The Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 were enforced on Monday, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) administering both acts.
AMSA said these are the “biggest reforms to Australia's maritime sector in more than 100 years”.
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,” said Graham Peachey, ceo of AMSA.
“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,” he added.
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