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AGREEMENT ON AUSTRALIAN BUILDERS PLATE

Monday, 6 October 2008

NMSC CEO Maurene Horder explained that it is vital that correct ABP’s are fitted on new power boats, as it is a State Government requirement where recreational boat registration applies.

“This is backed up by provisions making it illegal to sell a new power boat (including at wholesale level) unless it has an ABP fitted.”

These point-of-sale provisions have been in force in Queensland and Western Australia since 2006 and in South Australia since early 2008. They will come into force in NSW and Victoria in the near future.

AMIF CEO Sherry Donaldson confirmed that AMIF supports NMSC’s promotion of the fact that the enjoyment of boating goes hand in hand with the skipper’s responsibility to operate the boat safely.

“The ABP helps boaties to make key decisions, such as; is this boat suitable for my family, how many people can I safely carry and what size engine is appropriate?.”

“Boat manufacturers can play their part by providing accurate information about their products to enable the boating public to make the right choices and stay safe on the water.”

The ABP provides details on: the maximum power outboard that can be safety used the maximum number of people that can be carried on board, the total safe maximum load, and buoyancy performance for boats less than 6 metres.

The National Assessment of Boating Fatalities in Australia 1999 – 2004 Report, released earlier this year by the NMSC, looked at the causes of fatal boating incidents. The study showed that 241 people died in 196 boating incidents between 1999 and 2004, and a further 33 people were injured but survived.

In around half the fatal incidents involving recreational boats, the boat was overloaded; and in more than two-thirds, it was overpowered. Seventy-four percent of fatalities occurred in boats under 6m; with capsize being the most common initial event.

“The ABP was developed specifically to target these hazards in recreational boats,” explained Ms Horder.

“It ensures a basic level of safety in those smaller boats most at risk and provides information essential to the safe operation of boats of all sizes.”

The NMSC aims to achieve nationally uniform marine safety practices and is made up of the CEOs of Australia’s marine safety agencies. The Australian Marine Industries Federation

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