Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats (ABP)
Information for Industry
Information for Boaters
The ABP Standard
Legislation
Public Comment
Where to Buy Plates
Media Releases & Articles
Guidance Circulars
Further Information
Look out for Australian Builders Plates on new Australian made and imported recreational boats, including owner built boats.
The ABP aims to make boating safer by providing information about the capability of boats including: the maximum number of people and load allowed; engine rating; weight and buoyancy performance for smaller boats.
There are two types of ABPs–
|
Sample: ABP plate for a boat less than 6 metres |
Sample ABP plate for a boat 6 metres or more in length not designed to be powered by an outboard engine. |
|
Plates for boats less than 6 metres need to have a buoyancy statement – and they also need to specify either basic or level flotation |
Plates for boats more than 6 metres do not require a buoyancy statement |
Click here for a sample ABP with explanatory notes (other examples are provided in the National Standard for the ABP)
Boats will not need a plate if they are: second hand; aquatic toys; amphibious vehicles; canoes, kayaks or similar boats designed to be paddle-powered such as surf skis; hydrofoils or hovercraft; pedal powered boats; personal watercraft carrying no more than two people; racing boats; rowing shells used for racing or rowing training; sailboards; sailing boats; submersibles and surf row boats.
Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia have all introduced the ABP either through legislation or administration. The Northern Territory and Victoria will be introducing the ABP in the near future. Please check with your local marine agency for more information.
Buoyancy for Vessels Less than Six Metres
 |
Level Flotation – means that the boat will continue to float in a level position if swamped and will be prevented from capsizing in calm water. This will allow you to remain in the boat and bail the vessel to remove the water. |
 |
Basic Flotation – means that the boat will float in some form if swamped. If the boat has capsized, it will remain afloat for you to possibly cling to the upturned hull. |
*These diagrams are illustrative only and apply in calm water.
Information for Builders and Dealers
The ABP is fast becoming law around Australia, so it is important for manufacturers to start developing plates to keep up with ABP legislation and regulation.
To ensure quality control of information on an ABP, only a builder, importer or competent person can supply and approve information on an ABP. A competent person is someone who has acquired, through training, qualification or experience, the skills to approve information on a builders plate.
For further details, download:
Information for Importers
The requirements of the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats (the ABP standard) apply equally to both locally built and imported boats. The scope of the standard, setting out the types of boats it covers, is within the national standard itself. If in doubt, there are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on the NMSC web site (look under Recreational Boating/Australian Builders Plate at www.nmsc.gov.au ). State Marine Safety Agencies can also provide guidance.
A person importing a recreational boat from another country will need to ensure compliance with the ABP standard before the boat is first registered. A foreign compliance plate is not considered to be a substitute for an ABP, except in the case of inflatable boats where boats certified under the European Recreational Craft Directive or the NMMA certification program may be accepted, as set out in the FAQ’s.
The person importing the boat into Australia will be treated as the ‘builder’ for the purpose of complying with the ABP standard. He or she will be responsible for fitting the ABP to the boat and for the accuracy of the information on the ABP. As well, the importer’s name will need to be shown on the plate at the place where the builder’s name would appear if the boat had been built in Australia. Blank plates are available through AMIF/BIA WA on (08) 9371 8872, as well as from sources so long as they comply with the requirements of the ABP standard.
The technical standard used to determine the information must be identified and shown on the ABP. The acceptable technical standards are listed in the ABP standard. As well, masses need to be shown on the ABP in kilograms (kg) and the buoyancy performance, either level or basic flotation, must be stated on the plate if the boat is less than 6m in length. The maximum engine power may be stated in either kilowatts or horsepower.
Importers are cautioned that it is their responsibility to verify the accuracy of information determined overseas before placing that information on the ABP. The accuracy of information on a foreign compliance plate can generally only be verified with a new boat. With boats already in service overseas, it will be difficult to trace the source of the information and be certain that the boat has not been modified.
In particular, importers should treat information shown on ‘CE’ plates with great care. The laws governing the fitting of a CE plate to a boat only apply within the European Union; and in the case of recreational boats, the involvement of a Notified Body is generally required. Unfortunately, the CE system is often misunderstood and misapplied outside of Europe, especially in Asia. As a result, there have been instances of boats built outside of the European Union being fitted with CE plates that contain incorrect information, then coming into Australia.
If there is any doubt, a local competent person should be engaged to assess the information to go onto the ABP.
An example of an ABP for an imported boat is shown below with the key points highlighted.
Information for Boaters
The ABP applies to new boats. If you’re looking at buying a boat, this plate will make it easier to choose a boat to suit your needs. It also helps you plan for a safe trip out on the water.
For more information, click on to:
Safer Boating with an ABP On Board Brochure
Look Out for Australian Builders Plates Poster
General Public Frequently Asked Questions
The ABP Standard
The latest edition (Edition 3, November 2005) of the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats is available on the web. To view Edition 3 (November 2005) click here
- To view Amendment 1 - Approved by the Australian Transport Council (18 November 2005) click here
- A Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) was convened in August 2007 to review a request for an interpretation of the provisions of the National Standard for the ABP. The origin of the request related to an aluminium boat under 6m that used ISO 12217-3 to determine information on an ABP. In response, the TAP developed the Technical Interpretation No1 and the associated National Guidance click here
- To view the ABP Regulatory Impact Statement click here
Legislation and Regulation
National Implementation
The Australian Builders Plate is a national initiative supported by industry. However, it is being introduced through state-based legislation, which means that implementation dates will vary.
Here is an update of the situation around Australia -
New South Wales
- New recreational vessels can not be registered unless they have an ABP affixed.
- From March 2009, it will be an offence in NSW to sell a new recreational boat that doesn’t have an ABP affixed.
Tasmania
- Recreational boats built after 1 July 2006 can not be registered unless they have an ABP affixed.
Western Australia
- New vessels which do not have a certificate of survey and have not previously been registered in WA can not be registered unless they have an ABP affixed.
- It is an offence to sell a recreational vessel built on or after 2 September 2006, without an ABP affixed.
Queensland
- It is an offence to sell a recreational vessel, or any vessel that is not registered, and which is built after 28 September 2006, that does not have an ABP affixed. These vessels may also be refused registration if they do not have an ABP affixed.
South Australia
- It is an offence to sell a recreational boat built on or after the 4th February 2008 without an ABP fitted, unless the vessel is a type exempted from the ABP requirements.
Victoria
- It is an offence to sell a recreational vessel built on or after 21 October 2009, without an ABP affixed.
Northern Territory
- The Northern Territory is yet to implement the ABP Standard in law.
Public comment
The public comment received in response to the legislative discussion paper was reviewed by two reference groups in June and July 2005.
- The recommendations of the reference group looking at policy and legislative comment can be viewed by clicking here.
- The recommendations of the reference group looking at technical matters can be viewed by clicking here.
Where to Buy Plates
The Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) provides on line facilities for ordering plates, just go to www.amif.asn.au or telephone (08) 9371 8872.
Media Releases & Articles
Guidance Circulars
Interpretation 07-01 of the ABP Standard
A Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) was convened in August 2007 to review a request for an interpretation of the provisions of the National Standard for the ABP. The origin of the request related to an aluminium boat under 6m that used ISO 12217-3 to determine information on an ABP. In response, the TAP developed the Technical Interpretation No1 and the associated National Guidance
National Guidance Circular 2007
Further Information
For more information, contact your local marine safety agency or
National Marine Safety Committee
Level 5, 9 –13 Young St Sydney
PO Box R1871 Royal Exchange NSW 1225
Ph: (02)9247 2124
Fax (02) 9247 5203
Email: secretariat@nmsc.gov.au