Position Statement
Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats (ABP)
The National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats is a standard for an Australian Builders Plate (ABP) that is fixed to certain recreational boats used in Australia, as specified in the Standard.
The draft AS1799 standard is available to download here.
ABP Further Important Links -
ANZSBEG has developed the ABP webpage and portal. All information in relation to ABP can be found at this link: About Australian Builders Plate — ARBSC & ANZSBEG
More specific information for industry members and builders/manufacturers, in particular, can be found here: ABP-industry — ARBSC & ANZSBEG
If you’d like to go direct to the current edition of the ABP, please click this link to access Edition 5 of the ABP Standard.
If you’d like to see the FAQs please CLICK HERE
If you need actual ABP plates contact BIAWA here.
If you need a Hull Identification Number (HIN) please CLICK HERE and a licensed BOATCODE provider may be able to assist you.
The Australian and New Zealand Safety Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) website which also contains Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee (ARBSC) information contains FAQ information regarding requirements to fit ABPS to imported vessels and can be found here.
Australian Builders Plate Compliance Inspection Program 2018-2019
Maritime Safety Victoria will be carrying out a compliance inspection program to assess duty holder compliance with Australian Builders Plate (ABP) requirements for recreational vessels sold in Victoria. This program of work will continue until May 2019.
The aims are to ensure that -
Relevant vessels for sale have ABPs fitted
That the plates are legible and close to the helm where they can be seen when the vessel is operated
That the information values on the plate appear to conform with the referenced technical standard.
Where there is reason to believe that requirements are not being met, manufacturers may be asked to provide copies of calculations and test reports which support the listed values. Non-compliance with the ABP requirements may result in regulatory action, including the use of improvement and prohibition notices.
The Safety Update 2018 provides details on the regulatory framework which applies in Victoria to the requirements for the fitting of ABPs and the provision of safety information. It outlines the compliance inspection program and provides relevant extracts from the legislation.
If BIAV members have any questions regarding the ABP and your obligations, please contact the Maritime Technical Services team at MSV on (03) 9655 3399.
2019/2020 National Standard can be viewed here - National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats
For further information on the ABP / MIC / HIN, click here.
Updates
December 2020 -
Please see the revised (V5) and improved Australian Builders Plate Standard, which will become effective on 5 June 2021 – click here to see it.
The update to the Standard, which BIAV worked on, alongside BIA, was authored by the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee (ARBSC) following national consultation and in partnership with industry representatives. It’s designed to improve clarity and ease of use for boat builders and to deliver better safety guidance for Australian boaters.
May 2020 -
As the principal standard concerning the principal product of the boating industry, the BIA and its members have a significant interest in the ABP Standard being an effective regulatory and administrative standard, in line with industry best practice and meeting the objectives of consumer protection.
This includes the standard being accessible in terms of readability and generally being fit for purpose.
November 2019 -
ABP Standards Consultation:
The Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee, representing Federal, State, and Territory marine regulators, formed an Australian Builders Plate (ABP) Working Group in 2018 that has drafted a proposed update of the ABP Standard. As part of the review process, all jurisdictions are seeking comments on the current Standard and proposed changes.
Refer: Australian Builders Plate - Maritime Safety Queensland
Links:
Further Information:
August 2019 -
BIAV Position:
Compliance with the Law is non-negotiable. ALL new vessels on display for sale in Victoria MUST have a compliant Australian Builders Plate attached.
Entry into the 2020 Melbourne Boat Show will be conditional on all exhibited boats displaying a compliant ABP.
BIAV will actively support all our industry manufacturers and dealers, regardless of your BIAV membership status, to improve compliance with ABP legislated requirements.
BIAV will work closely with Maritime Safety Victoria (and other jurisdictions) to ensure the Victorian Industry strives for, and delivers, a gold standard in ABP compliance.
Further Information:
ANZSBEG Guidance
Forum papers and FAQs
BIAV Forums Update:
BIAV has facilitated a number of forums to demonstrate the industry commitment to 100% ABP compliance and assist industry members with further information/support, connect members with regulatory officers, and deliver on the aim of continued excellence in the Victorian marine industry.