New Zealand's SeaCErt in Effect
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) announced the official introduction of SeaCert – the new domestic certification framework for New Zealand seafarers. SeaCert sets out where seafarers can operate in local and international waters, and replaces the old Qualifications and Operational Limits (QOL) system. “SeaCert provides a new, simpler and competency-based domestic certificate framework as well as increased recognition of New Zealand certificates overseas, making it easier for New Zealand seafarers to work in other jurisdictions,” said General Manager Maritime Standards Sharyn Forsyth. Seafarers will be able to use their current certificate until it expires, or, if their certificate has no expiry date, up to and including March 31, 2019, at which point they must transition to a new certificate.
New Zealand Maritime Certification Overhaul
New Zealand Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has signed into law the Maritime Rules giving effect to SeaCert – a major overhaul of the certification process for New Zealand seafarers. SeaCert is the new Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) seafarer licensing framework for domestic and international Certificates of Competency and Proficiency. It also sets out where seafarers can operate in local and international waters and will replace the old Qualifications and Operational Limits (QOL) system. “SeaCert provides a new, simpler and competency-based domestic certificate framework as well as increased recognition of New Zealand certificates overseas, making it easier for New Zealand seafarers to work in other jurisdictions,” said General Manager Maritime Standards Sharyn Forsyth.
Pipeline Contractor Sentenced for Safety Failure
According to Maritime New Zealand, the lead contractor on Christchurch's ocean outfall pipeline project has been convicted and fined $115,000 plus costs, after admitting a series of safety lapses on the project - two of the breaches occurring the same day as another accident killed two workers. In the Christchurch District Court on Dec. 9, McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd were sentenced after earlier admitting one charge under Section 68 of the Maritime Transport Act (MTA) 1994 and one charge under sections 50 and 6 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act (HSEA) 1992, resulting in fines of $10,000 and $50,000 respectively. The company was also ordered to pay court costs of $130 on each charge.
Wake Up Call for Fatigued Seafarers
Recent research by the New Zealand Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) has shown fatigue at sea to be of concern, with half of those seafarers surveyed reporting being fatigued on at least on one of their last five trips. Fatigue has also been a causal factor in several recent vessel groundings. An MSA-led working group is now working with the industry to provide guidelines and policy for owners, operators and employees to better manage fatigue. Each commercial maritime sector is being tackled one-by-one, and the fishing industry is first up. The guidelines will include practical methods for managing fatigue, and will be used as a basis for fatigue management training and education.
