Ship builders – what you need to know
If you are building or intend to build a commercial or fishing ship or part of the ship, prior to building you must have one of the following:
- a certificate of compliance for either the design of the whole ship or part of the ship
- a design approved by Maritime Safety Queensland
- accreditation from Maritime Safety Queensland as a ship builder.
The below points should also be considered when building or preparing to build.
Ships over six metres
Prior to building you must:
- have Maritime Safety Queensland approved plans for the ship to be built
- engage an accredited surveyor for advice and periodic inspection
- organise an inspection program
- complete a Notification of Intent to Build a Ship and lodge it with a Maritime Safety Queensland regional office at least five days before building commences
- advise Maritime Safety Queensland of the stages of construction.
To register the ship commercially, you will need:
- a certificate of compliance for design
- a certificate of compliance for stability
- a certificate of compliance for survey
- a certificate of compliance for safety equipment
- a completed application for registration
- to pay registration fees.
You may also need a certificate of compliance for loadline (for ships over 24 metres).
Ships under six metres
Prior to building you should:
- be aware of the Australian Standards and industry standards
- refer to Maritime Safety Queensland guidelines
- Building commercial or fishing ships under six metres
- Type approvals
- Positive flotation
- Conducting a swamp test
- Australian Builders Plate
- consider which building materials are appropriate
- check qualifications of staff
- know the area/s of operation for the ship being built
- what type of safety equipment is necessary for the area/s of operation.
To register the ship commercially, you will need:
- a positive flotation statement on the approved form with a statement of suitability or a certificate of compliance for survey or a design approval certificate
- a completed application for registration
- to pay registration fees.
There are a number of other ways of meeting your obligations when building a ship. You may apply for a Restricted Use Flag while the registration application is being processed (a fee is payable). Maritime Safety Queensland Office regional offices can provide further advice.
An information pack for ship builders to provide guidance when building a ship is available on request from Maritime Safety Queensland regional offices. Download the factsheet Ship builders – what you need to know (PDF, 136 KB).
