From time to time technical interpretations may be required for new and revised standards. The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) will provide interpretations where required. The NMSC has formed a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) to assist with the technical interpretation of all new and revised national marine standards for commercial vessels. In addition, where interpretations are required for any standards that call up Lloyds Rules, Lloyds provides those interpretations.
Generic Equivalent Solutions
The National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) provides for the use of equivalent solutions (see NSCV Part B). An equivalent solution will satisfy the required outcomes for an aspect of vessel design, construction or operation by a means that differ from that set out for deemed-to-satisfy solutions in the relevant Section of the NSCV.
Local equivalent solutions are limited to the circumstances of a particular locality or operation within a locality and are assessed by the relevant State or Territory Marine Safety Agency.
Generic equivalent solutions have no such restrictions and continue to fulfil the applicable required outcomes, notwithstanding that a vessel may transfer to a different locality or jurisdiction or may engage in a different operation within the limits of its service category.
A Peer Advisory Network (PAN) composed of senior jurisdiction surveyors from around Australia reviews proposed generic equivalent solutions using the process set out in National Marine Guidance Manual 10. The following Generic Equivalent Solutions have been reviewed by the PAN.