• DATE:
    Wednesday 10th January, 2024

  • TIME:
    4pm – 5pm (AEDT)

Code of Practice for Aquaculture Vessels

Online Workshop

Wednesday 10th January 2024
4pm – 5pm (AEDT)

Aquaculture is a globally recognised high-risk industry, attributed to harsh weather conditions and demanding tasks such as fish handling, delousing, and loading and unloading.

While fish farming facilities have traditionally been situated in sheltered or coastal areas, there is a growing shift towards more offshore( exposed) locations, exacerbating these challenges. Offshore aquaculture sites face severe sea states, necessitating stronger farming structures, mooring systems and vessels.

In response to this expanding domain, the importance of a unified ‘Code of Practice’ is evident. This code guides the design and operations of aquaculture vessels in dynamic environments by outlining best practices, safety protocols, and considerations.

We invite stakeholders to join our upcoming online workshop where we will explore the draft of the Code of Practice for Aquaculture Vessels.

The workshop will commence with a brief presentation outlining the current status of the code, followed by an interactive session where participants are encouraged to share their feedback on the draft. This collaborative discussion aims to further refine the code of practice and address any queries or suggestions from the participants.

Facilitated by:

Chris Shearer

BMT

Saeed Mohajernasab

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

FAQ

The primary purpose of introducing a Code of Practice for aquaculture vessels is to provide comprehensive guidance for the planning, building, surveying, and operation of such vessels in Australian waters. The code aims to facilitate the certification, commencement, and safe operation of aquaculture vessels, with a specific focus on addressing the challenges associated with aquaculture operations, within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Code of Practice addresses specific challenges in aquaculture vessel operations, including operations health and safety, regulatory classification issues, safety challenges during offshore transitions, food safety management systems, and the health and welfare of live animals during transport. These aspects may not be covered comprehensively by current regulations, necessitating the formulation of a specialised code to ensure safe and sustainable vessel operation.

While there are existing regulations from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and other relevant bodies, the Code of Practice is introduced to address specific challenges of aquaculture operations. The Code of Practice serves as a resource and guideline tailored to the domestic commercial vessels exclusively operating within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone. It aims to provide more detailed and specific guidance on design, operation, and safety aspects of aquaculture vessels beyond what is covered in broader legislation.

The proposed Code of Practice complements existing AMSA legislation and requirements by providing more detailed and specific guidance tailored to the challenges of aquaculture operations. It is designed to address gaps and specific aspects not covered comprehensively by broader regulations. The Code of Practice aligns with ongoing efforts in the shipping industry and emphasizes the necessity of producing a guideline with broad adoption across both the industry and government spheres.

Adherence to the Code of Practice is explicitly stated to have the status of a voluntary guideline. The Code of Practice is voluntary, indicating that it serves as guidance rather than imposing mandatory requirements on aquaculture vessel operators.

Stakeholders were actively engaged in the development of the Code of Practice through interviews conducted between September 2022 and January 2023. These interviews involved individuals from four aquaculture sectors (research, authority, designer, and operator), ensuring diverse viewpoints. The discussions delved into prevailing aquaculture practices, regulatory landscapes, and aquaculture requirements. Feedback on challenges and potential solutions in design, operation, safety, training, and food safety management systems was gathered, contributing to the formulation of the code.

The references include documentation such as the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV), Commonwealth Legislation Marine Orders, National Law Exemptions, the Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) code, IMO Resolutions, guidelines from organizations like ABS, DNV, The Shipowners’ Club, and others. These documents lay out the regulatory framework and technical standards for the design, construction, survey, and operation of various vessels, including those involved in aquaculture.