another set of problems. The SSM companies are doing most of the work for Maritime NZ, up to five hours in some cases. Each application requires evidence of survey against the appropriate rule, historical plan approval, load-line, stability and other details that may date back several years.
The SSM company is then required to load this information directly onto Maritime NZ's website and update all the records. This is a double entry for SSM companies as they are also having to update their own databases. The agency staff receive the application, check all the documents are there and rubber stamp it.
This process is now an additional and mandatory requirement by Maritime NZ. One has to question whether the agency is "double dipping?" Most SSM companies are not recovering this cost because charges for this additional administration time would cripple most operators. How, therefore, can Maritime NZ justify it?
This is of more importance when one looks ahead to what other charges may be applied to operators when the Maritime Operator Safety System, or MOSS, is in full swing. If Maritime NZ is going to charge for processing applications, they should at least show the process involved. SSM companies also draft the certificate to be issued, so the administration time at Maritime NZ is presently minimal. In my view, this first round of charges may be a premature reaction to go some way to reduce the budget deficit. Once again, very little business planning or cost/benefit analysis seems to have been done to qualify their actions.
Maritime NZ already appears to have received fees under the Marine Safety Charge to cover the cost of activities for 2011-12. Imposing new fees from February 1 would therefore appear to be double-dipping for cost recovery of the activity. The MTA therefore proposes to send a letter to Maritime NZ to respectfully request tthey reconsider the proposed fee structure and undertake a proper consultation for implementing the fees from July 1.
Charterboat catch reporting: Les Porter has been in touch with the Member of Parliament for Tauranga, Simon Bridges, about this oppressive Ministry of Fisheries requirement. Les has had a letter from Simon stating that the regime is being reviewed and at that time he will take the issue up with them. This sounds encouraging and perhaps we will get some support from the government to stop this onerous system, which is ineffectual in any event. More about this as the process unfolds.
Apology: In the January/February issue of Professional Skipper I referred to the issue of the New Zealand Offshore Master ticket being a lost cause for skippers attempting to adv ance their qualifications.
I made particular reference to the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology providing a course that would lead to nothing. This was not the case. The NMIT ran the course for two individuals who particularly requested it so they could obtain recognition from the Australian Marine Authorities. My apologies to the institute if I caused them embarrassment, but doesn't this actually highlight the real issue? Australia will accept the qualification but Maritime NZ will not.
Contact Alan Moore, executive officer, New Zealand Marine Transport Association on 021 942-850 or email marinetransport@ihug.co.nz
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