NMSC Summit Sets the Standard for Boating Safety

Summit Down Under Sets the Standard

Technical experts will outline how the latest Australian and international recreational boat building standards will impact on the industry, and possibly improve business, when they address the Summit Down Under on the Gold Coast in May.

“The Summit, to be held on the 22nd of May, coincides with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and will show case the latest marine safety news – including how standards can affect business,” explained CEO of the summit organising body, the National Marine Safety Committee.

“I am also pleased to announce that the deadline for the early bird rate has been extended to Friday 1st of May to give people more time to take advantage of this offer.”

NMSC Standards Team Leader John Henry went on to say that the 2009 edition of AS 1799 – Small Craft General Requirements for Power Boats is in its final stages of development.

“This standard is important because it provides essential safety requirements applicable even to the most basic tinnie.

“However, many recreational boats built in Australia are designed to well and truly exceed the minimum legal requirements in order to compete nationally and internationally.

“Unfortunately, there isn’t a single set of standards accepted in all export markets, and the Chairman of the ISO Committee on Small Craft Nik Parker will be at the Summit to explain the current situation and moves to address this.”

Mr Henry said that Charles Dickson, Chair of the Manufacturers’ Division of Marine Queensland will outline a proposal to develop a mechanism that Australian boat manufacturers can use to demonstrate higher standards of safety and construction quality to local buyers.

“This may be a type of accreditation program for manufacturers working to the ISO standards (European) or ABYC (USA standards), and could provide the basis for an industry-wide marketing initiative to promote Australian boats to the domestic market.”

For a copy of the program, fax-back registration form and general information, please go to www.nmsc.gov.au and click on the Summit Down Under icon. Registration for the Summit includes an invitation to the welcome cocktail function on the preceding evening 21 May at the Hotel.

The NMSC aims to achieve nationally uniform marine safety practices and is made up of an independent Chair and the CEOs of Australia’s Commonwealth, State and Northern Territory marine safety agencies.