Maritime New Zealand Deputy Director Lindsay Sturt says
that, overall, the changes mean fewer costs have been allocated
to the Marine Safety Charge (a levy on commercial vessels) and
more costs are allocated to fees (fixed and hourly charges).
"The changes are intended to be cost-neutral and will not
significantly increase or decrease the overall level of funding for
Maritime New Zealand," said Sturt. "While the Marine Safety
Charge will decrease for most sectors, some fees will rise.
"Hourly rates had not changed for 13 years, and have been
revised to better reflect the cost of providing Maritime New
Zealand's regulatory and compliance services," he said.
Most of the changes will be phased in gradually, over a
six-year transition period to 2018, to give the maritime sector
time to adjust. However, the full fees take immediate effect for
environment protection services.
Don't add to the stats!
Plan for emergencies.
practise safety drills
plan for weather
do radio skeds
maintain safety equipment
VIP.S93
Oil Pollution Levy
Rates for the Oil Pollution Levy are also changing, following a
separate review by Maritime New Zealand.
The Oil Pollution Levy funds the cost of equipment and
services associated with oil pollution preparedness and response.
It applies to all ship owners and operators of commercial vessels
over 100 gross tons and more than 24 metres in length (except
those operating in fresh water), offshore oil installations and oil
pipelines in New Zealand waters.
Sturt says the levy – which was last changed 15 years ago –
has been increased to ensure New Zealand continues to have
the resources and equipment it needs to respond to a major oil
pollution incident. "The rates reflect the proportion of oil spill
risk represented by each part of the maritime industry," he said.
Two temporary levies have also been introduced to
improve response capability and fund the purchase of new
response equipment.
"Search called off
for missing
crew..."
LOCAL LAUNCH OPERATOR – REVIEW OF
RULE INTERPRETATION
In a recent letter to training providers, general manager of
maritime standards, Sharyn Forsyth, announced that Maritime
New Zealand has reviewed its interpretation of the rules covering
sea service to include time spent on pleasure (recreational) craft.
Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have accrued at
least six months sea service – which equates to 750 hours or more
sea service obtained over at least six months – and this time can be
accrued on recreational or commercial vessels or a mixture of both.
As the change in policy applies from June 6, 2013 MNZ will
not be contacting previous applicants, however they are welcome
to re-apply for consideration under the new policy.
MARINE CRANES
& Truck Loader Cranes,
for all applications
Charges have been laid against two commercial jet boat drivers
following a collision in January this year on Dart River in which
a passenger suffered a broken clavicle.
The incident involved jet boat drivers from Dart River Safaris,
one carrying 11 passengers and heading upstream and the other,
carrying the driver alone, heading downstream.
The charges laid under section 65 of the Maritime Transport
Act are that the drivers caused unnecessary risk or danger to
those on board through their actions.
If convicted, the drivers face a term of imprisonment not
exceeding 12 months and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Following the incident, Maritime New Zealand imposed
conditions on the company, preventing the drivers
from operating.
www.skipper.co.nz
VIPS78
VIP.S78
CHARGES LAID FOLLOWING COLLISION
Custom marinised to suit New Zealand conditions.
Spare parts for all cranes.
ALLCRANE Sales & Services Ltd
Auckland,NZ ph:0800 ALLCRANE (0800 255 27263)
sales@allcrane.co.nz - www.allcrane.co.nz
September/October 2013 Professional Skipper 75
