Below is a copy of a message from Ian who is our new rep for negotiating with MSQ and the new regulations. I strongly suggest you fill out the form (link Below) and send it in. It will be a nightmare for you if you don’t do this now for any boats you have. Fill it out and send to
Phillip Hambly
GPO Box 2595 | Brisbane Qld 4001
Attachment3_Info Request _under 10m fishing__FINAL
Hi Tony,
The meeting last night was very worthwhile. I think I have finally got my head around it. I spoke with Keith Brightman (AMSA) and Werner Bundschuh (MSQ). There are two perspectives (MSQ and AMSA) and I will attempt to explain them.
The story is as follows:
AMSA:
· Any boat that existed in 2013 is grandfathered
· Grandfathering ceases to exist on June 30 2016
· Any vessel that was grandfathered becomes an ‘existing vessel’ on 1st July 2016
· To make an ‘existing vessel’ compliant from 1st July 2016 simply apply for a ‘Certificate of Operation’. Put on the Application that it is an existing vessel and forget about the builders plate, buoyancy certs or anything else asked for on the form. The fact that it legally exists now (and since 2013) is all that is required.
· The ‘Certificate of Operation’ is for the ‘operation’, not each vessel, and as such you could put 50 boats on the one ‘Cert of Operation’. Your SMS will have to show how the risk is minimised across the fleet though.
· The exemptions (03 and 40) only apply to new vessels. Don’t even read them in relation to existing vessels
MSQ
· MSQ would follow the above guidelines but their computer system won’t allow them to put more than one vessel on a Cert Operation.
· At present if you want a vessel on a Cert Op it will cost about $300 for each boat (Separate Cert Op for each one)
· This will cease to be a problem on 1st July 2016 apparently when all vessels can be put on the one Cert Op.
· Therefore, don’t do anything until next July.
However, MSQ have a register of <10 m fishing vessels . If you contact them and get on the register now (no cost) it is proof that your vessels exist therefore no questions asked when you apply as an existing vessel next year. I will contact Phil Hambly at MSQ, get the details and pass them on.
It is certainly seems easier than I had envisaged. Werner is the Director of the Maritime Safety Branch of MSQ so the info is reliable.
