From January 2013, the way commercial vessel safety in Australia is regulated and operated will change in three ways:

• A proposed Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessels) National Law Act will apply to operations of the domestic commercial vessel fleet;
• A National System for Commercial Vessel Safety (National System) will operate in all states and territories;
• The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will become the National Regulator of the National System.

The benefits of the proposed National System will be:

• A simplification of maritime safety laws;
• The clear and consistent application of nationally agreed standards across the country;
• Making it easier for seafarers and their vessels to work and move through the nation without barriers;
• A uniform approach to safety requirements.

In the meantime, between now and 2013, domestic commercial vessel operators will:

• Continue to be supported by your local maritime safety authority;
• Continue to pay fees and charges as determined by your local maritime safety authority;
• Continue to receive the same high level of service.

Phase 1 - Regulatory Plan
This public consultation is now closed. Source documents and a Report outlining issues raised during consultations on the Regulatory Plan are available here.  

Phase 2 - National Crew Certificates
This consultation is now closed. Source documents are available at the NMSC website.

Phase 3 - National Law Bill
This consultation is now closed. Source documents are available here.