Update for vessel operators on AMSA’s approach to developing and maintaining policy, standards and guidelines relating to design, construction and equipment for 'contemporary and emerging technology’ for domestic commercial vessels (DCV) and the status of AMSA standards projects underway.
Background
AMSA has established the Domestic Standards and Emerging Technologies (DSET) team following an amalgamation of the Domestic Vessel Standards and Emerging Vessel Technologies teams into a single section. The DSET team has responsibility for setting the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV), adapting the DCV regulatory framework to accommodate emerging vessel technologies, including delivering AMSA’s Roadmap: Emerging technologies in domestic commercial vessels 2023-27 and other DCV policy initiatives in the technical domain.
NSCV Standards update
NSCV Part C1 – Arrangement, accommodation and personal safety
Revised in response to industry feedback, updates in technology and revisions to Australian Standards. AMSA intends for the amendments to C1 to commence on 1 February 2025, pending adoption by the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meeting later this year.
The key changes:
a. establish ‘no climb zones’ around the perimeter of vessels
b. align field of vision from operating stations with the International Collision Regulations
c. align standards for accommodation spaces with WHS legislation and Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) standards (where applicable)
d. clarify escape lighting and signage requirements
e. improve strength and testing standards for continuous safety rails on pilot vessels.
NSCV Part C7A – Safety equipment
Revised to reflect recent advances in safety equipment technology, updates to national and international conventions and codes, and lessons learnt through industry experience. AMSA is currently finalising amendments to C7A which will then progress for approval and consideration at an Infrastructure and Transport Minister’s Meeting in 2025. AMSA is aiming for commencement mid-2025.
The key changes will be:
a. Updating transitional arrangements for vessels to comply with contemporary standards
b. Aligning with international standards for infant sized lifejackets carriage
c. For domestic vessels that venture far from land:
i. allowing them greater choice of lifejacket type
ii. ensuring they seek advice of medical practitioners or pharmacists regarding first aid / medical supplies to be carried relevant to their operation.
d. Vessel carrying inflatable type lifejackets to meet NSCV minimum carriage requirement must carry:
i. additional lifejackets as redundancy: 5 to 20 people on board – 1 extra lifejacket, ≥ 20 people on board – 2 extra lifejackets
ii. additional re-arming kits for inflatable lifejackets: 5 to 20 people on board – 1 re-arming kit, ≥ 20 people on board – 2 re-arming kits
e. For vessels required to carry life-rafts, providing flexibility in the types and quantity of rafts permitted in some cases.
f. Updating first aid and medical scales,
NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No1 (2024).
These changes are editorial only, with no policy or financial impacts. AMSA aiming to be implemented on 1 October 2024.
NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No2 (2024).
Scheduled to address priority policy issues relating to standards for communications and navigation equipment, firefighting equipment including measures for small lithium-ion battery installations and buoyancy foam used for positive flotation on DCVs.
This project will be delivered as three distinct projects:
i. NSCV C4 – Fire safety
ii. NSCV C6B – Buoyancy and stability after flooding
iii. NSCV C7B – Communications equipment and NSCV C7C – Navigation equipment
These projects will still consult with industry to address priority policy issues.
The AMSA Domestic Standards and Emerging Technologies (DSET) team can continue to be contacted for:
NSCV issues and clarifications at: NSCVfeedback@amsa.gov.au
Emerging tech matters at: DCVEmergingtech@amsa.gov.au
End.
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