Rule amendments reflect best practice

26 July 2012

Rule amendments reflect best practice

Amendments to Maritime Rule Part 40D (Design, Construction and Equipment – Fishing Ships) reflect existing best practice in the fishing industry, Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) General Manager Maritime Services Sharyn Forsyth said today.

The amendments were announced today by Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

Ms Forsyth said the changes update the rule to better reflect the fact that 90 percent of the 1,070 vessels in the New Zealand fishing fleet are less than 24m in length.

“Previously, parts of 40D were not well aligned with the constraints of small fishing vessels,” she said. “Many of the changes have been made to make the rule appropriate for all ships in New Zealand’s commercial fleet, and proportionate to risk levels on different sized ships.”

“Lessons from accidents and incidents are also reflected in the amendments.”

Failure of ships’ structure and equipment is the most common cause of injury on commercial fishing vessels, accounting for 26 percent of fishing injuries in 2009/10.

Several new requirements will mitigate the risks of fire and flooding, which can have serious consequences on fishing ships.

While many changes update the rules to reflect common industry practices, substantial new structural requirements will be applicable to newly constructed fishing ships.

Other material changes to the rules include:
• updated collision bulkhead requirements that are more practical for existing and new ships
• more flexible hatch cover requirements for small ships
• new specifications for equipment and fittings that limit the spread and impact of engine room fires
• updated design and construction standards to reduce the risk of flooding
• alternative guardrail and bulwark requirements applicable when navigation safety may be otherwise be impeded
• modified requirements regarding electrical system documentation
• new breathing apparatus requirements applicable to small ships with a heightened risk of gas leaks from refrigeration systems.

The amendments will also remove the need, and therefore the cost, of design approval for imported ships that already meet the stringent Australian National Standard for Commercial Vessels.

The amended Part 40D, consolidating all 40 changes, can be viewed here.

ENDS

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