Monday 7 March 2022
We are now inviting feedback from the Australian vessel traffic services industry on proposed changes to Marine order 64, which contains requirements for the authorisation of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) providers under the Navigation Act.
The consultation will remain open until 11:59 pm on 3 April 2022.
The proposed draft of Marine order 64 has been updated to align with the provisions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution A.1158(32) containing Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services and incorporate other administrative changes.
Key changes
- To align with the provisions of the revised IMO Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services:
- all references to 'VTS services' (Information Service, Traffic Organisation Service and Navigational Assistance Service) have been removed
- references to IALA standards have been added, specifically in relation to the establishment and operation of VTS
- an option for VTS providers to conduct recurrent training courses with approval from AMSA for revalidation of VTS qualifications has been added
- The requirements for VTS training organisations to be a 'registered training organisation' have been amended
- The marine order has been formatted and restructured in line with the most current drafting style, in addition to updated definitions and removal of repetitions.
It is proposed the draft marine order will come into effect on 1 July 2022.