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

Overview

Statutory Rules 1976 No. 123, the Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1973, were enacted by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, John R. Kerr, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The regulations aim to amend the existing Navigation (Examination of Masters and Mates) Regulations to address the need for updated qualifications and procedures in the maritime industry, particularly in response to advancements in technology such as radar observation. The policy objective is to ensure that maritime professionals are adequately trained and qualified, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in navigation. The changes include modifications to the qualifications required for various maritime positions, updates to the interpretation of certain terms, and adjustments to the courses of training in radar observation. These amendments reflect an effort to modernise and streamline the regulatory framework governing maritime examinations and certifications.

Scope and Application

The Statutory Rules 1976 No. 123, made under the Navigation Act 1912-1973, modify the Navigation (Examination of Masters and Mates) Regulations. These regulations primarily concern the examination and certification of marine personnel such as ship masters and mates, focusing on the qualifications and training requirements necessary for their competency certificates. The application of these regulations extends to individuals who seek certification as masters, mates, or other relevant positions on foreign-going and limited coast-trade ships. The regulations impact the maritime industry by setting forth specific training standards, particularly emphasising the completion of an approved course in radar observation as a prerequisite for competency. The amendments reflect an updated approach to maritime education and certification, ensuring that marine personnel are adequately trained to meet current navigational standards. The changes also streamline administrative terminology, aligning it with the current naming conventions of government departments, and update references to align with international maritime practices.

Key Provisions

The Statutory Rules 1976 No. 123 under the Navigation Act 1912-1973, made by the Governor-General and the Minister of State for Transport, amend the Navigation (Examination of Masters and Mates) Regulations. The regulations primarily focus on updating definitions, requirements for examination applications, and course qualifications related to radar observation training. Firstly, Regulation 5 redefines “the Principal Examiner” to specify that this role is held by a Marine Education Officer, Grade 2, in the Department of Transport (Section 1). Secondly, Regulation 45 revises the list of required certificates for examination applications, adding a certificate of satisfactory completion of a course of training in radar observation in merchant ships (Section 2). Regulation 52b introduces new prescribed qualifications for various maritime positions, requiring satisfactory completion of an approved course of training in radar observation after a specified period of sea service (Section 3). The Third Schedule updates references to Department of Shipping and Transport to reflect the current Department of Transport (Section 4). The Fifth Schedule modifies references to UK maritime notices to align with current UK government practices (Section 5). Lastly, the Twelfth Schedule removes outdated references to “Shipping” from specific forms (Section 6). These amendments impose certain obligations on maritime professionals seeking certification or examination under the Navigation Act. Aspirants for positions such as master or mate of a foreign-going or limited coast-trade ship must now complete an approved radar observation training course, in addition to other specified qualifications. The Principal Examiner’s role is clarified, ensuring that only qualified Marine Education Officers, Grade 2, within the Department of Transport can conduct examinations. The changes in the Third and Fifth Schedules ensure that references to maritime authorities and notices are current and accurate. Violations of these regulations may result in penalties under the Navigation Act. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the Statutory Rules, general provisions of the Navigation Act may impose fines or other penalties for non-compliance with maritime regulations. Failure to meet the newly prescribed training requirements could result in disqualification from examinations or loss of competency certificates, thereby affecting an individual’s ability to legally operate or command a vessel.