The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has contracted an accredited marine surveyor to assess Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishing vessels for Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) vessel certification requirements.
While obtaining AMSA compliance is typically the responsibility of boat owners, the TSRA is offering this support to:
- Enhance safety for TIB commercial fishers and their crews; and
- Strengthen eligibility of TIB commercial fishers to access training and grant opportunities under TSRA’s Wapil 2 project.
Vessel Inspections Across the Torres Strait
During late November and December, Rod Armstrong, Principal Surveyor of Armstrong Marine Services, will visit islands across the Torres Strait to survey vessels. He will be accompanied by TSRA Fisheries staff. Inspections will cover:
- safety equipment
- fuel systems
- electrical systems
- hull condition; and
- checking builders’ plate details are correct and renew with stability test if required.
To prepare for inspections, Mr. Armstrong has asked TIB fishers seeking AMSA certification to submit a pre-inspection form (available from the TSRA Fisheries Team), along with photos of their vessels.
“The inspections should be done on trailers, out of the water, unless a stability test is required,” Mr Armstrong explained.
“All safety gear must also be on board and fully operational,” he added.
Additional Support for Fishers
In addition to vessel assessments, Mr Armstrong will assist commercial TIB fishers by:
- submitting survey applications to AMSA
- preparing AMSA forms and survey documents for each vessel waiting inspection
- ordering and dispatching new Australian Builders’ plates (as required); and
- helping the issuing of Ex40 certificates from AMSA.
TIB commercial fishers will be notified about inspection dates and times, with schedules posted on the TSRA Facebook page and community notice boards.
Safety Kits and Wapil 2 Project Opportunities
As part of Phase 1 of the Wapil 2 Project, the TSRA has been distributing safety kits to TIB commercial fishers. These kits, designed to meet AMSA compliance for 3C vessels up to 6 metres and Exemption 40, include:
- Safety jackets
- Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)
- Flares, and other essential safety gear
The equipment is stored in waterproof safety cell containers and grab bags that can be secured to vessels.
Full-time, commercial TIB fishers are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities under the Wapil 2 project by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Contact information
For more information about the EOI, access to safety kits, and AMSA certification assessment, email the TSRA’s Fisheries Team at Fisheries@tsra.gov.au.
About Wapil 2
Wapil 2 is a 3-year project, funded by the TSRA, Department of Trade, Employment and Training and Employment, Small Business and Training and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.