transition to the new Marine Safety Act for everyone involved, including increasing awareness of boater’s safety responsibilities when on the water," said Mr Corcoran.

In Victoria there are currently 359,736 boat licences and 169,597 registered vessels. TSV incident data reveals that as these numbers increase each year, so too does the number of incidents. Since 2008, there have been 3,210 marine incidents including 18 marine fatalities and 89 serious injuries.

"With more people on the water, it is imperative that Victoria’s marine community works together to improve safety behaviours and outcomes for those who work and play on Victorian waters," emphasised Mr Corcoran.

TSV is helping boaters to understand how the new marine safety legislation will affect them.