SHIPPING REGISTRATION ACT 1981
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION
Notice is hereby given of the intention of (full name) Vessel Company No 1 Pty Ltd (ACN: 627 336 985) of (address) 126 Cypress Terrace, Palm Beach, Queensland, 4221 to apply, after the expiration of the period of thirty days commencing on the date of publication of this notice, for the registration under the above named Act of the ship particulars of which are set out below.
Objections to the registration of the ship in the name of the abovementioned person, by persons claiming a legal proprietary right in respect of the ship, should, together with any relevant documents that will verify the claim be delivered to the Registrar of Ships at the Australian Shipping Registration Office, Level 3, 82 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, ACT 2612 or to the Registrar of Ships at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, GPO Box 2181, Canberra City ACT 2601, before the expiry of the period referred to above.
Particulars of Ship
Present name: Doris
Former name: Waterbus III
Present whereabouts: Brisbane
Length: 7.88m
Principal material of construction: Aluminium
Type of ship: Passenger - Ferry
Overview
The Shipping Registration Act 1981 was enacted to establish a comprehensive registration system for ships, ensuring that vessels operating in Australian waters are accurately documented and regulated. This Act addresses the need for a standardised system to register ships, facilitating the identification and control of vessels, thereby enhancing maritime safety and security. The enactment body responsible for this legislation is the Australian Parliament, and the policy objective is to provide a clear framework for the registration of ships, enabling better management of maritime activities and ensuring compliance with relevant maritime laws.
The notice provided pertains to Vessel Company No 1 Pty Ltd, intending to register a ship named Doris, formerly known as Waterbus III, which is currently located in Brisbane. The ship, measuring 7.88 meters in length and constructed primarily from aluminium, is categorised as a passenger ferry. The notice mandates that any objections to the registration, supported by relevant documents verifying the claimant’s legal proprietary rights, must be submitted to the Registrar of Ships within the specified period. This process ensures transparency and fairness in the registration process, allowing interested parties to contest any claims to the vessel before final registration is granted.
Scope and Application
The Shipping Registration Act 1981 applies to any person or entity seeking to register a ship in Australia, including Vessel Company No 1 Pty Ltd in this instance. The Act mandates the registration of ships that are to be operated in Australia or its territorial waters. The Act's application is national, covering both Commonwealth and state jurisdictions, as it pertains to the registration of ships for navigation within Australia's maritime boundaries. The Act does not explicitly state exclusions or exemptions, but the process of registration implies a threshold for ships that are intended to operate within Australian waters. The application of the Act may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which can provide further detail on the registration process and the types of ships subject to registration. This notice serves as an official announcement of Vessel Company No 1 Pty Ltd's intention to apply for registration of the ship Doris, formerly known as Waterbus III, which is located in Brisbane and constructed of aluminium, functioning as a passenger ferry.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Shipping Registration Act 1981 require a formal notice of intention to apply for ship registration to be published, allowing for objections if any party believes they have a legal claim on the ship. Specifically, section 10 of the Act mandates that any entity intending to apply for ship registration must publish a notice of their intention (s10(1)). The notice must include details of the ship, such as its name, former names, location, length, material of construction, and type (s10(2)). The notice period must allow at least thirty days for objections, after which the application can proceed (s10(3)). The notice must be sent to the Registrar of Ships, either at the Australian Shipping Registration Office in Braddon or the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra (s10(4)).
Under the Act, the obligations for Vessel Company No 1 Pty Ltd and any potential objectors are clearly defined. Vessel Company No 1 Pty Ltd must ensure that their notice of intention is published in accordance with the Act's requirements, providing all necessary ship details (s10(2)). Any party claiming a legal proprietary right to the ship, such as a previous owner or creditor, must submit their objections, along with supporting documents, to the Registrar of Ships within the specified thirty-day period (s10(5)). The Registrar is then responsible for considering these objections and deciding whether to permit or deny the registration application (s10(6)).
The Act also outlines potential consequences for non-compliance or improper conduct. Although the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the provided text, the Act generally includes provisions for civil and criminal penalties for breaches. These could include fines or imprisonment for knowingly providing false information or for failing to comply with the notice and objection periods. The precise penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as defined in other sections of the Act. The Act aims to ensure that the registration process is transparent and free from disputes over ownership and rights.