I contacted Marine Safety Queensland for an update on the progress of the commercial registration and the associated administration fees for our oyster punts and boats. Quoted below is the response from MSQ:
- Extension to July 2018:- Transition to AMSA service delivery for domestic commercial vessels will now commence on 1 July 2018 based on a decision made by state and territory ministers. This decision was made following industry consultation about the impact on owners, operators and crew of a full cost recovery model and proposed levies.
- AMSA continues to work on a suitable funding model and will continue to consult with industry regarding future costs and service delivery. Timing of a decision on costs will likely take place in the second half of 2018 and is dependent on a funding finalization plan by the Transport Industry Council (TIC).
- All vessel owners/operators have a General Safety Duty obligation to develop and implement a Safety Management System (SMS). Part E (Operations) of the National System for Commercial Vessels outlines the requirements AMSA expects a vessel should include in their SMS as a minimum. AMSA are currently conducting approximately 400 SMS verifications around the country to get a snapshot position on where industry is performing against the National System obligations. All participants receive a copy of their report and the intent of the initiative is to get clear statistics to drive future safety campaigns and initiatives.
- AMSA continues to work towards refining and streamlining their business model and to reduce red tape by reviewing Marine Orders and Regulations based on industry consultation and feedback. The outcome stakeholder reports and current consultation can be found at https://apps.amsa.gov.au/moreview .
