Marine Safety Victoria Newsletter
Issue 2
August 2002
SafetyNet SafetyNet
In this issue
New educational brochures for boaters Recreational marine incidents Boating safety funding program 1 2 2
New educational brochures for boaters
Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) has produced a new range of recreational boating safety publications, posters and stickers to replace former Marine Board of Victoria publications as well as a revised edition of the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook which includes updated information on boat maintenance, fire safety, crossing bars and environmental issues. The new suite of recreational boating safety brochures and posters target a range of key safety issues including: • • • • • • • wearing life-jackets the importance of staying with your boat if stranded on the water boat maintenance and engine troubleshooting crossing bars courteous personal watercraft (PWC) riding kitesurfing code of conduct marine radio distress communications.
National standard for recreational boat safety equipment 2 Staff profile – Taffy Evans, Recreational Boat Safety Officer
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Boating safety facilities program 3 Recreational boat operator licensing Why do you need a Certificate of Competency?
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Commerical vessel survey notices 4 MSV Forum – Geelong 4
ISSN 1446-8794
In addition to the brochures, MSV has also produced new required safety equipment stickers for recreational vessels, an engine troubleshooting sticker for unforseen breakdowns on the water, and a fridge magnet for boaters to use to leave details of their planned boating trip. Copies of the recreational boating safety information are available from MSV, contact Tom Casamento on 9655 8687 or by email at tom.casamento@doi.vic.gov.au.
Recreational marine incidents
MSV, as the State's marine safety agency, collects data on recreational, hire/drive and commercial marine incidents. The following summary of the past three years reveals some alarming statistics, particularly concerning vessel capsize, wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) and people abandoning their vessel and attempting to swim to shore.
Boating safety funding program
In conjunction with the introduction of recreational boat operator licensing, the Bracks Government created the Boating Safety Funding Program to ensure that excess revenue raised from licence fees is put back into recreational boating safety initiatives and programs. Between 2001–02 and 2005–06, a total of $15.9 million will be made available for these purposes. Funds will be utilised in two broad areas, the first being to support boating safety initiatives undertaken or managed by MSV, and the second to promote boating safety by funding initiatives to be undertaken by the broader boating community. In 2001–02, funds were made available for the following initiatives, undertaken or managed by MSV: • • • • • support for the continual operation of the Southern Peninsula Helicopter Rescue Service reviewing volunteer search and rescue services in Victoria funding the implementation and ongoing operating costs of the marine radio communication system reimbursing volunteer search and rescue organisations’ boat operator licensing costs reimbursing volunteer search and rescue organisations’ fuel costs associated with undertaking search and rescue activities at the request of Victoria Police enhancing regional enforcement by Victoria Police education and promotion of boating safety issues. MSV has been working with the NMSC, as a member of the National Marine Safety Committee’s (NMSC) reference group, in preparing a draft National Standard for Recreational Boat Safety Equipment to provide nationally consistent safety equipment standards for recreational boats. In developing the draft standard, a review was undertaken of the safety equipment requirements specified by all Australian marine authorities. It was found that while there was a good deal of commonality between jurisdictions, there were also some significant discrepancies. The new national standard will have benefits for boats which operate in more than one jurisdiction, as there will be less necessity to know the requirements of more than one marine authority and less likelihood of inadvertent non-compliance. The new national standard will provide similar benefits to manufacturers of boats and safety equipment. While the draft National Standard for Recreational Boat Safety Equipment is not completely consistent with current requirements for recreational boat safety equipment in Victoria, an equivalent level of safety is maintained. An NMSC reference group recently considered public comment on the draft standard and is proceeding to produce a final draft of the standard for approval. The incorporation of a broader range of standards for PFDs is being considered by the NMSC reference group. • • • Search and Rescue Vessels and Equipment: replace or upgrade marine search and rescue vessels and equipment Education and Training: develop safety-training resources and education activities for Victorian boat operators and encourage boating groups to undertake safety activities during Boating Safety Week Regional Initiatives: implement specific regional initiatives to promote local boating safety Special Needs: create safe boating opportunities for people with special needs, who would not normally have access to all types of boating Safe Access: improving safe access for boat launching Navigation Aids and Signage: to improve safety signage and navigation aids on all Victorian waterways.
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Summary of recreational boating incidents 1 July 1999–30 June 2002
Incidents Fatal incidents Fatalities Fatalities Inland Coastal PPB/WPB Coastal Vessel length <6 m >6 m Vessel type Yacht Fishing boat Dinghy PWC Ski-boat Canoe Other Number 22 Number 29 11 18 9 9 % 38 62 31 31
National standard for recreational boat safety equipment
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Additional programs to be funded in 2002-03 include: 19 3 86 10 • • 3 7 4 1 2 3 1 14 32 18 5 9 14 5 • • • • a major recreational boat maintenance awareness program research into boater behaviour and incident evaluation audit of navigation aids on State waterways funding the ongoing operating costs of the marine radio communication system enhancing regional enforcement by Victoria Police education and promotion of boating safety issues.
Deaths by incident type (Notes 1 and 2) Overturned 15 52 Swamped 2 7 Fell overboard 2 7 Collision 1 3 Waders 3 10 Trapped 1 3 Swim to shore 14 48 Vessel sank 2 7 Crossing a bar or in surf 6 21 Contributing factors (Notes 1 and 2) Speed 3 10 No PFD 10 34 Unsure whether wearing PFD (no data provided in MIR) 15 52 Wearing PFD 3 10 Swim to shore (STS) 13 45 Engine breakdown – STS 7 24 Note 1: based upon interpretation of MIR data for previous three years. Note 2: many fatalities have multiple factors (that is, swim to shore, capsize, no PFD).
The second area of funding expenditure is the Boating Safety Funding Grants Program whereby community stakeholders are encouraged to apply for funding to undertake safety related activities. In June 2002, the Minster for Ports announced the results of the first public application process for funding grants, at which almost $1 million was made available to the boating community. Recently, the Minister for Ports announced the 2002–03 Boating Safety Funding Grants Program, and MSV is now seeking applications for activities under the following programs:
Staff profile: Taffy Evans, Recreational Boat Safety Officer
In the previous issue of SafetyNet we mentioned that Mr Taffy Evans, MSV’s Recreational Boating Safety Officer might be heading out on the road – taking recreational boating safety to the streets. Well, it has happened. Taffy and his new mobile office-comedisplay centre was launched recently at the Melbourne Boat Show. Taffy will be taking the mobile display unit to a number of sites around Victoria distributing our new information and talking to the local media, and anyone else who’ll listen, about boating safety. Here’s what’s planned so far: July Melbourne Boat Show, Yarrawonga August Mallee, Lake Toolondo, Rocklands Reservoir, Hamilton, Rochester September Lake Eppalock, Bendigo, Lake Fynes, Lake Lonsdale, Northern Grampians October 4x4 and Fishing Show – Melbourne, Geelong November Cohuna, Mornington, Traralgon, Lake Narracan, Sale, Lake Wellington, McLaughlin’s Beach, Port Welshpool
If you would like to have Taffy visit your region to present information on boating safety to your organisation, club or community event, please call him on 03 9655 9784 or email him at taffy.evans@doi.vic.gov.au
Boating safety facilities program
In addition to the Boating Safety Funding Program Grants, just over $1 million will be made available for the Recreational Boating Safety Facilities Program, to assist with the development of better boating facilities around Victoria. The Government recognises the significance of recreational boating on coastal and inland waters and the program is designed to improve safe boating opportunities. Organisations responsible for the management of Victorian waterways are invited to share in this year’s allocation to assist with the construction of new and improved public recreation boating facilities. Further information on all programs can be obtained from the MSV web site at www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au, or by email marinesafety@doi.vic.gov.au, telephone freecall 1800 337 222 or mail PO Box 2792Y, Melbourne VIC 3001.
Why do you need a Certificate of Competency?
Recreational boat operator licensing
VicRoads Registration and Licensing offices throughout the State are now conducting group boat operator licence testing for clubs, and open on selected Saturdays to encourage operators to sit for their boat operator licence test before the 1 February 2002 licensing deadline, when all operators of registered recreational vessels will be required to hold a licence. Before sitting the test, applicants should obtain a copy of the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook and study the rules. Handbooks are available from VicRoads or MSV on 1800 223 022. Bookings can be made by telephoning VicRoads on 13 1171. Once an applicant passes the test, he or she can choose to defer the licence commencement and the payment of annual licence fees for up to 12 months. If the licence is required immediately, a photo will be taken and the annual fees will apply. A receipt will be issued and can be used as a ‘proof of licence’ until the licence card is received through the mail.
The Marine Act and regulations require every commercial vessel to have a Certificate of Survey and that commercial vessels must be operated by qualified crew. The extent of the qualification depends on the size (length) of the vessel, the power of its engines and the area of operation. MSV issues the following Certificates of Competency, which are recognised Australia-wide: • • • • • • • • Coxswain Master Class 5 and Skipper Grade 3 Master Class 4 and Skipper Grade 2 Master Class 3 and Skipper Grade 1 Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Marine Engineer Class 3.
When intending to enrol for a course, students should remember this, as the navigation and engineering courses are completely separate from each other. Besides these certificates, operators of vessels in Victoria may also need some of the following endorsements on their Certificates of Competency: • Certificate of Local Knowledge: any person navigating a Trading vessel more than 12 metres in length or a Fishing vessel more than 35 metres in length within State waters needs to pass a ‘Local Knowledge’ examination and have the endorsement stamped on his/her Certificate of Competency. Vessels more than 35 metres in length in the ports of Melbourne, Geelong, Westernport and Portland are required to have a Pilot or a Pilot Exempt Master. Sailing Endorsement: any person who wishes to operate a commercial sailing vessel must pass a ‘Sailing’ examination for squarerigged vessels or fore-and-aftrigged vessels, or complete an approved course. The sailing endorsement will be for the same size (length) of vessel and area of operation as the Certificate of Competency stipulates for a power driven boat. Passenger Operations Endorsement: any person who carries passengers through Port Phillip Heads or Lakes Entrance Bar, is required to complete a training course and pass an examination for an ‘Endorsement to carry passengers across Port Phillip Heads/Lakes Entrance Bar’. In addition, the vessel being used must comply with certain survey standards, which also includes preparation of a Safety Manual.
The main prerequisites for obtaining a Certificate of Competency are: • • • successful completion of an approved training course sufficient amount of qualifying sea service medical fitness and adequate eyesight.
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VicRoads boat operator licence testing in remote areas
Bairnsdale Registration and Licensing office has been conducting boat operator licence testing at various angling/boating clubs in the East Gippsland area to service the remote areas. Testing has already been completed at Cann River, Mallacoota and Marlo with several other venues booked later in the year. On Saturday, 23 March, VicRoads staff members, Chris Coutts and Bev Dunstan travelled to Marlo to carry out testing for members of the Orbost Angling Club. The Clubhouse is situated right on the water’s edge and, as the temperature was 25 degrees by 9.00 am, testing was carried out on the veranda.
Details covering the requirements can be obtained from the MSV web site www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au or phone 9655 9789. It is not the policy of MSV to prevent those who are unable to meet all prerequisites from being issued a Certificate. In instances where students cannot comply with all the pre-requisites for a full Certificate of Competency, they may still apply for a Restricted Certificate, or a dispensation to operate. Applications are addressed individually on a case-by-case basis. Restricted Certificates and dispensations issued by MSV are only recognised in Victoria. The only current certificate that incorporates both navigation and engineering components is a Coxswain Certificate. Contrary to past practice, a vessel operator needs a separate certificate to either: • • navigate the vessel (Master and Skipper certificates); or operate the engines (Engineer certificates).
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A few reminders until our next issue
• Check the validity (or date of expiry) on your Certificate of Competency or your Endorsements. Look out for further news on renewal/revalidation of certificates. If you have a VHF or HF radio on your boat, you need a Radio Operator’s Certificate of Proficiency to operate it. First Aid certificates are valid for three (3) years. Your Certificate of Competency is valid only so long as your First Aid certificate stays valid.
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Boat Operator Licence testing at Cann River.
On certain vessels, MSV may permit one person to navigate the vessel and operate the engines, provided that person has both a Master/Skipper Certificate and an Engineer Certificate.
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Commercial vessel survey notices
1. Commercial Class C vessels with outboard motors
The requirements of Uniform Shipping Laws Code ‘Part 9 – Engineering’ have recently been reviewed and will appear in about 12 months as Part C, Subsection 5 of the new National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV). Part of the process has been to look at outboard motors on Class C vessels. In order to align MSV policy with the NSCV, the following changes to current practice will be followed. Relevant NSCV clauses 2.14.4.1 General requirements for seagoing vessels Seagoing vessels powered by outboard engines shall have at least two such engines, with the exception of: a) vessels provided for in Clause 2.14.4.3; and 2. Class 2C passenger-carrying vessels that currently have single outboards must fit a second outboard complying with clause 2.14.4.2 by 1 July 2003. Consideration should be made to ensure that the second motor is ready for use at all times and connected to a suitable fuel system. Noting that many problems occur due to contaminated fuel it is recommended that a separate fuel supply to the main engine's fuel supply be fitted for the auxiliary motor.
MSV regional forum – Melbourne
24 October 2002 Program
Session 1. Recreational boating safety Recreational Boat Operator Licensing Boating Safety Grants Program Future Initiatives Session 2. Commercial marine Recreational Boat Operator Licensing Requirements for Hire and Drive Vessels Changes to Marine Safety Radio Communications Vessel Survey Practices New National Standards for Commercial Vessels (Vessel Construction and Operator Qualifications) Venue: Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron Foreshore, Beach Road, Beaumaris Melways Ref: 86 F8 Times: Session 1. 4.00–5.00 pm Session 2. 5.15–6:30 pm Refreshments: 6.30–7.00 pm RSVP: 18 October 2002 Lynn Woodgate Marine Safety Victoria Telephone (03) 96559794 Fax: (03) 9655 6611 Email: lynn.woodgate@doi.vic.gov.au
2. VHF radios for commercial Class C vessels
The requirements for radio operation on Class C vessels are contained in the USL Code, Section 12 - RADIO EQUIPMENT, Part 3 - Restricted Operations. (Note: the USL Code as amended to 27/08/96 applies, these amendments published as part of Amendment List 3 ref: USLAMD03) Relevant USL Code clauses 7.1 Each vessel shall be equipped with a VHF Radio Installation and a source of electrical energy that comply with the requirements of Appendix B and Appendix C to this Section. 7.2 In addition to the VHF equipment required by 7.1, each vessel of Class A, B and C to which this Part applies shall be equipped with an MF/HF radio installation and a source of electrical energy which comply with Appendices A and C of this Section when operating beyond 20 nautical miles of a Maritime Communications Station or Limited Coast Station.‘ With revised radio arrangements implemented on 1 July 2002, Victoria has only a single Maritime Communications Station (MCS) – Coast Radio Melbourne operating at Port Lonsdale at Port Phillip Heads. The VHF Antenna is located at Arthur’s Seat. MSV policy regarding radios on Class C vessels Commercial Class C vessels without MF/HF radios fitted are limited to operating within 20 Nautical Miles of an MCS or a Limited Coastal Station (LCS). Therefore all vessels in this category operating outside of a 20 Nm radius of the Coast Radio Melbourne Antenna (that is, Arthur’s Seat) are required to make arrangements with a Limited Coastal Station and must limit their area of operations to within 20 Nm of this LCS. In order to show compliance with the above as part of Commercial Survey arrangements, Owners and their LCS are required to fill in the required form (which is available from your Surveyor) and send it to MSV. [Note: A general exemption from carrying a radio is available to Class 3C fishing vessels that operate within than five (5) nautical miles of the Victorian coastline AND are less than eight (8) metres in measured length]
b) Class C vessels where the outboard engine operates on fuel having a flashpoint of 60ºC or more, in which case a single outboard engine may be used. 2.14.4.2 Requirements for second outboard engine Each of the two engines specified in clause 2.14.4.1 shall be capable of maintaining sufficient speed and directional control to bring the vessel to a safe haven in all weather conditions likely to be encountered. Note. The outboard engines need not be of equal power. 2.14.4.3 Single outboard engines Single outboard engines may be fitted on Class 2 and Class 3 vessels subject to the following conditions: a) Geographical restrictions of 5 nautical miles to sea and 30 nautical miles laterally along the coast from designated sheltered water or a safe haven are observed.
Warning
DO NOT anchor or fish in a shipping channel.
Power-driven vessels less than 20 metres in length and sailing vessels
SHALL NOT impede the passage of any vessel which can safely
navigate only within the channel or fairway. The Water Police, the Victorian Channels Authority and Parks Victoria have recently served infringement notices and warnings to operators of vessels impeding shipping channels.
Contact details
Marine Safety Victoria PO Box 2797Y Melbourne Vic 3001 Office location: Nauru House Level 11, 80 Collins Street Melbourne Telephone (03) 9655 3399 Facsimile (03) 9655 6611 marinesafety@doi.vic.gov.au www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au Boat operator licensing enquiries 1800 223 022 Boating Safety Grants enquiries 1800 337 222
Note. Part B defines a safe haven. b) The vessel is provided with an alternative means of emergency propulsion, and rescue services are readily available. c) The vessel does not carry passengers.
MSV Policy for the use of outboard petrol motors on Class C vessels 1. From 1 July 2003, Class 2C (nonpassenger carrying) and Class 3C vessels will only be accepted with single outboards providing they: a) comply with clauses 2.14.4.3 (a) and (c) above; AND b) carry a radio complying with the requirements of USL Code Section 12 RADIO INSTALLATIONS as amended by Amendment 3 1996 (that is, either a VHF or MF/HF radio with suitable shore station arrangements).