Navigation (Compass) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, enacted in 1925, were created to address the need for specific regulations governing maritime practices, including the adjustment of ship compasses. This legislative instrument was issued by the Governor-General in Council, in accordance with the powers granted under the Navigation Act, to ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation. The policy objective, as inferred from the context, is to standardise fees for the services of Adjusters of Compasses, thereby providing a clear and structured approach to the maritime industry. These regulations aim to streamline the process of obtaining compass adjustment services by defining a fee schedule based on the gross registered tonnage of the ship and specifying the payment procedure to the relevant customs officials.

Scope and Application

The Navigation (Compass) Regulations, established under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, apply to all vessels navigating Australian waters and require adherence to specific maritime safety standards. These regulations pertain to the services of an Adjuster of Compasses, governing the fee structure based on the gross registered tonnage of the ship. The fees are to be paid at the principal port to the Deputy Director or Collector of Customs, or at an outport to the Superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office, at the time of, or prior to, the application for the services of an Adjuster of Compasses. The regulation sets forth a graduated fee scale depending on the ship's size, ranging from £2 2s. 0d. for ships not exceeding 500 tons to £7 7s. 0d. for ships exceeding 4,000 tons. This legislative instrument ensures uniformity in maritime safety practices across the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of these regulations (Regulation 16) pertain to the fees payable for the services of an Adjuster of Compasses on ships, depending on their gross registered tonnage. Specifically, the fee structure has been updated to reflect different amounts based on the size of the ship. For example, for ships not exceeding 500 tons, the fee is £2, 2s, 0d, while for ships exceeding 4,000 tons, the fee is £7, 7s, 0d (Regulation 16(1)). Payment of these fees must be made at the principal port in a State to the Deputy Director or Collector of Customs, or at an outport to the Superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office, at the time of or prior to making an application for the services of an Adjuster of Compasses (Regulation 16(1a)). These regulations impose obligations on ship owners or operators to ensure that the appropriate fees are paid when engaging the services of an Adjuster of Compasses. The fee must be paid according to the ship's gross registered tonnage, and this payment must be made at the specified ports and to the designated officials. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to delays or difficulties in obtaining the necessary services for compass adjustment, which could, in turn, affect the ship's compliance with maritime safety and navigation standards. Breaches of these regulations may not be explicitly detailed within the text provided; however, under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, non-compliance with regulations can result in various civil and criminal consequences. Penalties for non-compliance may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach. The exact penalties are not specified within the provided text, but they can be found within the broader legislative framework of the Navigation Act 1912-1920. It is important for ship owners and operators to adhere strictly to these regulations to avoid potential legal repercussions and ensure the safety and legality of maritime operations.