Australia

About the Flag

A continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific, Australia is a federal parliamentary state headed by the British Queen represented by a local Governor General. A Prime Minister is the head of government. English and aboriginal languages are spoken, and the capital is Canberra. The legal system is based on English common law. Australia is a member of the United Nations, the IMO, the Commonwealth of Nations, and OECD.

Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. The currency is the Australian dollar. Chief ports are Sydney, Melbourne Newcastle, Port Kembla, Fremantle, and Geelong.

The Australian Shipping Registration Office was established in 1982 under the provisions of the Shipping Registration Act 1981 (SRA). Since the formation of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in 1991, the office has been a part of the Authority. Under the SRA, Australian ships over 24m, and those undertaking overseas voyages, are obligated to be registered unless exempted by section 13 of the Act.

With the passage of the Shipping Registration Amendment (Australian International Shipping Register) Act 2012, revisions establishing the Australian International Shipping Register (the International Register) under the SRA 1981 were adopted on June 21, 2012. The International Register formally came into existence on July 1, 2012. The International Registry, which will be open to international trading ships that meet specific criteria, is designed to provide a competitive alternative for Australian companies that own or operate ships to registering overseas. While the administration of the International Register rests with AMSA, the administration of the tax incentives associated with the register are administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT). Where an owner/operators is considering registering on the international register they should also consult the DIT site.

The Australian General Register will be remain in place, primarily to be used by domestic vessels and Australian vessels with international certification that wish to have unlimited access to Australian coastal trading or choose to remain on the General Register.