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We are seeking feedback on the draft of the new Marine Order 55 (Vessels carrying industrial personnel)

Consultation closed on 14 April 2024

About the new Marine Order 55

Marine Order 55 (Vessels carrying industrial personnel) 2024 contains mandatory requirements to ensure safe carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel (IP) on cargo vessels and high-speed cargo crafts. 

Marine Order 55 gives effect to the new SOLAS chapter XV and the associated International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (the IP Code)  

It addresses aspects of safety including stability, machinery and electrical installations, fire safety, life-saving appliances and arrangements, carriage of dangerous goods, training of industrial personnel and their transfer arrangements.

 

Key dates

19 February 2024

Consultation opened

Midnight 14 April 2024

Consultation closed

1 July 2024

Proposed commencement of new MO55

Key requirements of Marine Order 55 

  • To carry more than 12 IP, cargo vessels and high-speed cargo crafts of 500GT and upwards must be designed, constructed, surveyed and issued with an IP Safety Certificate under the IP Code.   
  • Vessels must be certified as a cargo ship or a high-speed cargo craft under either chapter I or chapter VIII or chapter X of SOLAS as applicable. This is a pre-requisite to be issued with an IP Safety Certificate.   
  • Foreign-flagged vessels must comply with the requirements of Chapter XV of SOLAS and the IP Code as applicable to them.  
  • Before boarding a vessel for transportation, industrial personnel will need to fulfil all relevant requirements including training. 

Who Marine Order 55 applies to

  • Regulated Australian vessels (RAVs) built on or after 1 July 2024 that are cargo vessels or a high-speed cargo craft of 500 gross tonnage and upwards and carry more than 12 industrial personnel. 

Note: RAVs built before 1 July 2024 that are cargo vessels or a high-speed cargo craft of 500 gross tonnage and upwards and not yet authorised to carry  more than 12 industrial personnel will need to fully comply with the IP Code to carry more than 12 IP.

  • Foreign flagged vessels as applicable under SOLAS chapter XV.