from archive 14 May 2010
Transport Council approves latest amendment to Shipping Code
The Australian Transport Council (ATC) has approved Amendment List 8 to the existing Uniform Shipping
Laws (USL) Code, making way for the national application of legislation for four new commercial vessel
safety standards in Australia.
Set to take effect on 1 October 2010, the amendment will mean the design and construction requirements
of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) C6B – Buoyancy and Stability after
Flooding will replace the equivalent requirements in the USL Code from October
1
.
However, the other standards covered by the amendment, NSCV F2 – Leisurecraft („Hire and Drive?),
NSCV C1 – Accommodation, Arrangements and Personal Safety and NSCV C2 – Watertight and
Weathertight Integrity are still being finalised and will come into effect six months after their gazettal.
The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) develops and publishes the new national commercial
vessel standards and NMSC?s CEO Margie O?Tarpey is pleased with the introduction of 12 standards into
national legislation in the past three years. The latest set will take that number to 16.
“This last raft of standards completes the review of the USL Code and is the culmination of years of
contribution by industry and government experts to the NMSC process,” Ms O?Tarpey said.
“It is particularly rewarding to have the buoyancy and stability standard join the other two stability standards
to complete the trio in this important aspect of vessel design,” she said.
Terry Hewitt, Engineering Manager with the M.G Kailis Group is a member of the buoyancy and stability
standard?s reference group. With over 38 years in the marine and fishing industry, he is well-placed to
appreciate the final approval and application of NSCV C6B.
“I?ve been involved with NMSC and the other stakeholders in the development of the Amendment 8 and we
put in many hours to ensure a thorough decision-making process,” Mr Hewitt said. “This is a major step
forward for the marine industry for the better – and for the long term”.
Find out more: A copy of NSCV C6B can be downloaded from www.nmsc.gov.au or by phoning
02 9247 2124. More detail on the other standards included in Amendment List 8 will be posted on the
NMSC website as it comes to hand.
The NMSC aims to achieve nationally uniform marine safety practices and is made up of an independent
Chair and the CEOs of Australia’s marine safety agencies.
source: (media release /14 May 2010 / nmsc.gov.au)