Navigation (Health) Regulations 1921

Overview

The Navigation (Health) Regulations 1921 were introduced to provide a regulatory framework under the Navigation Act 1912-1920, focusing on health standards for seamen and apprentices. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations were designed to ensure that the health and medical requirements for those involved in maritime activities were properly managed and enforced. The policy objective behind these regulations was to safeguard public health by establishing clear procedures and fees for medical examinations of seamen and apprentices, thereby mitigating the spread of contagious diseases at sea and in ports. This legislative instrument aimed to uphold the health and safety standards necessary for the maritime industry's operations and the wellbeing of those employed in it.

Scope and Application

The Navigation (Health) Regulations 1921 apply to individuals seeking medical examinations for their status as seamen or apprentices, particularly in relation to the requirements of the Navigation Act 1912-1920. These regulations govern the fees associated with such medical examinations, stipulating that the cost is five shillings per person examined if the examination location is within two miles of the General Post-office at the port, or five shillings plus an additional two shillings for each mile beyond this two-mile radius. The regulations extend their application across the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby enforcing a uniform standard for health assessments pertinent to maritime activities throughout the nation. This regulatory framework aims to ensure that all maritime personnel meet specific health criteria, thereby safeguarding public health and maritime safety. The regulations do not explicitly outline any exclusions or exemptions, and their implementation is directly tied to the statutory provisions of the Navigation Act 1912-1920. Any further elaboration or modification to the application of these regulations may be effected through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the Act.

Key Provisions

The Navigation (Health) Regulations 1921 (referred to as Section 123) detail the fees to be charged for medical examinations of seamen or apprentices. Specifically, Section 2 outlines the fees payable based on the location of the examination. If the examination takes place within two miles of the General Post-office at the port, a fee of five shillings is charged per seaman or apprentice. However, if the examination is conducted beyond this two-mile radius, the fee increases to five shillings per person, plus an additional two shillings for each mile or fraction of a mile beyond the two-mile radius. These regulations impose specific financial obligations on applicants seeking medical examinations for seamen or apprentices, ensuring a structured and predictable fee system. The fee structure is designed to account for the logistical and administrative costs associated with examinations conducted at varying distances from the port's central location. Breaches of these regulations, such as failure to pay the stipulated fees, could result in civil or administrative consequences. The specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the regulations, but generally, non-compliance with such legislative requirements could lead to fines, legal action, or other administrative penalties as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities. It is also important to note that failure to comply with health regulations could potentially impact the operational readiness and safety of maritime activities, thereby affecting the broader maritime community.