10Pre-loading inspection

10 Pre-loading inspection

(1) The master of a vessel may allow livestock to be loaded onto the vessel only if:

(a) AMSA has carried out a pre-loading inspection and notified the master that he or she may commence loading; or

(b) subsection (2) applies.

(2) A pre-loading inspection of a vessel is not required if:

(a) the vessel is undertaking a voyage of less than 10 days; and

(b) the species intended to be loaded is:

(i) cattle; or

(ii) a combination of cattle and either sheep or pigs in accordance with subsection (3); and

(c) notice has been given to AMSA in accordance with section 9; and

(d) a pre-loading inspection, to the satisfaction of AMSA, has been carried out within 60 days before the intended loading; and

(e) AMSA considers that a further pre-loading inspection is not required.

(3) For subparagraph (2)(b)(ii):

(a) the record of equipment and arrangements must show that the vessel is approved by AMSA for all species of livestock to be carried; and

(b) the maximum area for species other than cattle must be the lesser of:

(i) 400 m2; or

(ii) 25% of the net pen area mentioned in the record of equipment and arrangements.

(4) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.

(5) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).