STATUTORY RULES.
1929. No. 69.
REGULATIONS UNDER THE NAVIGATION ACT 1912-1926.
I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Navigation Act 1912-1926, to come into operation, as regards regulations 1, 2, 3 and 4, on the first day of October, 1929, and, as regards regulation 5, forthwith.
Dated this seventeenth day of June, 1929.
STONEHAVEN
Governor-General.
By His Excellency’s Command,
H. S. GULLETT
Minister of State for Trade and Customs.
Amendment of Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations.
(Statutory Rules 1924, No. 72, as amended by Statutory Rules 1926, No. 65, and 1929, No. 53.)
1. Regulation 2 of the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations is amended by inserting after the definition of “automatic apparatus” the following definition—
“alarm signal” means the alarm signal prescribed by the Navigation (Distress Signals and Danger Calls) Regulations as constituting the first part of the Wireless Distress Call.”
2. Regulation 9a of the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations is amended by omitting the words “signal of distress” and inserting in their stead the words “alarm signal”.
3. Regulation 10 of the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations is amended by omitting the words “signal of distress” and inserting in their stead the words “alarm signal”.
4. Regulation 11 of the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations is amended by omitting the words “signal of distress” twice occurring, and inserting in their stead the words “alarm signal”.
1651.—Price 3d.
5. Regulation 13 of the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations is amended by omitting paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (1) and inserting in its stead the following paragraph:—
“(a) An operator shall be deemed to hold a First-Grade Certificate if he holds a First-Class Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Postmaster-General under the provisions of the International Radiotelegraph Convention (London), 1912, or the Postmaster-General’s First or Second-Class Certificate of Proficiency issued under the provisions of the International Radiotelegraph Convention (Washington), 1927, and who has had at least three years’ experience as an operator.”
By Authority: H. J. Green, Government Printer, Canberra.
Overview
The Statutory Rules 1929, No. 69, titled "Regulations Under the Navigation Act 1912-1926," were enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the need for amendments to the existing regulations concerning wireless telegraphy, specifically the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations, to align with the updated standards and practices in maritime communication and safety. The primary objective was to ensure that the maritime wireless communication systems are up-to-date and compliant with international conventions, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation. The amendments focused on updating definitions and certification requirements for wireless telegraphy operators, reflecting the advancements in wireless technology and international agreements.
Scope and Application
The Statutory Rules 1929, No. 69, made under the Navigation Act 1912-1926, amend the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations, primarily addressing the terminology and qualifications for maritime wireless operators. These regulations apply to individuals and entities involved in maritime activities within the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically targeting the operation of wireless telegraphy equipment on vessels. The amendments update the definition of terms such as "alarm signal" and revise the qualifications required for operators, including the substitution of "alarm signal" for "signal of distress" and the specification of certificates and experience necessary for operators. The regulations came into effect on different dates, with certain sections effective from 1 October 1929, and others effective immediately. The scope of these regulations is limited to the maritime sector and the specified wireless communication requirements, without any stated exclusions or exemptions within the provided text.
Key Provisions
The Statutory Rules 1929, No. 69, under the Navigation Act 1912-1926, include amendments to the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations, with specific changes taking effect on different dates. Regulations 1 to 4 are set to come into operation on October 1, 1929, while regulation 5 is effective immediately. Firstly, Regulation 2 is amended to define "alarm signal" as the alarm signal prescribed by the Navigation (Distress Signals and Danger Calls) Regulations (reg. 1). Regulation 9a, Regulation 10, and Regulation 11 are similarly amended to replace "signal of distress" with "alarm signal" (regs. 2, 3, and 4). Finally, Regulation 13 is amended to specify that an operator is deemed to hold a First-Grade Certificate if they hold a First-Class Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Postmaster-General or a Postmaster-General's First or Second-Class Certificate of Proficiency, along with at least three years' experience as an operator (reg. 5).
These amendments impose several obligations on parties and entities governed by the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations. Operators must now understand and use the term "alarm signal" instead of "signal of distress" in relevant regulations. Additionally, they must meet the updated criteria for holding a First-Grade Certificate, which now includes specific certificates from the Postmaster-General and a minimum of three years' experience. These changes aim to ensure consistent terminology and updated qualification standards within the maritime wireless telegraphy sector.
Under these regulations, breaches may lead to civil or criminal consequences, although specific penalties are not detailed within the provided text. Generally, failure to comply with the Navigation (Wireless Telegraphy) Regulations could result in fines, penalties, or other sanctions as prescribed by the Navigation Act 1912-1926 or other applicable laws. It is essential for operators and entities to adhere to these regulations to avoid potential legal repercussions.