Navigation (Complement of Officers) Regulations

Overview

The Navigation (Complement of Officers) Regulations, Statutory Rules 1964, No. 58, were enacted on 4 May 1964 to address the specific crewing requirements for the Motor Ship Seaway Queen and the Motor Ship Seaway King. This legislative instrument was introduced under the authority of the Navigation Act 1912-1961, following a report from the Marine Council to the Minister, as mandated by the Act. The Regulations establish the minimum number of qualified officers required on these two ships, ensuring that they meet the necessary safety and operational standards for their voyages. This legislative measure was designed to provide clarity and regulatory oversight for the complement of officers needed to safely navigate these vessels, aligning with the policy objectives set out in the Navigation Act 1912-1961.

Scope and Application

The Navigation (Complement of Officers) Regulations, Statutory Rules 1964, No. 58, are a legislative instrument made under the Navigation Act 1912-1961. These regulations specifically prescribe the complement of officers required for the Motor Ship Seaway Queen and the Motor Ship Seaway King. The Act applies to these two vessels, identified by their official numbers 316017 and 316018 respectively, ensuring that they maintain a minimum number of qualified officers onboard. The regulations mandate that each ship must have not less than three deck officers, including one first mate and two second mates, all of whom must hold or be deemed to hold the appropriate certificates for foreign-going steamships. Additionally, each ship must also have not less than six engine room officers, comprising two first class engineers and four second class engineers, all required to hold or be deemed to hold the relevant certificates for motor ships. The jurisdictional reach of these regulations is Commonwealth-wide, as they are made under federal legislation. The regulations do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, and their application is limited to the two named vessels. Any extension or restriction of these regulations would be subject to further legislative action or subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Navigation (Complement of Officers) Regulations (1964) establish the minimum complement of officers required on two specific ships, the Motor Ship Seaway Queen and the Motor Ship Seaway King. As per regulation 2(1), these ships must have a minimum of three deck officers. One of these must hold, or be deemed to hold, a certificate of the sub-grade of first mate of a foreign-going steamship, while the other two must hold, or be deemed to hold, a certificate of the sub-grade of second mate of a foreign-going steamship. Additionally, the ships must also have a minimum of six engine room officers, with two of them holding, or being deemed to hold, a certificate of the sub-grade of first class engineer of a motor ship, and the remaining four holding, or being deemed to hold, a certificate of the sub-grade of second class engineer of a motor ship. These regulations impose specific obligations on the ship owners and operators to ensure that the required number of officers with the appropriate certifications are on board at all times. This includes maintaining records and documentation that attest to the qualifications of these officers. The regulations also require that the ships comply with the prescribed complement of officers, ensuring safety and operational standards are met. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant consequences. Under the Navigation Act 1912-1961, non-compliance may lead to civil penalties, and in severe cases, criminal charges. The exact penalties are not specified in the Navigation (Complement of Officers) Regulations but generally could include fines or imprisonment depending on the severity and circumstances of the breach. The overarching objective is to ensure maritime safety and compliance with national and international maritime standards.