Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand recently wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister, who is the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, regarding the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) Levy Act 2018.

The Act came into effect on 1 July 2018, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) becoming the sole service provider under the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety. Under the Act, a national schedule of fees becomes applicable for services previously delivered under State and Territory systems.

“The potential adverse financial impact of the national levy on Tall Ship Operators, who offer far reaching benefits to the community through sail training programs, are significant,” said Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand President Stephen Moss. “Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand has sought an amendment to the rules to ensure an exemption for domestic commercial vessels owned and operated by not-for-profit organisations”.

Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand is pleased to share that the Deputy Prime Minister has  announced the Australian Government will provide an additional $10 million funding for the national system in response to industry feedback. This additional funding means no levy will be charged to industry for the first three years of service delivery under AMSA, to assist all operators as services transition.

Tall Ships Australia and New Zealand will continue to lobby on behalf of members to seek an ongoing exemption from the levy for domestic commercial vessels owned and operated by not-for-profit organisations.

A review of all costs and charges for the national system will be conducted in 2020-21 and involve wide public consultation.

Read a copy of the Deputy Prime Minister’s statement and visit amsa.gov.au for the full fee schedule and other information about the national system.