Call for Papers for National Marine Conference

 

The National Marine Safety Committee is calling for abstracts from those interested in addressing the Marine Safety Conference 2010 to be held at the Burswood Entertainment Complex in Perth from 22 – 24 August this year.

Local speakers will join confirmed international speakers such as John Leech (Irish Water Safety), Dr Edmond Mahoney (marine research University of Michigan USA) and Gina Johannsen (FishSafe British Columbia Canada).

“We are looking for subject matter from those representing the diverse marine sector including the commercial and recreational boating industries, volunteer groups, education and training organisations, researchers, government and individuals,” explained NMSC CEO Margie O’Tarpey.

The conference aims to bring government, industry and associated professionals together to hear about the latest safety initiatives which may prevent marine fatalities and injuries that happen around the coastline and on inland waterways.

The conference will feature the Commonwealth’s evolving national system of maritime regulation as well as topics on research, technical marine standards, boat manufacturing, the fishing industry, safety education, and the marine environment.

Ms O’Tarpey explained that some stakeholders are interested in national construction standards and survey and the conference will include panels and workshops on the National Standard for Commercial Vessels developed by the NMSC.

“We’re also keen to showcase new innovations in marine safety including design and equipment as well as search and rescue and industry perspectives on economic, social, legal and environmental challenges.”

This is the 6^th national conference organised by the NMSC, and more than 300 delegates are expected to attend from around the country.

Abstracts of no more than 250 words can be completed and entered at the Marine Safety Conference web page at www.nmsc.gov.au by 7 February 2010.

VHF radio useage

 

The ACMA seeks public and industry comment on the use of VHF radio by recreational boaters

On 22 September 2009 the Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) released a discussion paper seeking views on possible changes to regulatory arrangements for VHF marine radio used by recreational boat operators.

The purpose of the discussion paper, VHF Marine Radio Operator Qualification Arrangements - Non-Commercial (Recreational) Vessels, is to gather comment from users of marine radio in response to concerns in the marine sector about safety and the use of VHF radio by recreational boaters.

VHF marine radios provide a valuable means of keeping in contact with other vessels and coast stations, particularly at times when the weather changes or when help is needed. The number of vessels on Australian waterways is increasing, and with more competitive prices on equipment, so is the proportion of boats and other craft that are fitted with marine radios.

The review follows concerns expressed to the ACMA by the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) and representatives of the maritime community. Many of the concerns focused on perceived declining standards in the use of marine radio and compliance with the requirement to hold an operators' certificate of proficiency.

The discussion paper focuses on the following objectives:

1. Improving the integrity of the radiocommunications spectrum management framework as it applies to the recreational boating community (for example, through effective spectrum planning, licensing and interference management).

2. Examining the needs of the recreational boating community in their use of VHF radio, including for safety purposes, and identifying how those needs might best be supported in light of the ACMA's role and responsibilities.

3. Promoting the overall efficiency of the regulatory framework supporting the operation of marine radio by the recreational boating community.

The discussion paper deals with recreational boaters' use of VHF marine radio equipment authorised by the Radiocommunications (Maritime Ship Station 27 MHz and VHF) Class Licence 2001.

Integrity of spectrum management

Managing the regulation of marine radio use is part of the ACMA's broader role in overseeing the regulation, allocation and use of the radiofrequency spectrum. Where appropriate, the ACMA encourages delegated or devolved stakeholder responsibility for certain related functions. Since 2002, the ACMA has delegated the responsibility of managing the examination and certification scheme for marine radio use to the Australian Marine College (AMC) under a Deed of Agreement. The expiry of this Deed in 2012 provides further impetus for this review. The discussion paper examines existing regulatory arrangements for recreational marine radio operators. As part of this discussion, the ACMA is interested in views about the mandatory nature of the VHF Certificate of Proficiency in the marine recreational sector.

User needs and safety considerations.

A number of issues relating to improving safety outcomes in the sector are canvassed in the paper. The ACMA's involvement in marine safety issues is largely historical and fresh consideration is being given to arrangements in this important area. In order to respond effectively to the NMSC's concerns, the ACMA is interested in hearing the marine community's views about possible links between a reported decline in the standard of operation on the VHF marine band and the apparent low number of operators holding certificates of proficiency. The ACMA is also seeking comments from recreational users on the necessity of the requirement for marine radio operators in the VHF band to be qualified through a framework governed by the ACMA. The ACMA is keen to better understand the recreational marine community's knowledge of marine radio operator certificates of proficiency and how they may be obtained.

Promotion of overall efficiency.

The regulatory framework relating to marine radio is complex and fragmented. Both Commonwealth and State/Territory agencies have responsibility for certain aspects. These range from the ACMA's responsibility for regulation of the radiofrequency spectrum to States and Territories responsibility for vessel licenses which typically deal with carriage of marine radio equipment. A range of ideas on ways to overcome this complexity are discussed and the ACMA is interested in hearing views from interested parties on how to improve overall efficiency. Possible changes to the existing training and examination scheme for the VHF Certificate of Proficiency are also discussed. This discussion is directed towards the possible adoption of a more competency based approach to examinations as well as options for delegating or devolving responsibility for certain related functions.

To help with this review the ACMA has established a VHF Marine Radio Working Party involving key interested bodies like the Australian Marine Safety Authority, the NMSC, State marine safety organisations, volunteer groups and the Australian Marine Industries Federation. The working party assisted with the development of the discussion paper and will continue to be consulted during the course of the ACMA's review. Further public consultation will be conducted as necessary. For more information on this issue and to access a copy of the regulatory framework and the discussion paper, visit the ACMA website at www.acma.gov.au

The closing date for submissions is 18 December 2009. Submissions should be sent by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Thanks to Bob Mellor, National Training Manager for AVCGA for this update.

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National Marine Safety Committee - News & Updates

Wednesday 5 August 2009

Seven commercial vessel standards to enter national law in October 2009

The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) today reminded the marine industry that the next raft of national standards for commercial vessels enters legislation nationally on October 1 this year through an amendment to the USL Code (Amendment 7). This round of reform will see six sections of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) come into force for new vessels. The relevant standards are: Construction (NSCV Part C Section 3) Stability Information (NSCV Part C Subsection 6A) Stability Tests (NSCV Part C Subsection 6C) Communication Equipment (NSCV Part C Subsection 7B) Navigation Equipment (NSCV Part C Subsection 7C) Anchoring Systems (NSCV Part C Subsection 7D).

A seventh section, Operational Practices (NSCV Part E), will apply to new and existing vessels. However, the new requirements will become compulsory for certain high-risk vessels only*. NMSC's CEO Margie O'Tarpey explained that the USL Code was widely, although not universally, implemented by state, territory and commonwealth marine safety agencies as the standard for commercial vessels. "This amendment provides a convenient way to replace the old USL requirements - developed nearly 30 years ago - with a much more modern and flexible set of standards," Ms O'Tarpey said. "NMSC's charter is very much about achieving nationally uniform marine safety standards so each raft of standards adopted into law around the nation is a significant step towards reaching that goal".

For those jurisdictions that currently allow vessels to comply with the USL Code, a new vessel which submits an application prior to 1 October 2009 can be built to these existing requirements, provided construction work begins within a three-year period. However, design approvals submitted after 1 October 2009 must comply with the new standards. "This allows a transitional period for vessel builders over the next couple of months," Ms O'Tarpey said, explaining that "the transition period applies in all jurisdictions except those which already require compliance with only the NSCV".** "NMSC will be placing a helpful guide, entitled the Combined NSCV/USLCode 2009, on its website to allow industry around the country to understand what sections of the USL Code have been replaced by the NSCV".

NSCV C3 - Construction references Lloyds Special Service Class Rules and is a key standard for national marine safety consistency. Industry representatives welcoming the next phase of standards entering legislation nationally include naval architect Graham Taylor. Mr Taylor views the completion of the stability standards (C6A - Intact Stability Requirements and C6C - Stability Tests and Information) as another important step toward the ultimate completion of the NSCV. "These parts of the NSCV are a major upgrade reflecting current international standards," Mr Taylor, who is also the Secretary of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) Australia, said. "They provide a consistent approach, application and terminology for all types of vessels - something that was missing from the previous USL Code. "Gaps and lack of detail in parts previously meant that the naval architect often needed a knowledge of what was left unsaid to allow proper application - the new standards' thorough coverage means that even the novice can confidently apply the new standards. "This detailed, consistent approach should also ensure consistent application by all state authorities and their ready acceptance of vessels when transferring interstate," he added.

The national standard for Navigation equipment (NSCV C7C) reflects the latest in marine navigational technology The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's AIS project manager Jillian Carson-Jackson said that Section 7C of the NSCV delivers, for the first time, a uniform national standard for nautical charts and associated navigation systems - and particularly Electronic Chart Systems scaled for vessel size and operating areas. "Its introduction will foster improvements to navigation safety comparable to those achieved by larger vessels administered under the SOLAS Convention while recognising that the circumstances and needs of operators of smaller commercial vessels may differ," Ms Carson-Jackson said.

Section 7C also includes carriage requirements for Automated Identification Systems (AIS)*** on certain vessels, including reference to either Class A or Class B units, depending on vessel size and area of operation. Ms Carson-Jackson pointed out that AIS has been recognised by the IMO as a means to enhance safe navigation, "however, it will only work when vessels are transmitting, as well as receiving, the information". Navigation equipment supplier Coursemaster Autopilot's Managing Director Richard Chapman agrees on the importance of a nationally uniform navigation equipment standard. "Vessel safety and navigation is paramount and with the introduction of the new standards even safer navigation of the waterways should be achievable," Mr Chapman said. "This will become especially apparent with the installation of AIS transponders and receivers".

Anchor Right's owner/manager Rex Francis began testing his company's anchors against the requirements of the new standard for Anchoring equipment (NSCV C7D) before it came into force. Anchor Right introduced a new method for pre-proof testing and field testing anchors for their development and strength. "The benefit from my point of view is that now the commercial industry can purchase an Australian anchor design that has ticked all the boxes. To have an Australian anchor design - not just mine but all Australian anchor designs - tested in Australia to comply with the revised USL Code hand-book rules is simply great," Mr Francis said.

Ian Ford, Managing Director of major Sydney ferry company Bass and Flinders, said the requirements for Operational Practices (Part E) of the NSCV are a giant leap for marine safety, especially through the Safety Management System (SMS). "Of course many years ago, a mariner like me could build up enough knowledge and experience from being around boats to intuitively know how to operate safely - now we are in a different age where not all operators have this solid background, so this standard is all-important," Mr Ford said. "Just as airlines have safety check systems, Part E allows the marine industry to have an inbuilt national safety checklist so everyone around the country is able to do the right thing to operate our vessels safely". "I'm particularly looking forward to the time when there is a national standard so that the SMS requirements are the same between states."

Upon effect, the seven standards will join the first raft of standards which entered legislation nationally in October 2008. Fire Safety (NSCV C4); Engineering (NSCV C5), Safety Equipment (NSCV C7A) and Fast Craft (NSCV F1) were adopted successfully last year.

Find out more

For more information on the Combined NSCV/USL Code 2009 please contact the NMSC Secretariat on 02 9247 2124 or visit website: www.nmsc.gov.au - click on Legislated Standards 2009. Copies of published standards can also be downloaded from this website. * A vessel will only be obliged to have a Part E Safety Management System (SMS) if required by the local marine safety agency. ** For most of the design sections, jurisdictions which have already brought in the NSCV  Queensland and Tasmania generally apply the design and construction sections in addition to the USL Code. *** More information on AIS, including an interactive tutorial on the system, can be found at www.amsa.gov..au  look under vessel tracking and then follow the links to AIS. The NMSC aims to achieve nationally uniform marine safety practices and is made up of an Independent Chair and the CEOs of Australia's marine safety agencies.

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