Maritime Safety Victoria reminds sailing clubs that their rescue boats may be eligible for an exemption from paying fees associated with recreational vessel registration. The Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) makes provision for the Director of Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) to exempt certain recreational vessels from paying the fee for registering the vessel.

This exemption is granted to clubs and associations that the Director recognises as an appropriate organisation to operate a rescue boat. The exemption only applies to vessels owned by the organisation, not by individual members, and only if the vessel is ‘used or intended to be used primarily for search and rescue purposes’.

The fee exemption also only applies to Victorian registered recreational vessels. For vessels that are deemed to be domestic commercial vessels – for example Discover Sailing support vessels that are operating in connection with a commercial activity – any fees charged by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority will apply. Information on how AMSA national law relates to sailing clubs can be found here.

This registration fee exemption is already used extensively by sailing clubs. The club secretary or commodore needs to satisfy TSV that the vessel meets the requirements for the exemption.

It is very important to remember that the vessel must still be registered and the registration number and label must be displayed. The exemption is only from payment of the fee. If approved, clubs will continue to receive a registration renewal certificate from VicRoads, but it will show a ‘Nil’ fee and no action need be taken unless the club has disposed of the boat, or significantly changed its use.

The vessel must operate within all other rules for recreational vessels, such as carriage of safety equipment, speed and distance rules, and safe operations.

Maintenance and servicing of safety equipment

It is important that the required safety equipment is not only carried on board, but also that it is in an appropriate condition and readily accessible.

Safety equipment must be maintained and serviced so that it can perform as designed, and so that it continues to meet the relevant technical standards. It must also be serviced in accordance with any schedule determined by the manufacturer.

For inflatable lifejackets, they must be serviced and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Generally speaking, this involves an annual self-inspection and a 3-5 year accredited service. Check your manufacturer’s website for details on their specific requirements.

For further information contact TSV by email: information@transportsafety.vic.gov.au