28Notification of planned tows

28 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; 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:

Note: 1. Vessel stability information

Note: 2. A towing survey report

Note: 3. Seafarer certificates of competency and experience in undertaking a tow

Note: 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 or if the inspector believes a person is not complying with requirements — see section 264 of the Act.

(3) AMSA may conduct, or arrange for the conduct of, a towing assessment for the planned tow.