AMSA calls for public consultation on marine pollution rules (Marine Order 97)
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is seeking consultation from industry in regard to proposed changes to Marine Pollution rules, which are expected to assist domestic commercial vessels (DCVs), including fishing vessels, to comply with worldwide nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission requirements.
The important change is whether a vessel requires an engine international air pollution prevention (EIAPP) certificate or not.
The key proposed changes in the draft Marine Order 97 (Marine pollution prevention – air pollution) 2022 are that from the date of the new rules:
- A DCV with an existing diesel enginewith a power output of more than 130 kW already installed, will not require an EIAPP certificate (unless proceeding overseas).
- A DCV, where there is a major conversion of a diesel engine with a power output of more than 130 kW, will be required to have an EIAPP certificate and associated technical file for that converted engine.
- A DCV (existing or new build) installing a new diesel enginewith a power output of more than 130 kW, will be required to have an EIAPP certificate and associated technical file.
- Diesel engine suppliers will be required to provide an EIAPP certificate and associated technical file with any new diesel engine—with a power output of more than 130 kW—sold for installation on a DCV.
- Deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances from all DCVs, foreign vessels and recreational vessels will be prohibited.
- When records for using ozone depleting substances are required to be kept, electronic record books will be an option. This option will also be available for NOx emission and fuel oil change over records when applicable.
- Requirements for local fuel oil suppliers will be made more consistent with MARPOL Annex VI and the Pollution Prevention Act.
Consultation closes on 20 March 2022.
Details of changes can be found here.
It is anticipated the changes will apply when the new Marine order 97 comes into effect, which is anticipated to be on 1 January 2023.