Our aim is to reduce the number of serious safety deficiencies in the South Australian commercial vessel fleet.

It operates state wide, nationally and internationally and covers:

• Plan approval: vessel plans are submitted to DTEI Naval Architects and are approved in accordance with engineering standards.
• Initial survey: vessels are inspected during construction to ensure they are built in accordance with approved plans and are fit for purpose.
• Stability assessment: the team assesses stability data submitted by approved Naval Architects.
• Periodic survey: Surveyors check the vessels’ hulls, machinery and safety gear on a yearly or two yearly basis (depending on class of vessel).
• Investigation: all staff may be called upon to provide expert advice to DTEI and other agencies as required.
• Training and education: staff are available to visit and talk to groups on vessel safety matters.

Effective 1st October, 2009 South Australia will follow the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) pertaining to Part C Section 3 (Construction), Part C Section 6A (Intact Stability Requirements) and Part C Section 6C (Stability Tests and Stability Information). Applications received after 1st October, 2009 for any of the following will generally have to comply to the NSCV where applicable:

- survey of vessels to be built or altered

- vessels applying for change of class

- vessels to have alterations to loading conditions

Other ATC approved sections of NSCV may be used subject to agreement by DTEI. Detailed help in complying with the new rules may be sought from DTEI by telephoning (08) 8348 9543 during business hours.