Navigation (Compass) Regulations 1927 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1930 No. 106, enacted under the Navigation Act 1912-1926, serves to amend the existing Navigation (Compass) Regulations. This legislative instrument was introduced to address issues relating to the adjustment and regulation of compasses on ships within Australian maritime jurisdiction. The enactment was carried out by the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and is dated the twelfth day of September, 1930. The policy objective of these amendments is to ensure that compasses on applicable ships are adjusted only by authorised personnel, thereby enhancing maritime safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The amendment introduces a new sub-regulation which mandates that compass adjustments must be preceded by an application to the Deputy Director, thereby establishing a formal process for compass adjustment oversight.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1930, No. 106, made under the Navigation Act 1912-1926, extend their application to ships operating within Australian waters and regulated by the Navigation (Compass) Regulations. These regulations apply to all ships that fall under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, encompassing both domestic and international vessels operating within Australian maritime boundaries. The regulations specifically address the adjustment of compasses, requiring that such adjustments must not be made by an adjuster of compasses unless a prior application has been submitted to the Deputy Director. This ensures a controlled and authorised process for compass adjustments, enhancing maritime safety and navigation standards. The regulations do not explicitly outline exclusions or exemptions, implying that all ships governed by the Navigation Act and relevant compass regulations must comply with the stipulated requirements. The scope of application can be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments under the authority of the Navigation Act.

Key Provisions

The operative sections of the Statutory Rules 1930, No. 106, focus on the amendment of Regulation 15 of the Navigation (Compass) Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1926. Specifically, this amendment introduces a new sub-regulation (subsection 2) that mandates any compass adjustment on a ship covered by these regulations must be preceded by an application to the Deputy Director (Regulation 15(2)). This addition aims to ensure that compass adjustments are formally authorised, maintaining oversight and control over navigational safety. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Ship operators must ensure that any compass adjustment is only performed by an authorised adjuster of compasses, and this must follow the submission and approval of an application to the Deputy Director (Regulation 15(2)). The Deputy Director, in turn, has the responsibility to review and approve or reject the application based on the criteria outlined in the regulations. This requirement aims to maintain stringent controls over the navigational equipment of ships, ensuring that adjustments are made safely and in compliance with regulatory standards. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in these regulations can lead to serious consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, breaches of maritime regulations generally carry significant civil and criminal liabilities. Typically, such breaches could result in fines, penalties, or other enforcement actions, and in severe cases, could lead to the suspension or revocation of a vessel's operating license. The penalties can vary based on the severity and frequency of the breach, but they are designed to enforce compliance and maintain the safety and integrity of maritime navigation.