Marine Navigation Levy
Summary of Responsibility
The separation of responsibility between the Federal and State Governments for provision of navigational aids was agreed in 1934 by the then Prime Minister and all State Premiers. In broad terms the agreement provides for the Federal Government to have responsibility for aids provided to assist international and main coastal movements while the States have responsibility for entry to ports and harbours, inner port and inland aids, and aids for local/inshore traffic. This division of responsibility has been applied in working with the Northern Territory administration.
This agreement, while not legally binding, has worked effectively for 60 years in Commonwealth/State aid to navigation relationships. The agreement provides appropriate delineation of responsibilities while allowing flexibility in application.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Federal Government's coastal marine aids to navigation network. The costs of performing this function are recovered from the commercial shipping industry through the Marine Navigation Levy.
About the Levy
The Marine Navigation Levy is a charge against commercial shipping which is levied to recover all costs of operating the Commonwealth's marine aids to navigation system. It is Government policy that the "user pays" principle is applied and all costs are recovered.
The Marine Navigation Levy is payable each quarter in the case of coastal trading vessels, and upon arrival at an Australian port in the case of overseas trading vessels. A certificate, valid for three months, is issued on the occasion of each payment. The basis of charging is the net registered tonnage (NRT) of a vessel. Only vessels with a length of 24 metres or greater are obliged to pay the Marine Navigation Levy.
Although users of aids to navigation include commercial shipping, fishing vessels and pleasure craft, it is only commercial shipping which is required to pay the Levy.
In practice, no Commonwealth aids are provided specifically for fishing and recreational boating users and their aid to navigation requirements are considered to be a State or Territory responsibility.
It is acknowledged that benefits are received from the Department of Defence relating to hydrographic surveying, charting and related services. Hence, the Navigation Levy is not levied on Department of Defence vessels.
Payment of the Levy
The legislation defines which vessels are required to pay the Levy and which vessels are exempt. The following notes are intended to clarify which vessels are, and are not required to pay the Levy.
The Marine Navigation Levy is payable by commercially operated vessels of 24 metres or more in length.
A 'commercial operation' is defined as an operation in which a vessel is earning revenue. Vessels with cargo or paying passengers on board are deemed to be in a commercial operation.
Vessels which enter ports to load fuel, provisions and water to complete a voyage, undertake crew changes or for repairs only are not required to pay the Levy.
Harbour tugs engaged solely in harbour towage are also not required to pay the Marine Navigation Levy. However, if the tug is performing a tow outside harbour limits and is earning revenue specifically for that tow then it IS required to pay the Levy.
Vessels that do not move under their own power do not have to pay the Levy, i.e.oil rigs or platforms being towed to and from their work position. The tugs performing the tow of these vessels outside harbour limits DO have to pay the Levy.
Fishing vessels or vessels solely engaged in attending a fishing vessel (mother vessel) are not required to pay the Marine Navigation Levy. Vessels belonging to religious or missionary societies are also exempt.
Exemption from payment of the Levy are defined in Levy Rates
A Levy Ready Reckoner is available for the calculation of the Marine Navigation, Marine Navigation (Regulatory Functions) Levies.
Marine Navigation Levy Collection Regulations
The requirements for vessels to pay the Marine Navigation (Regulatory Functions) Levy are identical to those for the Marine Navigation Levy.
Enquiries
Any enquiries concerning any of the Levies should be directed to:
Finance
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: dcm@amsa.gov.au
Phone (02) 6279 5968
Fax (02) 6279 5909