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Commercial Vessels

Commercial Vessels

December, 2011

Holiday season reminder: attend to any outstanding matters now if you want your survey or certificate application to be issued by 23 December.

If you currently have an application for a Certificate of Recognition or Certificate of Competency with Maritime, you will need to pay any outstanding fees and provide any outstanding documentation (such as academic transcripts, first aid certificates and evidence of sea-service) by COB Monday 12 December if you require your certificate to be issued by Friday 23 December.

Also, if you wish to have an initial Certificate of Survey issued or an existing Certificate of Survey reinstated prior to Christmas 2011, please ensure that all outstanding fees and deficiencies are cleared and the necessary Statutory Declarations plus supporting evidence are submitted by Monday 12 December.

If these matters are finalised after this date, your certificate or survey will not be processed until the New Year.

If you have any questions about what is required to finalise your application, please call 13 12 56.

Commercial vessels are vessels used for, or in connection with, a business or commercial activity. They include vessels carrying passengers or goods; vessels that are hired; and vessels that are used to provide services. Examples of commercial vessels include fishing boats, tourist or charter boats, workboats, tugs, barges, ferries, water taxis, rescue boats, government vessels, dive boats, thrill rides and “hire and drive” boats. Vessels used for promotional activities and corporate events including training, team building and yacht racing where crew or passengers pay a fee to participate, are commercial vessels.

Any vessel that carries passengers must have a current survey certificate. This provides an assurance that the vessel has been inspected by Maritime surveyors and has passed required safety checks of the vessel’s condition, safety equipment and operation. A survey certificate indicates that the vessel complies with the National Standard for Commercial Vessels. These vessels must display a survey plate in a public area that shows the number of licensed passengers to be carried on board.

Any vessel that available for hire must either have a survey certificate that authorises the hiring or be authorised to be hired out under a hire and drive licence.

Maritime Vessels

You’re the Skipper – You’re Responsible when it comes to Assisting Other Vessels in Need

Australia has signed up to a number of international treaties including the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) which requires that the master of a vessel at sea must provide assistance to a stricken vessel when they receive a distress signal. Additionally, Section 265 of the Commonwealth Navigation Act 1912 requires a master to assist a stricken vessel on any tidal waters. Section 98 of the Marine Safety Act 1998 requires the master of a vessel involved in a marine incident to give assistance to any injured person or damaged vessel involved in the incident.

However when responding in any such emergency, the master is required to ensure they do not place themselves, their passengers or own vessel in danger. Also be aware that the Civil Liability Act 2002 provides protection against liability for “good samaritans” in emergency situations.

Depending on the situation, providing assistance in an emergency may simply mean calling 000 or the local Marine Rescue NSW unit and/or staying with the vessel or person until professional assistance arrives.

Don’t forget, you could be the one who requires help next time!