The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has set out a new policy statement for the assessment and certification of what it terms ‘novel’ vessels. If operators are planning to build or buy a vessel within one of the vessel types set out in the policy, they should contact AMSA for advice on whether it is considered novel and the best certification pathway for the vessel.
Vessel types AMSA consider to be ‘novel’:
– Submarines
– Passenger-carrying submersibles
– Dynamically supported vessels (including fully foil-born, and vessels that are partially foil supported)
– Wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vessels
– Autonomous vessels greater than twelve metres in length, or those intending to carry people
– Vessels with alternative fuel technologies including hydrogen, ammonia, and gas-fuelled engines, and
– Vessels with electric propulsion and installed battery power exceeding 30kWh.
AMSA may consider larger battery power installations on application. For example, in circumstances where the system is inherently safe and issued a type approval by a recognised organisation based on applicable and relevant rules and type approval schemes for marine battery systems. Applicants must be able to demonstrate competency in design and installation
AMSA has advised anyone planning to design, buy or build a vessel in one of these categories to email: nscvfeedback@amsa.gov.au for advice on classification and certification advises AMSA.
The policy statement provides clarity to the maritime design, construction, engineering and surveying sectors in relation to the assessment and certification of novel vessels. The policy is also relevant to fleet owners and operators thinking about building or buying new vessels that may fall under the novel vessels categories.