The Western Australian Government has passed a bill to apply the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (national law) to all vessels used in connection with a commercial, research or government activity.
The Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Application) Bill 2023 addresses a legislative gap that affected a small number of vessels in Western Australia. It ensures that all vessels that are for use in connection with a commercial, research or government activity are subject to the requirements for domestic commercial vessels under the National Law.
This is the final step to create a truly national system as intended by the introduction of the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety in 2013.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the national regulator for domestic commercial vessels. If you operate a vessel in connection with a commercial, research or governmental activity and do not yet hold National Law certificates or an exemption from that requirement, it is important you review domestic commercial vessel requirements.
For assistance contact AMSA Connect:
- 1800 627 484 (Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm AEST)
- amsaconnect@amsa.gov.au
For more information on Western Australia’s Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Application) Act 2023, please contact the Government of Western Australia Department of Transport at MSPolicy@transport.wa.gov.au.