No national AMSA system levy for three years

The Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced that the Australian Government will provide an additional AU$10 million funding for the national system in response to industry feedback.

This additional funding will mean no levy will be charged to industry for the first three years of AMSA’s service delivery to assist all operators as services transition.

McCormack said this would provide two more years for AMSA to engage with industry on a range of important matters, including the most efficient and effective ways to deliver services to industry, opportunities to reduce costs to industry without compromising safety, and ways to reduce administrative burden so industry can “get on with the job”.

Fees for services will commence on July 1 for the services AMSA will provide to individuals, such as issuing safety certification to vessels and seafarers, and accrediting marine surveyors. 

“I am pleased AMSA is already identifying efficiencies in its processes that are reducing costs for Australia’s vital tourism, transport and fishing industries,” said McCormack. “Efficiencies have already been identified in the processes for AMSA issuing a new Certificate of Survey and the fee for a Certificate of Survey renewal will be reduced from $366 to $206. All other fees will be charged as published in April 2018.”

Unpowered vessels used in commercial hire and drive operations such as canoes and kayaks will be exempt from the levy, and remain exempt from levy.   

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