Australian Builders Plates (ABP)
A new initiative for boating safety
By 2006 most new recreational boats built or imported for use in Australia should have at least basic flotation.
The Australia builders plate is being introduced nationally to enhance the safety of most new recreational boats.
The plate provides ready access to essential safety information about uses and limitations of the boat you are operating or travelling on - the maximum number of people and load allowed, engine rating and weight, and buoyancy performance.
It will enable informed decisions on purchase and encourage appropriate and responsible use of boats. The plate will be permanently fixed and readily visible to the boat's operator in the cockpit or near the steering position.
From mid 2005 ALL manufacturers and importers were encouraged to affix the plate to MOST new recreational boats built or imported for use in Australia.
There are two main types of builders plate, one for boats under 6 metres in length and another for boats 6 metres or more in length. The key difference is the buoyancy requirement displayed on the builders plate for boats of under 6 metres in length.
Plates will carry the information detailed in the diagram below.
Under 6m ABP Over 6m ABP
For a full list of exceptions, see the Australian Builders Plate Standard at:
www.nmsc.gov.au
Aquamarine is accredited with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) for design, survey, stability, machinery, load lines and marine pollution. As naval architects and registered professional engineers, we are a defined “competent” person to approve Australian Builder’s Plate (ABP) information. Mutual recognition and interstate survey are our specialty,
ONLINE ORDERING SERVICE
This web-site now hosts an on-line ordering service whereby Aust Builders Plates can be ordered via the internet using a valid credit card. Click on the above link to access this page or click on the pop-up menu from the left.
For more information contact the AMIF:
Ph 08 9271 9688
Fax 08 9271 9057
E-mail lynleigh@biawa.asn.au