Our aim is to reduce the number of serious safety deficiencies in the South Australian commercial vessel fleet.

It operates state wide, nationally and internationally and covers:

• Plan approval: vessel plans are submitted to DPTI Naval Architects and are approved in accordance with engineering standards.
• Initial survey: vessels are inspected during construction to ensure they are built in accordance with approved plans and are fit for purpose.
• Stability assessment: the team assesses stability data submitted by approved Naval Architects.
• Periodic survey: Surveyors check the vessels’ hulls, machinery and safety gear on a yearly or two yearly basis (depending on class of vessel).
• Investigation: all staff may be called upon to provide expert advice to DPTI and other agencies as required.
• Training and education: staff are available to visit and talk to groups on vessel safety matters.

IMPORTANT NOTE (December 2011):

Changes to HF Radio Monitoring in South Australia.

Proposed National System for Commercial Vessel Safety

From January 2013, the way commercial vessel safety in Australia is regulated and operated will change. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will become the National Regulator.

For information regarding the National System for Commercial Vessel Safety please visit the AMSA site

AMSA will be hosting consultation sessions for South Australian commercial vessel owners and operators in February 2012 to present information regarding the proposed National crew certification plan and associated information sheets at the following venues:

Tuesday 7th February - 12noon to 2pm - Port Lincoln Hotel

Wednesday 8th February - 3pm to 5pm - Adelaide Sailing Club

Thursday 9th February - 12noon to 2pm - Mt Gambier Hotel

Further information regarding the NSCV Part D - Crew Qualifications plan can be found at NSCV Part D.