Public consultation of Australia’s Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety legislation open until 30 March 2022

The Independent Review of Australia’s Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety Legislation and associated Costs and Charging Arrangements has commenced. Information about the review, including terms of reference and reviewer information can be viewed here.

The review will be conducted in two phases, with the first to focus on the National Law framework (Phase 1) and the second to consider national system delivery costs and future funding options (Phase 2).

Submissions for Phase 1 of the review are now being sought and a Consultation Aid has been published. To make a submission, please go to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications ‘Have Your Say’ webpage.  Here you will also be able to access the Consultation Aid and Phase one consultation timeframes. Submissions can be lodged via this website or emailed to dcvsafetyreview@infrastructure.gov.au.

Australia’s diverse maritime industries include tourism, transport and fishing operations. These businesses are especially important in our coastal and regional communities, as well as to the whole Australian economy. The Australian Government is committed to having an effective system of safety regulation for vessels and seafarers across these industries.

There have been a number of recent inquiries into maritime safety regulation. In response to the Inquiry into the Performance of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Government has committed to an independent review of the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety (National System) and the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 (National Law). View the Terms of Reference for the independent review.

The National System is Australia’s national regulatory framework to ensure the safe design, construction, equipping, crewing and operation of commercial, government and research vessels operating in Australian waters. Since mid-2018, the National System has been delivered by AMSA under National Law and related legislative instruments.

Please feel free to re-submit any relevant submissions from previous similar inquiries. Submissions will be accepted till 30 March 2022.

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