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nzmta news NZMTA Conference hopes to reveal all BY MARGARET WIND W the development of some of the more detailed MOSS entry requirement such as application form, template and guidance material that operators will need to apply for an Maritime Transport Operator Certificate. On the communications front, MNZ report that they have developed, and continue to refine, a series of resources which will be made available to industry immediately after the rules are signed by the Minister. These will include an updated Entry into MOSS leaflet, containing an explanation of the entry process and what operators need to do to prepare. In addition to the MOSS Advisory Group, MNZ have set up a survey work stream, headed by Arthur Jobard. I have included quote from a recent update from MNZ: "Without pre-empting the Minister's decision, we have needed to get on with this work. Broadly this work stream is focused on matters relating to implementation of the proposed Rule 44 and involves two main areas of work, being: "The requirements for recognition as to who may be a surveyor under the MTA, and; "The requirements for survey, certification, and maintenance of ships operated under a Marine Transport Operator Certificate. "This work stream is being led by Arthur Jobard who is currently seconded to the MOSS programme. MNZ have engaged a number of experienced external surveyors to provide specialist advice where necessary." From the MTA's perspective, both these projects are a pro-active move forward. Unfortunately, industry still has no idea of what lies ahead and can only hope that a sensible implementation schedule is considered. On the surveying side of things, the agenda for the work stream seems to have changed from its original intent, this being to review inconsistencies in the existing rules with the objective being to improve surveying standards. It seems now that the focus has moved to the new MOSS rule and one needs to question the issue of conflict of interest, when decisions being made about the future direction of surveying, are being influenced by a small group of SSM surveyors. It is this very group that stands to benefit from its outcome. Time will tell. VIP.S84 e are happy to report an excellent response to this year's conference, scheduled for September 11–13 in Kaikoura. There are still spaces available for anyone who has yet to register and details are available on the Marine Transport Association website or by calling the office on 09 535 7702 for a registration pack. The agenda has now been finalised, with emphasis placed on the long awaited MOSS and SeaCert rule outcomes. The day also includes a presentation from Inland Revenue on asset tax changes and their impact on the marine industry, Maritime New Zealand and the latest information on MOSS, SeaCert, Dangerous Goods and the Funding Review. The MNZ portion of the day will be run in an open forum style, giving attendees the opportunity to discuss ideas and issues with an expert panel. The panel will also include industry personnel for any questions relating to other issues such as maritime law, EPA (antifoul) and qualifications. The 2013 conference will span over two days, kicking off with a welcome cocktail function on the Wednesday afternoon. Thursday will be a full day of informative presentations and in the evening a traditional semi-formal meal, with a guest speaker, will set the scene for an exciting whale watching tour the following morning – generously sponsored by one of our most famous and award winning members, WhaleWatch Kaikoura Ltd. Who should attend? This is an ideal conference for any maritime operator, both fleet and individuals across all sectors of our industry. It would also be a valuable forum for surveyors, mariners and those operating a commercial marine business in New Zealand. In addition, the conference is attended by many of our incredible partners and sponsors. Details of the venue and registration fee, including hospitality, are available on the MTA website. Partners and families are very welcome and we look forward to a fun and rewarding couple of days. In other news, and as we go to print, the MOSS rule has yet to be signed by the Minister. In preparation, MNZ have established a MOSS Advisory Group, primarily to develop implementation tools for industry. The latest report from Wellington advised that the group had turned its attention to 62 Professional Skipper September/October 2013 www.skipper.co.nz