Commercial vessel operations

The Commercial Charter Vessel Code of Conduct has been developed in Partnership with Marine Tourism WA, DoT and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

The Code covers the Swan Canning Riverpark and the Metropolitan Coastline from Port Kennedy to Two Rocks.

The Code clearly outlines roles and responsibilities of various agencies involved in the regulation of commercial charter industry vessels including DoT, DBCA the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries and WA Water Police.

The Department of Transport promotes the safety of commercial marine shipping in Western Australian waters (rivers, lakes, estuaries, territorial waters) and adjacent seas.

Remember, your safety and the safety of those around you is your responsibility.

Every master, vessel owner and shipping operation has a responsibility for the safety and seaworthiness of the vessel.

There are several Federal and State rules and regulations regarding commercial vessels in Western Australia.

These cover important safety issues such as:

• Construction and modification of vessels.
• Crew certification.
• Safety Management Systems.
• Service categories - limits of operation.
• Waterways Safety Management.

Responsibility for regulating domestic commercial vessels has been transferred to the Federal Government with full service delivery and funding responsibilities for commercial operations by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) commencing on 1 July 2018.

For more information on marine safety, please go to the safety and navigation section.

For information in relation to Domestic Commercial Vessels please go to the AMSA website below or contact AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484.

From 1 July 2018, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will provide all domestic commercial vessel certificate services.

For further information in relation to the National Law, please contact AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484, or go to the AMSA website.

For how the National System for Domestic Commercial Vessel Safety may apply to vessels owned by community groups in Western Australia, or on how it affects primary and secondary school vessels in Western Australia, please download the relevant information sheet below.

The Navigable Waters Regulations 1958 (WA) regulate waterways safety on navigable waters in WA, including for domestic commercial vessels. The Regulations also regulate the registration of recreational vessels.

For more information on other State legislation applicable to marine safety, please go to Our role and services.

The Prevention of Collision at Sea Regulations 1983 (WA) applies the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREGs) for vessels, as law in Western Australia.

All domestic commercial vessels conducting operations in Western Australian waters are required to comply with these regulations, where they are require compliance with operations not consistent with Marine Order 30 - Prevention of collisions. Please refer to the full text on the Parlimentary Counsel's Office website.

For guidance and examples on how to comply with the rules and regulations under Part C (Lights and shapes) of the Regulations, please go to navigational lights.

Foreign vessels seeking to operate in Western Australia (WA) need to seek assistance from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (International) for operations within Australian waters.