Boat buyers can now check whether a vessel has any outstanding Transport for NSW Maritime notices relating to safety or condition before purchasing in NSW.
Previously, outstanding notices would remain with a vessel when they changed ownership and were legally binding unless they were resolved before sale.
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings
Section 70A of the Marine Safety Act has been updated and now Transport for NSW will publish a free public register of certain statutory notices online.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the legislation now offers protection for boat buyers in NSW from unknowingly inheriting any outstanding notices from the previous owner.
“Most boat owners in NSW do the right thing in terms of compliance and notifying a potential buyer of any notices outstanding, but this legislation will now protect buyers from the small number of dodgy sellers out there,” Mr Hutchings said.
“This is part of our efforts to protect our waterways and ensure they are safe and enjoyable for all users across the community.”
A buyer can now go to the NSW Government website and enter the vessel registration, which will detail any outstanding notices. Transport also places restrictions on transfer of registration if a vessel has outstanding notices.
The Act specifies the types of notices that must be publicly registered, including:
- Obstruction to navigation notice
- Recreational vessel production notice
- Unsafe vessel notice
- Marine environment protection notice
- Environmental protection notice
Additionally, customers will be notified via the Verify NSW registration check function if the vessel has a statutory notice against it. You can access the public register at https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/boat-and-vessel-registration
