{"id":"F2013L02096","name":"Marine Order 18 (Measures to enhance maritime safety) 2013","slug":"marine-order-18-measures-to-enhance-maritime-safety-2013","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":437943,"registerId":"F2013L02096-fast-fetch-1775954577760","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Marine Order 18 (Measures to enhance maritime safety) 2013","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\n---\n\n?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"utf-8\" standalone=\"no\"?>\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\nAMSA MO 2013/19\n\nMarine Order 18 (Measures to enhance maritime safety) 2013\n\nI, Mick Kinley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, make this Order under subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act 2012.\n\n9 December 2013\n\nMick Kinley  Acting Chief Executive Officer\n\n \n\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n\n1 Name of Order\n\n2 Commencement\n\n3 Repeal of Marine Order 18 (Measures to enhance maritime safety) 2009\n\n4 Purpose\n\n5 Power\n\n6 Definitions\n\n7 Date of construction of vessel\n\n8 References to the Administration\n\n9 Application\n\n10 Exemptions\n\n11 Equivalents\n\nDivision 2 Enhanced surveys\n\n12 Enhanced surveys\n\nDivision 3 Identification numbers\n\n13 Ship identification number\n\n14 Owner identification number\n\nDivision 4 Continuous Synopsis Records\n\n15 Requirement for Continuous Synopsis Record\n\n16 Application for and issue of Continuous Synopsis Record\n\n17 Maintenance of Continuous Synopsis Record\n\n18 Vessel ceasing to be registered in Australia\n\n\n\n\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n\n1 Name of Order\n\n  This Order is Marine Order 18 (Measures to enhance maritime safety) 2013.\n\n2 Commencement\n\n  This Order commences on 1 January 2014.\n\n3 Repeal of Marine Order 18 (Measures to enhance maritime safety) 2009\n\n  Marine Order 18 (Measures to enhance maritime safety) 2009 is repealed.\n\n4 Purpose\n\n  This Order:\n\n(a) gives effect to Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS, which deals with matters including:\n\n (i) enhanced survey requirements for certain bulk carriers and oil tankers;\n\n (ii) ship identification numbers;\n\n (ii) owner identification numbers;\n\n (iv) Continuous Synopsis Records; and\n\n(b) applies the following provisions of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS to regulated Australian vessels not proceeding on, or for use on, overseas voyages:\n\n (i) regulation 2 (enhanced surveys);\n\n (ii) regulation 3 (ship identification numbers);\n\n (iii) regulation 5 (Continuous Synopsis Records).\n\n5 Power\n\n (1) Subsection 339(1) of the Navigation Act provides for regulations to be made prescribing matters required or permitted to be prescribed or which are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the Act.\n\n (2) Subsection 339(2) of the Navigation Act mentions various matters that may be dealt with in regulations made under subsection 339(1), including testing, survey and certification of vessels.\n\n (3) Subsection 340(1) of the Navigation Act provides that the regulations may give effect to SOLAS.\n\n (4) Subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act provides that AMSA may make orders about any matter for which provision must or may be made by the regulations.\n\n6 Definitions\n\n  In this Order:\n\nContinuous Synopsis Record means:\n\n(a) a document issued by AMSA in accordance with paragraph 3 of regulation 5 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS; or\n\n(b) for a regulated Australian vessel that is not proceeding on, or for use on, an overseas voyage — a document issued by AMSA to the same effect as a document mentioned in paragraph (a).\n\nNote   A Continuous Synopsis Record is intended to provide an on-board record of the history of a vessel — see paragraph 2.1 of regulation 5 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS.\n\nESP Code means the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers 2011 adopted by IMO Resolution A.1049 (27), as in force from time to time.\n\nNote   A list of each IMO resolution that adopts or amends this Code is available on AMSA’s website http://www.amsa.gov.au. \n\nhome port, for a vessel, has the same meaning as in regulation 2 of the Shipping Registration Regulations 1981 for a ship.\n\nofficial number, for a registered vessel, has the same meaning as in regulation 2 of the Shipping Registration Regulations 1981 for a registered ship.\n\nRegistrar of Ships means the Registrar or a Deputy Registrar as defined in section 3 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\nNote 1   The Registrar of Ships is a member of the staff of AMSA — see section 50 of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\nNote 2   Some terms used in this Order are defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, including:\n\n- Australian General Shipping Register\n- Australian International Shipping Register\n- equivalent\n- SOLAS\n- use, of an equivalent.\n\n\nNote 3   Other terms used in this Order are defined in the Navigation Act, including:\n\n- inspector\n- owner\n- regulated Australian vessel.\n\n\nNote 4   For delegation of AMSA’s powers to make decisions under this Order —see the AMSA website at http:/www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n7 Date of construction of vessel\n\n  For this Order, a vessel is taken to have been constructed when:\n\n(a) the keel is laid; or\n\n(b) both:\n\n (i) construction identifiable with a specific vessel starts; and\n\n (ii) the lesser of at least 50 tonnes, or 1% of the estimated total mass of all structural material, of the vessel is assembled.\n\n8 References to the Administration\n\n  For this Order, a reference to the Administration in Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS, an IMO resolution or document mentioned in this Order means AMSA.\n\nNote   Information on obtaining copies of IMO resolutions or other documents mentioned in this Order is available from AMSA.\n\n9 Application\n\n (1) This Order applies to each of the following vessels:\n\n(a) a regulated Australian vessel proceeding on an overseas voyage or for use on an overseas voyage;\n\n(b) a foreign vessel:\n\n (i) in an Australian port; or\n\n (ii) entering or leaving an Australian port; or\n\n (iii) in the internal waters of Australia; or\n\n (iv) in the territorial sea of Australia, other than in the course of innocent passage.\n\n (2) However:\n\n(a) this Order does not apply to a fishing vessel; and\n\n(b) this Order, other than section 13, does not apply to a cargo vessel of less than 500 gross tonnage; and\n\n(c) the following provisions also apply to a regulated Australian vessel that is neither proceeding, nor for use, on an overseas voyage:\n\n  (i) Division 2;\n\n (ii) section 13;\n\n (iii) Division 4.\n\n10 Exemptions\n\n (1) A person may apply, in accordance with the application process mentioned in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, for an exemption of a vessel from a requirement of this Order.\n\n (2) AMSA may give an exemption only if satisfied that:\n\n(a) compliance with the requirement would be unnecessary or unreasonable having regard to the vessel, its equipment and its intended voyage; and\n\n(b) giving the exemption would not contravene SOLAS.\n\nNote   Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 deals with the following matters about exemptions and equivalents:\n\n- making an application\n- seeking further information about an application\n- the time allowed for consideration of an application\n- imposing conditions on approval of an application\n- notification of a decision on an application\n- review of decisions.\n\n\n11 Equivalents\n\n (1) A person may apply, in accordance with the application process mentioned in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, for approval to use an equivalent.\n\n (2) AMSA may approve use of an equivalent only if satisfied that:\n\n(a) use of the equivalent would be at least as effective as compliance with the requirement to which the equivalent is an alternative; and\n\n(b) approving use of the equivalent would not contravene SOLAS.\n\nNote   For definitions of equivalent and use — see Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013.\n\nDivision 2 Enhanced surveys\n\n12 Enhanced surveys\n\n  A vessel that is a bulk carrier or oil tanker within the meaning of SOLAS must undergo any surveys required for implementing regulation 2 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS.\n\nNote 1   Regulation 2 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS provides that the enhanced program of inspections must be in accordance with the ESP Code.\n\nNote 2   AMSA may arrange for a recognised organisation to carry out, on behalf of AMSA, surveys or anything else to be done for implementing regulation 2 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS.\n\nDivision 3 Identification numbers\n\n13 Ship identification number\n\n  The identification number of a vessel must be marked on the vessel in accordance with regulation 3 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS if the vessel is:\n\n(a) a passenger vessel of at least 100 gross tonnage; or\n\n(b) a cargo vessel of at least 300 gross tonnage.\n\n14 Owner identification number\n\n  For paragraph 2 of regulation 3-1 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS (which enables a government to specify, for a vessel entitled to fly its flag, who is the registered owner of the vessel), a person with the overall general control and management of the vessel is specified.\n\nDivision 4 Continuous Synopsis Records\n\n15 Requirement for Continuous Synopsis Record\n\n (1) The owner of a vessel must ensure that a Continuous Synopsis Record:\n\n(a) is kept on board the vessel; and\n\n(b) is available for inspection at all times; and\n\n(c) for a vessel constructed before 1 July 2004 — includes the history of the vessel from 1 July 2004.\n\nPenalty: 50 penalty units.\n\nNote   The Continuous Synopsis Record of a foreign vessel is subject to inspection in Australia as part of AMSA’s port state control procedures.\n\n (2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.\n\n (3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).\n\nCivil penalty: 50 penalty units.\n\n16 Application for and issue of Continuous Synopsis Record\n\n (1) The Registrar of Ships must issue a Continuous Synopsis Record, for a vessel, that sets out the information mentioned in paragraph 3 of regulation 5 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS if:\n\n(a) the owner of the vessel applies for a Continuous Synopsis Record; and\n\n(b) the Registrar of Ships is satisfied with the completeness and accuracy of the information given; and\n\n(c) the application fee, if any, has been paid.\n\nNote   Information about fees, which are determined under section 47 of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990, can be obtained from the Registrar of Ships.  The information is also available on the AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n (2) An application for a Continuous Synopsis Record may be made in writing to the Registrar of Ships.\n\nNote  Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 provides that if a form is approved for the application the approved form must be used. Approved forms are available on the AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au. If a postal address differs from a street address, both should be given.\n\n (3) If a Continuous Synopsis Record has previously been issued for the vessel, it must be kept on board the vessel and a copy given with an application under subsection (2).\n\n (4) The Registrar of Ships may require the owner of the vessel to give additional information to help in determining the accuracy of the information to be included in the Continuous Synopsis Record.\n\n17 Maintenance of Continuous Synopsis Record\n\n (1) If information recorded in the Continuous Synopsis Record for a vessel is no longer accurate because of a changed circumstance, the owner of the vessel must tell the Registrar of Ships in writing about the changed circumstance within 14 days after the changed circumstance happens.\n\nPenalty: 50 penalty units.\n\nNote   A form for providing information about changes to the Continuous Synopsis Record is available on the AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n (2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.\n\n (3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (2).\n\nCivil penalty: 50 penalty units\n\n (4) The Registrar of Ships must issue a revised and updated Continuous Synopsis Record for a vessel that sets out the information mentioned in paragraph 3 of regulation 5 of Chapter XI-1 of SOLAS if:\n\n(a) the Registrar of Ships is satisfied with the accuracy of the information given under subsection (1); and\n\n(b) the fee, if any, for issue of a revised and updated Continuous Synopsis Record has been paid.\n\nNote   A copy of the current determination fixing fees under section 47 of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 can be obtained from the Registrar of Ships.  The determination is also available on the AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n (5) The owner of a vessel who receives a revised and updated Continuous Synopsis Record must ensure that it is attached to the superseded Continuous Synopsis Record within 14 days after receiving the revised and updated Continuous Synopsis Record.\n\nPenalty: 50 penalty units.\n\n (6) An offence against subsection (5) is a strict liability offence.\n\n (7) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (5).\n\nCivil penalty: 50 penalty units.\n\n (8) The Registrar of Ships may require the owner of a vessel to give additional information to help in determining the accuracy of the information to be included in a revised and updated Continuous Synopsis Record.\n\n18 Vessel ceasing to be registered in Australia\n\n (1) The owner of a vessel that is no longer to be registered on the Australian General Shipping Register or the Australian International Shipping Register and has been registered on the register of a country other than Australia must, within 14 days after the vessel is registered on the other country’s register, tell the Registrar of Ships in writing:\n\n(a) the name of the new country of registration; and\n\n(b) if known — the name and registered address of the entity that will operate the vessel under the new flag.\n\nPenalty: 50 penalty units.\n\n (2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.\n\n (3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).\n\nCivil penalty: 50 penalty units.\n\nNote\n\n1. All legislative instruments and compilations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments kept under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. See http://www.frli.gov.au.\n\n \n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Order implements SOLAS Chapter XI‑1 but explicitly extends certain SOLAS provisions to some regulated Australian vessels that are not on overseas voyages (sections 4(b), 9(2)(c)). It therefore broadens application beyond SOLAS's usual international‑voyage focus while otherwise giving effect to the international standard; it also repeals the 2009 Marine Order (section 3)."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross‑references to international instruments (SOLAS Chapter XI‑1 and the ESP Code), requiring interpretation and ongoing alignment with IMO amendments (sections 4, 6, 12 notes).","Delegation and use of recognised organisations to carry out surveys on AMSA's behalf creates layered compliance and oversight arrangements (section 12).","Exemptions and equivalents procedures depend on administrative discretion and satisfaction tests, linked to Marine Order 1 processes (sections 10–11; notes).","Interaction with other domestic instruments and offices (Navigation Act, Shipping Registration Regulations, Shipping Registration Act, Marine Order 1) increases regulatory interdependence (sections 5, 6 notes, 6 definitions).","Differential application thresholds by vessel type and size (tonnage cutoffs, fishing vessel carve‑out) require careful classification (section 9(2), 13).","Administrative duties on owners and the Registrar (applications, accuracy checks, fees, attaching revised records) create ongoing paperwork and timing obligations (sections 15–17).","Multiple strict liability offences and parallel civil penalties with a fixed monetary unit (50 penalty units) raise compliance risk and potential costs for owners (sections 15(1), 15(2)–(3), 17(1), 17(5), 18(1)).","Requirements for historical records for older vessels (history from 1 July 2004) impose retrospective documentation burdens (section 15(1)(c)).","Technical definitions (date of construction, home port, official number) and tonnage references require cross‑checking against registration rules (section 7, 6 notes).","Repeal of the 2009 Order and replacement mechanics require transitional and interpretive attention by affected operators and administrators (section 3)."],"plain_english_summary":"Implements parts of SOLAS Chapter XI‑1 into Australian law. It requires enhanced surveys for certain bulk carriers and oil tankers, mandates ship and owner identification numbers for larger vessels, and requires owners to keep and update a Continuous Synopsis Record; AMSA issues records, may approve exemptions or equivalents, and enforces compliance with penalties.\n\nThe Order applies to Australian‑flagged vessels on overseas voyages, to foreign vessels in Australian waters, and—for specified provisions—to some Australian vessels even when not proceeding on overseas voyages."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose of implementing SOLAS Chapter XI-1 safety measures. The 2013 version repeals and replaces the 2009 version but maintains the same core scope: enhanced surveys, identification numbers, and Continuous Synopsis Records. The extension of some provisions to domestic Australian vessels (section 9(2)(c)) is an intentional application of international standards to domestic operations, not scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Heavy reliance on external documents: SOLAS Chapter XI-1 and the ESP Code are incorporated by reference but not reproduced in the Order","Dual penalty structure: most offences have both criminal (strict liability) and civil penalty provisions, requiring cross-referencing","Nested application rules in section 9 with multiple exceptions (fishing vessels exempted, cargo vessels under 500 gross tonnes partially exempted, domestic voyages partially covered)","Cross-referencing to Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 for exemptions, equivalents, and forms without reproducing those procedures","Definitions scattered across multiple instruments: Marine Order 1, Navigation Act 2012, Shipping Registration Regulations 1981, and Shipping Registration Act 1981"],"plain_english_summary":"This law tightens safety for ships in Australian waters by requiring tougher surveys for bulk carriers and oil tankers, permanent identification numbers for vessels and owners, and a Continuous Synopsis Record—an up‑to‑date “passport” logging ownership, flag and key history.  \n\nIt applies to Australian and visiting foreign ships (notably passenger vessels >100 GT and cargo vessels >300 GT), implements SOLAS XI‑1 standards to improve traceability and safety, and imposes penalties for failing to maintain or update the record."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/marine-order-18-measures-to-enhance-maritime-safety-2013","history":"/api/acts/marine-order-18-measures-to-enhance-maritime-safety-2013/history","analysis":"/api/acts/marine-order-18-measures-to-enhance-maritime-safety-2013/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/marine-order-18-measures-to-enhance-maritime-safety-2013/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/marine-order-18-measures-to-enhance-maritime-safety-2013/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/marine-order-18-measures-to-enhance-maritime-safety-2013/documents"}}