The Australian Builders Plate (ABP) is being introduced nationally to provide safety information on new boats.

In South Australia, recreational boats built from 4 February 2008, unless exempted from ABP requirements, will be fitted with a plate which provides information on:

• the maximum weight and power rating of the engine
• how many people can be carried
• the maximum load that the boat can carry (including people and equipment) and for boats up to six metres in length
• a buoyancy statement.

The plate is designed to give potential buyers the information they need to assess whether the boat is suitable for their needs.

South Australian ABP requirements

The requirements in South Australia differ slightly from those printed in the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats.   It is important that you refer to the South Australian legislation found at the end of this page to identify variances from the National Standard.

Frequently Asked Questions(drop down to anchor points)

Which boats are exempt from the ABP requirements?
Does a boat which was partially constructed before 4 February 2008 have to be fitted with an ABP?
Who is responsible for fitting an ABP to a boat?
Who can approve the information on an ABP?
Will an ABP be required on Personal Water Craft (commonly known as “Jet Skis”)?
Frequently Asked Questions – Builders
Frequently Asked Questions – Boat Dealers
National Standard for the ABP
South Australian ABP Legislation
Where can I find more information?

Which boats are exempt from the ABP requirements?

• boats built prior to 4 February 2008 * (see explanation below for partially constructed vessels)
• sailing vessels (whether or not the vessel has an auxiliary means of propulsion)
• personal watercraft designed to carry not more than 2 persons
• personal watercraft bearing a clearly visible plate or marking displaying the following information:
• the total weight (in kilograms) of persons and equipment that may be carried by the personal watercraft
  and
• the maximum number of persons that may be carried by the personal watercraft as recommended by the builder
• inflatable boats to which ISO 6185 applies bearing:—

• a plate attached in accordance with European Directive 94/25/EC—Recreational Craft Directive as in force from time to time
or
• a plate attached in accordance with the requirements set out in the NMMA Certification Handbook that certifies that the inflatable boat complies with the relevant requirements of that handbook
• surf row boats
• rowing shells designed solely for racing in organised events or a purpose associated with such racing
• canoes, kayaks, surf skis and similar vessels designed to be powered by a paddle
• sailboards, sail kites and similar vessels
• hydrofoils or hovercraft
• amphibious vehicles
• submersibles
• pedal-powered vessels
• aquatic toys
• vessels that are the subject of a certificate of survey or an application for a certificate of survey
• hire and drive houseboats (within the meaning of Part 8 of the Harbors and Navigation Act 1993) in relation to which a certificate of inspection issued under Part 8 is in force, or in relation to which an application for such a certificate has been made under the Harbors and Navigation Act 1993
• ferries or punts that cross a river or fairway by means of ropes or cables

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* Does a boat which was partially constructed before 4 February 2008 have to be fitted with an ABP?

No, provided that:

• in the case of a keel vessel – the keel was laid before 4 February 2008
• in any other case – a vessel that on 4 February 2008:
• was identifiable as a vessel of a particular class
and
• had not less than 50 tonnes or 1 percent of the estimated total mass of the complete vessel (whichever is the lesser) constructed

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Who is responsible for fitting an ABP to a boat?

The builder or importer is responsible for fixing the plate to the boat in a position where it can be seen by the operator when getting the boat underway.   If the builder or importer is not familiar with the Standard to which the vessel is built, they should engage the services of a competent person (see definition below).

Boat dealers who modify boats prior to sale or supply must ensure that the information shown on the ABP remains correct.   If the modifications render the ABP information incorrect, then a new plate must be fixed to the boat prior to sale or supply.

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Who can approve the information on an ABP?

The information can be approved by:

• the builder
• the importer
• a competent person.

For this purpose, a competent person is defined as being a person who has acquired through training, qualification, experience, or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills enabling that person to competently determine and approve the information on a Builders Plate.   Any person approving the information on the plate assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided.

The ABP must state who the information on the plate was supplied by.   For example:

Built by ABC Boat Builders, Adelaide Australia

Imported by XYZ Boat Importers, Sydney, Australia (if the information was determined by an employee of the manufacturer or importer of the vessel)

Information approved by J Citizen, Naval Architect, Adelaide Australia (if the information was determined by someone who is not an employee of the manufacturer or importer of the vessel)

The Harbors and Navigation Variation Regulations 2007 provides more detail regarding this requirement.

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Will an ABP be required on Personal Water Craft ( PWC, commonly known as “Jet Skis”)?

In some circumstances.

An ABP is not required on PWC:

• that are designed to carry not more than two people; or
• that bear a clearly visible plate or marking displaying the maximum number of persons and the total weight (in kilograms) of persons and equipment that may be carried by the personal watercraft as recommended by the builder.

PWC that do not comply with at least one of the above conditions must be fitted with an ABP.

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Frequently Asked Questions by Builders

Frequently Asked Questions by Builders , provided by the National Marine Safety Committee (182k)

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Frequently Asked Questions by Boat Dealers

Frequently Asked Questions by Dealers , provided by the National Marine Safety Committee (178k)

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National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats

National Standard (1.41Mb)

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South Australian Legislation

Harbors and Navigation (Australian Builders Plate) Amendment Act 2007 (20.3k)

Harbors and Navigation Variation Regulations 2007 (26.6k)

Harbors and Navigation (Australian Builders Plate) Amendment Act (Commencement) Proclamation 2007 (11.9k)

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Where can I find more information?

The National Marine Safety Committee is the lead agency for implementation of the Australian Builders Plate. More information is contained on their website at

http://www.nmsc.gov.au/abp.html.  

National Marine Safety Committee

Level 5, 9 –13 Young St Sydney
PO Box R1871 Royal Exchange NSW 1225
Phone: (02) 9247 2124
Fax: (02) 9247 5203
Email: secretariat@nmsc.gov.au

Recreational Boating Unit
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure
PO Box 1 , Walkerville SA 5081
Phone: (08) 8343 2898
Email: dtei.recboating@saugov.sa.gov.au

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