Safe Wharves

As the State boating regulator, one of NSW Maritime priorities is to help provide safe and convenient boating access to the waterways for the NSW public. NSW Maritime is responsible for inspecting public ferry wharves to ensure the safety of users and operators of ferry services.

What is a public ferry wharf?

A wharf, or associated facilities, used for the purposes of public passenger services provided by ferries which is defined as any vessel which seats more than 8 adult persons and where there is payment of a fare or other consideration.

Wharf Safety Assessment

In order to provide a consistent approach to assessing public wharf safety, NSW Maritime has developed a Procedure for the Assessment of Public Wharf Safety.

This procedure:

NSW Maritime uses this procedure and an inspection check list when inspecting public ferry wharves.

Notices

The Marine Safety Act 1998 allows the Authority to issue the owner of a public ferry wharf with the following notices:

If the risk or non-compliance is deemed to be minor, NSW Maritime may issue a Defect Advisory Notice requiring the owner to provide a timetable and strategy for repairs. If the owner fails to comply with this notice, NSW Maritime would then issue a formal Improvement Notice or Prohibition Notice.

Penalties for failure to comply with these notices can range from $27,500 for an individual and up to $55,000 for a corporation.

**It should be noted that owners of public ferry wharves still have a responsibility for safety under existing legislation such as OH&S legislation and relevant building codes and standards.**