New safety standards for recreational boats

14/8/03
Recreational boat builders in Western Australia and across the nation will need to comply with new safety standards from 2005 as part of reforms to save lives on the water.
Launching the new Australian Builder's Plate (ABP) at the Perth Boat Show today, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said more than 55 per cent of boating fatalities in Australia were the result of boats capsizing or being swamped.
"State and Territory Governments have agreed to introduce the ABP, which will provide information to users on a vessel's suitability for different weather conditions, buoyancy and its safe loading," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The initiative, which is part of a focus on national recreational marine safety standards, has been developed through the National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) in close co-operation with the boating industry.
"There are currently no construction standards for recreational boats in Australia and the introduction of the ABP responds to safety issues arising from this lack of regulation."
Investigations by the WA Coroner into three fatal boating incidents in 2000 and 2001 (involving five deaths) highlighted the need for construction standards for recreational vessels.
From July 2005, boat builders and importers will be required to fix an ABP to most new recreational vessels, detailing the maximum outboard engine power rating and weight, maximum weight and number of people to be carried on board the vessel.
The plate will also show buoyancy standards of the vessel, construction date or Hull Identification Number (HIN) and warnings in regard to overloading or carrying out alterations to the vessel.
In addition, from July 2006 boat manufacturers will be required to ensure that most new recreational powered boats under six metres have basic flotation fitted.
Ms MacTiernan said the information contained on the ABP was an educational tool and it also reinforced to those using the vessel the limits of the craft.
"The ABP is a means of providing recreational boat owners and users with information, which if complied with, will allow the safe operation of the vessel," she said.
Recreational craft not required to have an ABP include canoes and kayaks, race boats, sail boats, submersibles, aquatic toys, amphibious boats, hydrofoils and hovercraft.
Only new vessels will be required to display the ABP.
Minister's office: 9213 6400