Navigation (Examination of Masters and Mates) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1933 No. 123, made under the Navigation Act 1912-1926, introduced amendments to the Navigation (Examination of Masters and Mates) Regulations. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations sought to address the need for maritime personnel to demonstrate proficiency in lifeboat operations, particularly for candidates seeking Certificates of Competency as Second Mate or their first Limited Coast-Trade Certificate. The objective was to ensure that maritime officers and crew members were adequately trained in lifesaving techniques. Candidates not holding a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman were required to pass a practical examination administered by a Navigation Service officer. The amendments introduced a new regulation requiring candidates to present a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman or pass a practical examination. This regulation applied to various maritime personnel, including deck or engineer officers and those with at least one year of sea service. Additionally, the fees associated with obtaining a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman were revised to reflect the new regulatory requirements. These changes aimed to enhance maritime safety by ensuring that relevant personnel were proficient in lifesaving skills.

Scope and Application

The Navigation (Examination of Masters and Mates) Regulations, amended by Statutory Rules 1933, No. 123, apply to individuals seeking a Certificate of Competency as Second Mate or their first Limited Coast-Trade Certificate under the Navigation Act 1912-1926. These regulations mandate that such candidates must present a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman granted under the regulations, by a competent authority in Great Britain or another part of the British Dominions, or pass a practical lifeboat examination conducted by an officer of the Navigation Service if they fail to provide the required certificate. The amendments establish the procedure for applying for and undergoing the lifeboat examination, which is open to a range of maritime personnel including deck or engineer officers, surgeons, wireless operators, pursers, apprentices, and ratings with at least one year of sea service and who are at least eighteen years old. The amendments also revise the fee structure for the examination, which must be paid each time a candidate is examined. These regulations extend across the Commonwealth of Australia and are enforced through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1926 introduce significant changes to the maritime certification processes, particularly concerning Certificates of Competency as Second Mate or Limited Coast-Trade Certificates. According to section 28a(1), every candidate for these certificates must present a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman prior to their examination. This certificate can be granted either under the Regulations or by a competent authority in Great Britain or other parts of the British Dominions. If a candidate does not have such a certificate, they must undergo and pass a practical lifeboat examination conducted by an officer of the Navigation Service. Section 28a(2) outlines that an application for a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman should be made in the appropriate form, available at all Mercantile Marine Offices, and submitted to the Superintendent. The eligibility for the lifeboatman examination is detailed in section 28a(3), which includes deck or engineer officers, surgeons, wireless operators, pursers, apprentices, and other ratings who have served at least one year at sea and are at least eighteen years of age. This examination must be taken on application in the proper form and payment of the prescribed fee as stated in the First Schedule. The Regulations impose specific obligations on candidates seeking maritime certifications. According to section 28a(1), candidates must ensure they have the necessary Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman before sitting their competency examinations. Those who fail to produce such a certificate must successfully complete a practical lifeboat examination. Section 28a(2) mandates that the application for a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman be made in the correct form and submitted to the Superintendent, highlighting the importance of procedural compliance. Furthermore, section 28a(3) specifies who is eligible to take the lifeboatman examination, ensuring that only those with relevant maritime experience and qualifications can apply. This stipulation aims to maintain a standard of competency and safety in maritime operations. Violating the provisions of these Regulations can lead to various consequences. Under section 28a(1), candidates who do not present a Certificate of Efficiency as Lifeboatman and subsequently fail the practical lifeboat examination may be denied the Certificate of Competency as Second Mate or the Limited Coast-Trade Certificate. This denial could impede their ability to legally operate in maritime roles that require such certifications. Section 28a(2) ensures that candidates must follow the prescribed application process, and failure to do so could result in the rejection of their application. Non-compliance with the eligibility criteria outlined in section 28a(3) could also lead to disqualification from taking the lifeboatman examination, thereby affecting their ability to obtain the necessary certifications. These stipulations are crucial in upholding maritime safety and regulatory standards.