NMSC seeks comment on commercial vessels

12:01 AM Mon 23 Mar 2009 GMT

'Margie O’Tarpey, NMSC CEO.' .

The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) has released for public comment an Issues Paper on the arrangement, accommodation and personal safety requirements on board commercial vessels.

The paper will lead to the drafting of a new National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part C, Section 1 - Arrangement, Accommodation and Personal Safety to replace and update relevant provisions in Subsections 5E and 5F and Sections 6, 7 and 18 of the USL Code.

NMSC's CEO Margie O'Tarpey said the paper raises safety issues that will strike a chord with all commercial vessel designers, owners and operators - and the greater public.

"For example, issues such as the requirements for passenger seating, sanitary arrangements, escape and evacuation routes and consideration of access for the disabled," Ms O'Tarpey said.

NMSC's Principal Technical Adviser Mori Flapan produced the Issues Paper in collaboration with an industry stakeholder reference group.

"The paper compares the older 1970s standards with modern practices, both within Australia and internationally," Mr Flapan said.

"The document also asks to what extent should existing and new International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions be incorporated into the requirements of the NSCV".

Other issues covered in the paper relate to deck heights; guard rails and bulwarks; gangways for safe movement on and off the vessel; personal protection; dangerous machinery; and field of vision from the operating compartment.

Overall, the paper provides stakeholders with the opportunity to see the direction that the new standard may take and to help shape that direction at an early stage.

"If you have a view on seating, safety rails or other safety issues within the scope of the standard, then this is your best opportunity to raise it," Mr Flapan added.

Have Your Say!
To obtain a copy of the NSCV C1 Issues Paper please contact the NMSC Secretariat on 02 9247 2124 or download from website: www.nmsc.gov.au/yoursay_2.html
The public comment period closes on 15 May 2009.

The NMSC aims to achieve nationally uniform marine safety practices and is made up of an Independent Chair and the CEOs of Australia's marine safety agencies.

by NMSC

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NMSC seeks comment on commercial vessels

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