Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00342:reg:4:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024C00342
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 2/9)
Character Range: 34127–36939

Notification of planned tows
       (1) The owner or master of a vessel that is to tow in a planned tow must ensure that AMSA is notified of the planned tow at least 7 days before the tow commences.
Note 1   For the definition of planned tow — see section 4.
Note 2   For a planned tow, notification might be made by the registered agent, the operator of the towing vessel, or the P&I insurer.
Note 3   For guidance about planning safe tows — see IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.884 Guidelines for safe ocean towing.
Note 4   For ways of contacting AMSA — see AMSA's website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.
       (2) The owner or master of a vessel that is to tow in a planned tow must:
(a) implement arrangements for a safe towage operation including:
 (i) completion of satisfactory stability assessment; and
 (ii) adequate towing equipment; and
 (iii) appropriate manning; and
 (iv) crew familiarization with responsibilities and duties including:
(A) crew training and certification set out in IMO Resolution A.1079(28) Recommendations for the training and certification of personnel on mobile offshore units; and
(B) fire and abandonment drills in accordance with paragraph 13 of Chapter 14 of the 2009 MODU Code; and
 (v) safe transfer of personnel to and from tow, if applicable; and
 (vi) weather forecasting and assessment of environmental conditions; and
 (vii) emergency and contingency planning; and
 (viii) adequate cargo securing, if applicable; and
(b) provide any information that AMSA requests in relation to the planned tow.
Note 1   Examples of information are:
       1. Vessel stability information
       2. A towing survey report
       3. Seafarer certificates of competency and experience in undertaking a tow
       4. Vessel certificates.
Note 2   An inspector may issue a prohibition notice about the conduct of the planned tow if the inspector believes on reasonable grounds that it would involve a serious risk to the health or safety of a person — see section 267 of the Navigation Act. An inspector may also issue directions if the inspector believes a person is not complying with requirements — see section 264 of the Act.
       (3) The owner of a vessel that is to be towed in a planned tow must ensure arrangements for a safe towage operation are implemented.
       (4) Arrangements for training and certification set out in IMO Resolution A.1079(28) Recommendations for the training and certification of personnel on mobile offshore units must also be implemented if seafarers are carried on board.
Note   Any regulated Australian vessel that is to be towed in a planned tow may be required to have a manning determination under section 51 of the Navigation Act. See also Marine Order 21 (Safety and emergency arrangements) 2016 for manning requirements that may apply.
       (5) AMSA