Commonwealth law establishing the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as the National Regulator will come into effect on 1 July this year.
The Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (the National Law) will replace 50 pieces of legislation in the seven state and Northern Territory jurisdictions, delivering one law and a consistent approach to national standards for all commercial vessels in Australia.
AMSA will work cooperatively with the seven state and Northern Territory maritime regulators to deliver the national system for domestic commercial vessel safety.
Together this will enable the seamless movement of domestic commercial vessels and crew around the country.
This now brings to fruition the decision made by Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to take a national approach to marine safety regulation, with the aim to cut red-tape for businesses in the maritime industry.
The Navigation Act 2012 will also commence on 1 July 2013, replacing the century old Navigation Act 1912, providing international shipping with a modern, transparent and flexible maritime safety regime.
Together this new legislation will ensure that Australia maintains its enviable world class maritime safety record. The maritime industry has strongly supported these changes.
More information on this legislation is available online.