What is Marine Safety Victoria?
Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) plays a pivotal role as the State’s marine safety agency by coordinating waterway management, developing and implementing vessel standards and operator competencies, protecting the marine environment and by funding the improvement and development of associated infrastructure.
MSV’s purpose is to maintain a safe and clean marine environment through leadership and working in partnership with the shipping industry, boating community and marine manufacturing industry. MSV also contributes to the establishment and improvement of waterway infrastructure.
MSV has responsibility under the Marine Act 1988 and supporting Marine Regulations 1999 for a broad range of marine safety and environmental functions, and also for effective management of the expenditure of boat licence and registration fee revenue on boating facilities and safety programs.
The Director of Marine Safety has a statutory reporting role to the Minister for Roads and Ports on all matters for which he has responsibility under the Marine Act 1988.
Responsibilities
Marine Safety Victoria as the State's marine safety agency is responsible for the administration of the Marine Act 1988 and the Marine Regulations 1999.
The functions of Marine Safety Victoria are to:
- set standards for the design, construction and equipment of commercial vessels to maintain structural integrity and seaworthiness
- determine crewing for vessels and issue certificates of competency
- set safety standards related to recreational vessels and zoning rules
- license pilots and harbour masters and determine standards for the training of pilots, pilot exempt masters and harbour masters
- determine standards and procedures for navigation and maritime safety on State waters
- develop appropriate standards for the provision and maintenance of navigational aids for State waters
- develop appropriate standards for the dredging and maintenance of channels
- investigate marine incidents and accidents and implement appropriate action on the findings
- enforce and monitor compliance with prescribed standards
- develop, review, coordinate and manage the Victorian marine pollution contingency plan
- promote education and training and provide guidance and information on marine safety matters
- commission and sponsor research in marine safety matters
Organisational Structure
Marine Safety Victoria is split into six core business areas:
- Marine Operations
- Marine Investigations
- Safety Education
- Safety Systems and Risk
- Strategic Projects
- Survey Services
Change of name
On 7 February 2002, Marine Board of Victoria changed its name to Marine Safety Victoria.
Our website address also changed from www.marineboard.vic.gov.au to www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au