Brisbane Ferry Passengers Fined for River Plunges
Seven men have been issued a $2,040 infringement notice after deliberately jumping from a moving domestic commercial vessel into the Brisbane River, informs the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Queensland Water Police Senior Sergeant Warren Francis, said this was an extremely dangerous stunt and the men were lucky to escape injury. “The risk of injury or death is very high with this type of activity and it was an extremely reckless and dangerous stunt. The Queensland Police Service reminds people that any report of unsafe action on the water will be fully investigated and reported to the appropriate authority for prosecution,” Senior Sergeant Francis said.
AMSA to Cut Domestic Vessel Safety Red Tape
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) says its Domestic Vessel Division is to begin a thorough consultation process with domestic vessel operators, starting in Hervey Bay shortly in an attempt to streamline the National System and reduce red tape. (The National System for Domestic Commercial Vessels came into effect on July 1, 2013). AMSA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Mick Kinley explained that the National System had created one system for qualifications and standards for commercial operators nationwide. The Authority will run a series of consultation sessions across Australia to improve the system and streamline elements of it to make it easier and cheaper for the industry to comply with domestic vessel safety requirements.
Australian Maritime Regulatory Landscape to Change
Australian Parliament's new maritime legislation will revamp Australian maritime regulatory responsibilites in 2013. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will become the national regulator for all domestic commercial vessels in Australia, with state and Northern Territory maritime agencies exercising AMSA delegations in administering national standards. The new Navigation Act 2012 will modernise the way international shipping is regulated by AMSA, providing for high levels of safety and protection of the marine environment through transparent and flexible regulation. The Regulatory Affairs and Reform Division will become the Domestic Vessel Division.
