PORTS MANAGEMENT ACT 2015
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
PORTS MANAGEMENT ACT 2015
As in force at 4 May 2022
Table of provisions
Part 1 Preliminary matters
1 Short title ......................................................................................... 1
2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1
3 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1
4 Act binds Crown .............................................................................. 7
5 Application of Criminal Code ........................................................... 7
Part 2 Ports and port operators
Division 1 Declaration of designated ports
6 Declaration of designated port ......................................................... 7
7 Boundaries of designated port ......................................................... 7
Division 2 Appointment of port operators
8 Declaration of port operator ............................................................. 7
9 Agreements with port operators or port lessees .............................. 8
10 Port operating agreements .............................................................. 8
11 Revocation of declaration of port operator ....................................... 9
Division 3 Functions of port operators
12 Functions of port operator.............................................................. 10
13 Dredging or other similar work ....................................................... 10
14 Hydrographic surveys .................................................................... 11
15 Power to require information to be given ....................................... 11
16 Use or disclosure of information collected ..................................... 12
17 Compliance with information direction ........................................... 12
18 Record-keeping and reporting obligations of port operator ............ 13
Part 3 Regional harbourmasters
19 Appointment of regional harbourmaster ........................................ 14
20 Functions of regional harbourmaster ............................................. 14
20A Delegation ..................................................................................... 14
21 Promulgation of depths and under keel clearances ....................... 14
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Part 4 Port officers
Division 1 Port management officers
22 Appointment of port management officer ....................................... 14
23 Functions of port management officer ........................................... 15
Division 2 Port enforcement officers
24 Appointment of port enforcement officer ........................................ 15
25 Functions of port enforcement officer ............................................ 16
Division 3 General provisions
26 Identity card ................................................................................... 16
27 Return of identity card ................................................................... 16
Part 5 Control and management of designated
port
Division 1 Port safety plans
28 Nature of port safety plan .............................................................. 17
29 Annual preparation of draft port safety plan ................................... 17
30 Direction to prepare new or amended port safety plan .................. 18
31 Role of regional harbourmaster on receiving port safety plan........ 18
32 Guidelines...................................................................................... 19
33 Obligations of port operator ........................................................... 19
34 Compliance audit ........................................................................... 20
35 Requirement for compliance audit to be conducted....................... 20
36 Reporting ....................................................................................... 21
Division 2 Direction and control of vessels
37 Exercise of powers under this Division .......................................... 21
38 Directions by port operator ............................................................ 22
39 Removal etc. of vessel by port operator ........................................ 23
40 Power to board vessel ................................................................... 23
Division 3 Clearance of vessels and wrecks
40A Port operator's directions: removal of vessel or wreck in
emergency ..................................................................................... 24
40B Regional harbourmaster's directions: removal of vessel or
wreck in emergency....................................................................... 26
40C Direction to pay prior costs and remove vessel, hull or hulk .......... 28
41 Port operator's directions: vessels and wrecks likely to
endanger or obstruct commercial vessels etc................................ 29
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42 Port operator's directions: vessels and wrecks that endanger
commercial shipping etc. ............................................................... 34
43 Regional harbourmaster's directions: vessels and wrecks
likely to endanger or obstruct non-commercial vessels etc............ 38
44 Sale of vessel or wreck by port operator ....................................... 42
44A Sale of vessel or wreck by regional harbourmaster ....................... 44
44B Other disposal of vessel or wreck .................................................. 45
44C Acquisition on just terms ................................................................ 45
Division 4 Dangerous goods
45 Advance notification of entry of vessels ......................................... 46
46 Requirements relating to vessel carrying dangerous goods .......... 47
47 Handling and transport of dangerous goods .................................. 47
48 Forfeiture of dangerous goods....................................................... 48
49 Application of Dangerous Goods Act 1998 .................................... 48
Division 5 Closed waters
50 Power of port operator to close waters .......................................... 49
51 Power of regional harbourmaster to close waters.......................... 50
52 Removal etc. of vessel for failure to comply with direction ............ 52
Division 6 Erection of structures and dredging
53 Erection of structures and dredging ............................................... 52
Part 6 Stevedore licences
54 Application for grant or renewal of licence ..................................... 53
55 Suspension or cancellation of licence ............................................ 55
56 Penalty for carrying on business etc. while unlicensed.................. 55
Part 7 Port notices
57 Port operator may issue port notice ............................................... 56
58 How port notice may be issued...................................................... 56
59 Enforcement of port notice............................................................. 57
60 Advance notice of proposed work.................................................. 58
61 Power of entry ............................................................................... 59
62 Monitoring of port notices .............................................................. 59
Part 8 Pilotage
Division 1 Preliminary matters
63 Definition........................................................................................ 60
64 Pilotage authority may declare exempt vessels ............................. 60
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Division 2 Pilotage areas and authorities
65 Pilotage areas................................................................................ 61
66 Pilotage authorities ........................................................................ 61
67 Technical and safety standards ..................................................... 61
Division 3 Pilotage generally
68 Compulsory pilotage ...................................................................... 62
69 Special pilotage requirements ....................................................... 63
70 Failure to take pilot on board ......................................................... 63
71 Procedure on entering compulsory pilotage area .......................... 64
72 Duty of licensed pilot ..................................................................... 64
73 Pilotage not required in certain cases............................................ 64
74 Owner's liability .............................................................................. 65
Division 4 Pilotage licences and pilotage exemption
certificates
75 Application for pilotage licence or exemption certificate ................ 65
76 Issue and renewal of pilotage licence or exemption certificate ...... 65
77 Form of pilotage licence and exemption certificate ........................ 67
78 Suspension or cancellation ............................................................ 67
79 Production of pilotage licence ........................................................ 67
80 Person other than licensed pilot not to pilot vessel ........................ 67
81 Misconduct by licensed pilot .......................................................... 68
82 Inquiry into misconduct by licensed pilot ....................................... 69
83 Conduct of inquiry .......................................................................... 69
84 Reviews of decisions under this Division ....................................... 70
Division 5 Pilotage services providers
85 Minister may appoint pilotage services provider ............................ 71
86 Pilotage services contracts ............................................................ 73
87 Record-keeping and reporting obligations ..................................... 74
88 Offences ........................................................................................ 75
89 Termination and suspension, and variation of conditions, of
appointment ................................................................................... 75
90 Regulations may provide for other matters about appointment ..... 76
Division 6 General matters
91 Master responsible for vessel ........................................................ 77
92 Protection of licensed pilot, pilotage authority and pilotage
services provider ........................................................................... 77
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Ports Management Act 2015 v
Part 9 Marine navigational aids
Division 1 Preliminary matters
93 Definitions ...................................................................................... 77
94 Application of Part ......................................................................... 78
Division 2 Aids
95 Establishment etc. of aids by port operator ................................... 78
96 Establishment etc. of private aids .................................................. 78
97 Control of aids, lamps and lights.................................................... 79
98 Inspection of aids........................................................................... 80
99 Entry on land ................................................................................. 80
100 Mooring at aids .............................................................................. 81
101 Obligation in relation to defective or damaged aids ....................... 81
102 Offences in relation to aids ............................................................ 82
103 Notification of damage ................................................................... 82
104 Costs of rectification ...................................................................... 83
105 Immunity from certain proceedings................................................ 83
Part 10 Port charges
Division 1 Preliminary matters
106 Interpretation ................................................................................. 83
107 Part does not apply to recreational vessels ................................... 84
Division 2 Fixing of charges
108 Port authority charges ................................................................... 85
109 Pilotage services provider charges ................................................ 86
Division 3 General matters
110 Agreements in relation to charges ................................................. 86
111 Payment and collection of charges ................................................ 87
112 Interest on overdue payments ....................................................... 87
113 Security for payment of charges .................................................... 87
114 Failure to comply with charging entity's requirements ................... 88
115 Liability of current owners and agents ........................................... 88
116 Waiver or refund of charges .......................................................... 89
Part 11 Port access and pricing
Division 1 Preliminary matters
117 Object of Part................................................................................. 89
118 Application of Part ......................................................................... 89
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119 Application of Utilities Commission Act 2000 ................................. 89
120 Reports and statements by Regulator ........................................... 90
121 Annual report to Minister on material non-compliance................... 90
122 Regulations.................................................................................... 90
123 Review of Part ............................................................................... 91
Division 2 Access regulation
124 Preventing or hindering access ..................................................... 92
125 Unfairly differentiating .................................................................... 93
126 Enforcement of obligations ............................................................ 94
127 Access policy ................................................................................. 94
128 Guidelines...................................................................................... 96
129 Content required by Minister.......................................................... 96
130 Reporting ....................................................................................... 97
131 Information required by Regulator ................................................. 97
Division 3 Price determinations
132 Determinations by Regulator ......................................................... 97
133 Access and pricing principles ........................................................ 98
134 Regulations.................................................................................... 99
135 Relationship with Utilities Commission Act 2000 ......................... 100
Division 4 General matters
136 Power of Regulator to require information ................................... 100
137 Confidentiality of information ....................................................... 101
Part 12 Step-in rights
138 Definition...................................................................................... 102
139 Nature of step-in rights ................................................................ 103
140 When step-in rights may be exercised ......................................... 104
141 Port operator must comply with direction ..................................... 104
142 Protection for port operator .......................................................... 104
143 Port operator liable for costs ........................................................ 105
144 Failure to comply with requirement .............................................. 105
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 1 Jurisdiction of Tribunal
145 Reviewable decisions .................................................................. 105
Division 2 Liability
146 Protection from liability ................................................................ 106
147 Liability of owner and master ....................................................... 107
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148 Effect of things done under Act.................................................... 107
Division 3 Land within designated port
149 Exemption from local government rates etc................................. 108
Division 4 Offences
150 Obstruction of officers .................................................................. 109
151 Misleading information ................................................................. 109
152 Prosecutions under Act ............................................................... 110
Division 5 Darwin Marine Supply Base
153 Port operator may not perform certain functions.......................... 110
Division 5A Delegation
153A Delegation by Minister ................................................................. 112
Division 6 Forms
154 Approved forms ........................................................................... 113
Division 7 Regulations
155 Regulations.................................................................................. 113
Part 14 Repeals and transitional matters
Division 2 Transitional matters for Ports Management
Act 2015
158 Definition...................................................................................... 113
159 Port safety plan for Port of Darwin ............................................... 113
160 Stevedore licences ...................................................................... 114
161 Monitoring of port notices for Port of Darwin................................ 114
162 Pilotage........................................................................................ 114
163 Technical and safety standards for Port of Darwin ...................... 114
Division 3 Transitional matters for Ports Legislation
Amendment Act 2020
164 Definitions .................................................................................... 115
165 Directions..................................................................................... 115
166 Access policies ............................................................................ 115
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Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions
ENDNOTES
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NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
____________________
As in force at 4 May 2022
____________________
PORTS MANAGEMENT ACT 2015
An Act to provide for the control, management and operation of ports,
and for related purposes
Part 1 Preliminary matters
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Ports Management Act 2015.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on the day fixed by the Administrator by
Gazette notice.
3 Definitions
In this Act:
access policy means an access policy approved by the Regulator
under section 127.
acting in an official capacity, in relation to a person, means the
person is exercising functions under, or otherwise related to the
administration of, this Act.
approved form means a form approved under section 154.
Australian Standard AS 3846-2005 means Australian Standard
AS 3846-2005 The handling and transport of dangerous cargoes in
port areas:
(a) as in force immediately before the commencement of Part 5,
Division 4; or
(b) if the Minister has declared, by Gazette notice, that a
particular amendment is to be adopted for this definition – as
so amended.
charging entity, see section 106.
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Ports Management Act 2015 2
commercial shipping means the carrying of cargo, or transport of
passengers, by sea to or from a designated port, for reward, on a
vessel other than:
(a) a commercial fishing vessel; or
(b) a fishing charter vessel; or
(c) a ferry; or
(d) a vessel prescribed by regulation.
commercial vessel means a vessel that is for use in connection
with a commercial, governmental or research activity, whether or
not it is also used in connection with another activity at the same
time.
Competent Authority, see section 3 of the Dangerous Goods
Act 1998.
compliance audit, see section 34(1).
compulsory pilotage area means a pilotage area for which
pilotage is compulsory under section 68.
dangerous goods, see section 7(1) of the Marine Act 1981.
designated port means:
(a) the Port of Darwin; or
(b) any other port within the Territory that, under a declaration in
force under section 6, is a designated port for this Act.
Director, see section 7(1) of the Marine Act 1981.
entity includes a person and an unincorporated body.
environment, see section 6(1) of the Marine Pollution Act 1999.
exercise, a function, includes perform a duty.
function includes power, authority and duty.
information direction, see section 15(1).
licensed pilot means a person who holds a current pilotage
licence.
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Ports Management Act 2015 3
marine legislation means:
(a) this Act; or
(b) the Marine Act 1981; or
(c) the Marine Pollution Act 1999; or
(d) subordinate legislation made under an Act mentioned in
paragraph (a), (b) or (c).
Marine Safety National Law means the Marine Safety (Domestic
Commercial Vessel) National Law (Cth) (being provisions applying
as a law of the Commonwealth because of section 4 of the Marine
Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012
(Cth)).
master, see section 7(1) of the Marine Act 1981.
mooring buoy means a floating apparatus (other than a vessel)
that is in navigable waters and used for securing a vessel.
non-commercial vessel means a vessel that is not a commercial
vessel.
Northern Territory waters, see section 7(1) of the Marine
Act 1981.
owner, in relation to a vessel, means:
(a) an owner, joint owner or charterer of the vessel; or
(b) an agent of the owner, joint owner or charterer; or
(c) a person registered as the vessel's owner in a register kept
under the marine legislation or the Marine Safety National Law
or other certificate of registry for the vessel.
pilotage area means an area declared under section 65.
pilotage authority, for a pilotage area, means the person who is,
or is appointed to be, the pilotage authority for the area under
section 66.
pilotage exemption certificate means a pilotage exemption
certificate issued under Part 8, Division 4.
pilotage licence means a pilotage licence issued under Part 8,
Division 4.
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pilotage services contract means a contract entered into under
section 86(1).
pilotage services provider, in relation to a pilotage area, means a
person appointed by the Minister under section 85(1) to be a
pilotage services provider for the area.
place, within a designated port, includes:
(a) any infrastructure or other thing affixed to land within the port;
and
(b) any vehicle or other thing on land within the port; and
(c) anything on or under the bed or foreshore of a waterway
within the port; and
(d) anything (other than a vessel) in, or floating on, water within
the port that is anchored or otherwise attached to the bed or
banks of a waterway within the port.
port authority, for Part 10, see section 106(1).
port enforcement officer means a person appointed under
section 24 to be a port enforcement officer.
port facilities, in relation to a designated port, means land,
buildings, installations or equipment for:
(a) berthing, towing, mooring, docking or moving vessels that are
entering, using or leaving the port; or
(b) the loading, unloading or transhipment of cargo; or
(c) the embarking or disembarking of passengers; or
(d) the lighterage, sorting, weighing, warehousing, storing or
handling of cargo.
port lessee, of a designated port, means an entity that subleases
or sublicences to the port operator land within the port that has
been leased or licensed to the entity by a public sector entity.
port management officer means a person appointed under
section 22 to be a port management officer.
port notice, see section 57.
Port of Darwin means the area of water and land comprised within
the boundaries as declared from time to time under section 7 to
constitute the Port of Darwin.
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Ports Management Act 2015 5
port operating agreement means an agreement entered into
under section 9(1) that describes itself as a port operating
agreement for this Act.
port operator, of a designated port, means the entity declared by
the Minister under section 8 to be the operator of the port.
port safety plan, see section 28.
port user, see section 124(1).
prescribed services means:
(a) for a private port operator – the services prescribed by
regulation; or
(b) for a private pilotage provider – pilotage services in a pilotage
area within a designated port.
preventative action, in relation to a vessel, hull or hulk in a
designated port, means one or more preventative measures.
preventative measure, in relation to a vessel, hull or hulk in a
designated port, means:
(a) removing the vessel, hull or hulk from the port; or
(b) moving the vessel, hull or hulk to a specified place within the
port; or
(c) repairing the vessel, hull or hulk and making it safe; or
(d) destroying the vessel, hull or hulk.
private pilotage provider, see section 118(b).
private port operator, see section 118(a).
public sector entity means any of the following:
(a) the Territory (including the Crown in right of the Territory);
(b) a minister of the Territory;
(c) an Agency;
(d) a Government owned corporation as defined in section 3 of
the Government Owned Corporations Act 2001;
(e) a public authority of the Territory;
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Ports Management Act 2015 6
(f) a person holding or occupying an office established by a law
of the Territory;
(g) a transaction company all of the issued shares in which are
held by, or on behalf of, a public sector entity mentioned in
any other paragraph;
(h) an entity that is wholly owned by an entity that is a public
sector entity mentioned in any other paragraph.
regional harbourmaster, in relation to a designated port, means
the person appointed to be the regional harbourmaster for the port
under section 19(1).
registered interest means an interest registered under the
Shipping Registration Act 1981 (Cth) or Personal Property
Securities Act 2009 (Cth).
Regulator, see section 119(3).
related body corporate, see section 9 of the Corporations
Act 2001.
relevant function, for Part 12, see section 138.
reportable incident means an event of a prescribed kind that
involves:
(a) actual or potential death of, or injury to, a person; or
(b) actual or potential loss of, or damage to, property; or
(c) actual or potential harm to the environment.
step-in right, see section 139.
transaction company means a body corporate established as a
transaction company under section 11 of the Port of Darwin
Act 2015.
Tribunal means the Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
vehicle includes rolling stock.
vessel means:
(a) generally:
(i) a vessel as defined in section 8 of the Marine Safety
National Law; or
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Division 2 Appointment of port operators
Ports Management Act 2015 7
(ii) a seaplane; or
(b) for Part 8 – see section 63.
website includes a webpage.
4 Act binds Crown
(1) This Act binds the Crown in right of the Territory and, to the extent
the legislative power of the Legislative Assembly permits, the
Crown in all its other capacities.
(2) However, this Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted
for an offence.
5 Application of Criminal Code
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code applies to an offence against this
Act.
Note for section 5
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code states the general principles of criminal
responsibility, establishes general defences, and deals with burden of proof. It
also defines, or elaborates on, certain concepts commonly used in the creation of
offences.
Part 2 Ports and port operators
Division 1 Declaration of designated ports
6 Declaration of designated port
The Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare a port within the
Territory to be a designated port for this Act.
7 Boundaries of designated port
The Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare the boundaries of the
area of water and land constituting a designated port.
Division 2 Appointment of port operators
8 Declaration of port operator
(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare an entity to be the
operator of a designated port.
(2) Only one entity may be the operator of a designated port at any
time.
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9 Agreements with port operators or port lessees
(1) The Territory or, with the consent of the Minister, any other public
sector entity may enter into one or more agreements in relation to
the operation of a designated port with an entity that is the port
operator or port lessee of the port.
(2) An agreement entered into under subsection (1) may:
(a) deal with a specific subject matter related to the operation of
the designated port; and
(b) contain terms or conditions of any kind; and
(c) describe itself as a port operating agreement for this Act.
10 Port operating agreements
(1) Without limiting section 9, a port operating agreement for a
designated port may require the port operator or a port lessee to do
all or any of the following:
(a) meet specified standards in the performance of functions;
(b) develop the port, or cause it to be developed, in a specified
manner;
(c) give information of a specified kind to the Minister or an entity
specified by the Minister.
(2) Subsections (3) and (4) apply if:
(a) a provision of a port operating agreement provides for a
payment to be made by the port operator or a port lessee or a
deduction to be made from the amount of a payment
otherwise payable to the port operator or a port lessee:
(i) for a failure by the port operator or port lessee to meet a
performance standard specified in the agreement; or
(ii) for conduct engaged in by the port operator or port
lessee that causes or materially contributes to, or is
reasonably likely to cause or materially contribute to, a
safety incident of a kind specified in the agreement; and
(b) that provision is described in the port operating agreement as
a civil penalty provision for this Act.
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(3) A civil penalty provision may fix different amounts of payments or
deductions for different classes of failures or in relation to different
kinds of safety incidents.
(4) The port operator or a port lessee is liable to pay (as a debt due to
the Territory), or ceases to be entitled to be paid, the amount
provided for by a civil penalty provision despite anything to the
contrary in a law of the Territory.
11 Revocation of declaration of port operator
(1) The Minister may revoke the declaration of an entity as a port
operator of a designated port on the ground that a circumstance set
out in subsection (2) exists in relation to the entity.
(2) The circumstances are that:
(a) the entity has, in the opinion of the Minister, engaged in
conduct that:
(i) is in breach of any requirement or duty imposed on the
entity under a law of the Territory or a port operating
agreement; and
(ii) has materially compromised, or is likely to materially
compromise, the safety of people, property or the
environment at the designated port; or
(b) a port operating agreement for the port to which the entity is a
party has been terminated or has expired.
(3) However, for a circumstance mentioned in subsection (2)(a), the
Minister may only exercise the power conferred by subsection (1) if:
(a) the Minister has given a written notice to the entity that:
(i) sets out particulars of the conduct; and
(ii) requires the entity to give a remedial plan to the Minister
within a reasonable period specified in the notice (not
being less than 21 days); and
(b) the entity:
(i) has failed to give a remedial plan within the specified
period; or
(ii) has given a remedial plan within that period but the
Minister is not satisfied that the plan is adequate for the
purpose; or
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(iii) has given a remedial plan within that period but has
failed to comply with the plan with the result that the
circumstance mentioned in subsection (2)(a), in the
opinion of the Minister, continues to exist or exists again.
(4) For subsection (3), a remedial plan in relation to conduct is a plan
that sets out:
(a) when and how the conduct will cease; and
(b) to the extent that any breach mentioned in subsection (2)(a)(i)
is capable of being remedied, when and how it will be
remedied; and
(c) the measures that will be implemented by the entity to prevent
the conduct occurring in the future.
Division 3 Functions of port operators
12 Functions of port operator
(1) The port operator of a designated port has the functions conferred
on the port operator by or under this or any other Act.
(2) The principal functions of the port operator are:
(a) to establish, manage, maintain and operate facilities and
services in the designated port that promote its safe and
efficient operation; and
(b) to facilitate trade utilising the designated port and use its best
endeavours to increase the volume of that trade.
13 Dredging or other similar work
(1) A port operator of a designated port may carry out dredging or other
work to deepen, extend, clear or maintain channels or berthing
places within the port.
(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) is subject to the port
operator holding any authorisation for the work required under any
law of the Territory or the Commonwealth.
(3) This section does not affect or derogate from the power of the
Territory to carry out dredging or other work mentioned in
subsection (1) in any Northern Territory waters, including waters
within a designated port.
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14 Hydrographic surveys
(1) A port operator of a designated port may carry out hydrographic
surveys within the port.
(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) is subject to the port
operator holding any authorisation for carrying out the survey
required under any law of the Territory or the Commonwealth.
(3) The port operator must give the regional harbourmaster for the
designated port any information derived from a hydrographic survey
that is relevant to the function of the regional harbourmaster under
section 21.
15 Power to require information to be given
(1) The port operator of a designated port may, by written direction (an
information direction), require any of the following to give to the
port operator relevant information that is in their possession or
under their control:
(a) the master of any vessel that is in the port area;
(b) a shipping agent for goods shipped to, from or within the port
area;
(c) a consignor or consignee of goods shipped to, from or within
the port area;
(d) an operator of stevedoring, pilotage or other facilities or
services within the port area.
(2) Information is relevant information if it is information that the port
operator reasonably requires for any of the following purposes:
(a) monitoring compliance with port notices;
(b) determining liability for and the amount of, and facilitating the
collection of, charges fixed under section 108;
(c) compiling statistics that the port operator is authorised or
required to compile, whether by law or a port operating
agreement;
(d) monitoring or preventing damage to the environment caused
by conduct within the port area;
(e) monitoring, maintaining or improving the safe, secure and
efficient operation of the port, including the movement,
handling and storage of dangerous goods within the port area;
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(f) coordinating port communications;
(g) any purpose prescribed by regulation for this paragraph.
(3) An information direction must allow a reasonable period (not being
less than 14 days) for compliance with the direction.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply to an information direction that is
given in response to an emergency or in order to avert or minimise
an imminent threat of:
(a) death, or serious injury, to any person; or
(b) loss of, or serious damage to, property; or
(c) material harm to the environment.
(5) An information direction mentioned in subsection (4) must be
complied with as soon as possible.
(6) In this section:
port area, for a designated port, means the area of water and land
constituting the port and any wharf adjacent to the waters of the
port.
16 Use or disclosure of information collected
(1) A port operator of a designated port is authorised to use and
disclose information given to the port operator in compliance with
an information direction for any purpose for which the port operator
is authorised to require the information.
(2) Subsection (1) is subject to any provision made by a port operating
agreement.
(3) A port operator must give to the Territory, or to another public
sector entity notified in writing to the port operator by the Territory
for this subsection, any information of a kind mentioned in
subsection (1) that is requested by the Territory or that public sector
entity.
17 Compliance with information direction
(1) A person commits an offence if the person fails to comply with an
information direction given to the person under section 15(1).
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
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Ports Management Act 2015 13
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(4) It is not a reasonable excuse that compliance with the information
direction would breach a duty of confidentiality.
(5) The provision of information that would otherwise constitute a
breach of a duty of confidentiality does not constitute such a breach
if the information is provided in compliance with an information
direction.
18 Record-keeping and reporting obligations of port operator
(1) The port operator of a designated port must keep, in the prescribed
manner, records containing the prescribed particulars of all
reportable incidents that occur within the port.
(2) The port operator of a designated port commits an offence if:
(a) a reportable incident occurs within the port; and
(b) the port operator fails to keep a record of the incident in
accordance with subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) The port operator of a designated port commits an offence if:
(a) a reportable incident occurs within the port; and
(b) the port operator fails to report, in writing, the prescribed
particulars of the incident to the regional harbourmaster for the
port within the prescribed period after it occurs.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) An offence against subsection (2) or (3) is an offence of strict
liability.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) or (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(6) This section does not affect any requirement to keep a record of
any kind, or report an event of any kind, that a port operator has
under any other Act.
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Part 4 Port officers
Division 1 Port management officers
Ports Management Act 2015 14
Part 3 Regional harbourmasters
19 Appointment of regional harbourmaster
(1) The Minister may appoint a person employed in an Agency to be
the regional harbourmaster for a designated port.
(2) To avoid doubt, a person may be appointed as regional
harbourmaster for more than one designated port.
(3) If at any time there is not a regional harbourmaster for a designated
port, the functions of the regional harbourmaster for that port are
exercisable by the Director.
20 Functions of regional harbourmaster
A regional harbourmaster has, in relation to any designated port for
which the regional harbourmaster is appointed, the functions
conferred on a regional harbourmaster under this Act or any other
law of the Territory.
20A Delegation
The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may, in writing,
delegate any of the regional harbourmaster's powers and functions
under this Act to a person employed in an Agency.
21 Promulgation of depths and under keel clearances
(1) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may publish
information about the depths and configurations of, and the under
keel clearance required to be maintained by vessels in, channels,
berthing pockets and other areas within the designated port.
(2) The regional harbourmaster must ensure that the port operator of
the designated port is given written notice of any information
published under subsection (1) as soon as practicable after it is
published.
Part 4 Port officers
Division 1 Port management officers
22 Appointment of port management officer
(1) The port operator of a designated port may appoint a person
employed by the operator to be a port management officer for the
port.
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Part 4 Port officers
Division 2 Port enforcement officers
Ports Management Act 2015 15
(2) A port operator may only appoint as a port management officer a
person whom the operator is satisfied has appropriate skills and
knowledge to exercise the functions of such an officer.
(3) A port management officer may resign by signed notice of
resignation given to the port operator.
(4) A port operator of a designated port must ensure that at least one
person holds office as a port management officer for the port at any
time.
(5) A port operator of a designated port must give the regional
harbourmaster for the port written notice of the name of any person
who becomes, or ceases to be, a port management officer for the
port.
(6) A notice under subsection (5) must be given immediately after the
event mentioned in that subsection occurs.
(7) Despite subsection (1), in prescribed circumstances the port
operator of a designated port may appoint a person employed or
engaged by an entity specified in the regulations to be a port
management officer for the port.
23 Functions of port management officer
(1) A port management officer may perform any function conferred on
a port operator under Part 5, Division 2.
(2) A port management officer has any other functions conferred on
such an officer by this or any other Act.
Division 2 Port enforcement officers
24 Appointment of port enforcement officer
(1) The port operator of a designated port may appoint a person
employed by the operator to be a port enforcement officer for the
port.
(2) A port operator may only appoint as a port enforcement officer a
person whom the operator is satisfied has appropriate skills and
knowledge to exercise the functions of such an officer.
(3) A port enforcement officer may resign by signed notice of
resignation given to the port operator.
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Part 4 Port officers
Division 3 General provisions
Ports Management Act 2015 16
(4) A port operator of a designated port must give the regional
harbourmaster for the port written notice of the name of any person
who becomes, or ceases to be, a port enforcement officer for the
port.
(5) A notice under subsection (4) must be given immediately after the
event mentioned in that subsection occurs.
25 Functions of port enforcement officer
(1) A port enforcement officer may perform any function conferred on a
port operator under Part 7 for the purpose of enforcing compliance
with a port notice.
(2) A port enforcement officer has any other functions conferred on
such an officer by a port notice or by this or any other Act.
Division 3 General provisions
26 Identity card
(1) A port operator of a designated port must give each port
management officer and port enforcement officer appointed by the
operator an identity card stating the person's name and that the
person is such an officer for the port.
(2) The identity card must:
(a) show a recent photograph of the port management officer or
port enforcement officer; and
(b) show the card's date of issue and expiry; and
(c) be signed by the officer.
(3) This section does not prevent the issue of a single identity card to a
person for this and another Act.
27 Return of identity card
(1) A person who ceases to be a port management officer or port
enforcement officer must return the person's identity card to the port
operator within 21 days after the cessation.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 1 Port safety plans
Ports Management Act 2015 17
Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 1 Port safety plans
28 Nature of port safety plan
(1) A port safety plan, for a designated port, is a plan that:
(a) identifies the nature and extent of the safety hazards and risks
associated with the operation of the port that are reasonably
likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or loss of,
or serious damage to, property; and
(b) assesses the likely impact of those hazards and risks on the
port and the surrounding area; and
(c) specifies the measures and strategies to be implemented to
eliminate or reduce those hazards or risks; and
(d) describes the system that the port operator has in place for
implementing those measures and strategies, including the
issue and enforcement of any port notices; and
(e) sets out the processes proposed to involve tenants, licensees
and service providers in the port with the implementation of
the plan by the port operator; and
(f) sets out the procedures proposed for implementing, reviewing
and revising the plan; and
(g) is approved by the regional harbourmaster for the port under
section 31(1).
(2) A port safety plan:
(a) must be prepared in accordance with any guidelines issued
under section 32; and
(b) may consist of more than one document.
29 Annual preparation of draft port safety plan
(1) The port operator of a designated port must, no later than 1 month
before each anniversary of its declaration as port operator, prepare
a draft port safety plan for the port and submit it for approval to the
regional harbourmaster for the port.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 1 Port safety plans
Ports Management Act 2015 18
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
30 Direction to prepare new or amended port safety plan
(1) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may at any time,
by written notice given to the port operator of the port, direct the
port operator:
(a) to prepare a new draft port safety plan for the port, or amend
the port safety plan for the port, as directed by the regional
harbourmaster; and
(b) to submit the draft, or amended, port safety plan for approval
to the regional harbourmaster within the period specified in the
notice.
(2) The port operator of a designated port commits an offence if the
port operator fails to comply with a direction given under
subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
31 Role of regional harbourmaster on receiving port safety plan
(1) Within 60 days after receiving a draft, or amended, port safety plan
under section 29(1) or 30(1), the regional harbourmaster for the
designated port must:
(a) approve the plan by written notice given to the port operator;
or
(b) return the plan to the port operator for amendment as directed
by the regional harbourmaster.
(2) The port operator must, within 30 days after receiving a returned
draft, or amended, port safety plan under subsection (1)(b),
resubmit the plan as directed to the regional harbourmaster for
approval under subsection (1).
(3) If the regional harbourmaster fails to act in accordance with
subsection (1) within the period of 60 days mentioned in that
subsection, the draft or amended port safety plan is taken to have
been approved by the regional harbourmaster on the expiration of
that period.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 1 Port safety plans
Ports Management Act 2015 19
32 Guidelines
(1) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may issue
guidelines about the following matters in relation to port safety
plans for the port:
(a) their form;
(b) their content;
(c) the method and process for preparing them;
(d) the processes to involve tenants, licensees and service
providers in the port with the implementation of the plan by the
port operator;
(e) the processes for consultation with persons affected by them;
(f) the form and content of reports relating to them under
section 36;
(g) the date by which a report relating to them must be prepared.
(2) As soon as practicable after issuing guidelines, the regional
harbourmaster must:
(a) publish the guidelines on the Internet and in any other way
decided by the harbourmaster; and
(b) publish a notice in the Gazette stating the following:
(i) that the guidelines have been made;
(ii) the date on which the guidelines take effect, which may
be the day on which the notice is published or any later
date;
(iii) the place where copies of the guidelines can be
obtained.
33 Obligations of port operator
(1) Subject to subsection (2), a port operator of a designated port must
implement the port safety plan for the port.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may, by written
notice, exempt the port operator from the requirement to implement
any part of the port safety plan for the port for a specified period or
in specified circumstances.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 1 Port safety plans
Ports Management Act 2015 20
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant took reasonable steps to implement
the port safety plan as required by this section.
(4) The port operator of a designated port must ensure that copies of
the port safety plan for the port are made available for inspection
during normal business hours by any person at the principal place
of business of the port operator in the Territory.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(5) An offence against subsection (1) or (4) is an offence of strict
liability.
34 Compliance audit
(1) A compliance audit of the port operator of a designated port is an
audit of the port operator's activities, operations and premises to
determine whether the port operator is complying with the whole or
any part of the port safety plan for the port.
(2) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may approve a
person to conduct a compliance audit of the port operator, at the
port operator's expense.
(3) The regional harbourmaster must be satisfied the person has the
appropriate qualifications or experience in safety assessment or
safety management to conduct the compliance audit.
35 Requirement for compliance audit to be conducted
(1) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may, by written
notice given to the port operator, direct the port operator to ensure
that a compliance audit of the port operator is conducted within the
period (not being less than 6 months) specified in the notice.
(2) Unless specified otherwise in the notice, the compliance audit must
determine whether the port operator is complying with the whole of
the port safety plan for the designated port.
(3) The port operator of a designated port commits an offence if:
(a) the port operator has been given a direction under
subsection (1); and
(b) the port operator fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(4) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 2 Direction and control of vessels
Ports Management Act 2015 21
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(6) The port operator of a designated port commits an offence if:
(a) a compliance audit to determine whether the port operator is
complying with the whole of the port safety plan for the port is
not conducted for 3 years; and
(b) the port operator fails to ensure that such an audit is
conducted within 6 months after the end of that period.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(7) Strict liability applies to subsection (6)(b).
36 Reporting
(1) A port operator of a designated port, in relation to whom a
compliance audit has been conducted, must ensure that the auditor
reports, in writing, to the regional harbourmaster (with a copy given
at the same time to the port operator) the outcomes of the
compliance audit and the auditor's recommendations (if any) about:
(a) any changes required to the operations of the port to comply
with the plan; and
(b) any suggested amendments to the plan to make it provide
adequately for the matters required by section 28(1) or comply
with any guidelines issued under section 32.
(2) The port operator of a designated port must make a quarterly report
to the regional harbourmaster for the port on any material instance
of non-compliance during that quarter with the port safety plan for
the port.
(3) A report under subsection (2) must be prepared in accordance with
any guidelines issued under section 32.
Division 2 Direction and control of vessels
37 Exercise of powers under this Division
A power conferred on the port operator of a designated port by this
Division may only be exercised on its behalf by a port management
officer for the port and not directly by the port operator.
Note for section 37
Part 12 gives the regional harbourmaster for a designated port step-in rights in
certain circumstances.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 2 Direction and control of vessels
Ports Management Act 2015 22
38 Directions by port operator
(1) The port operator of a designated port may, by written notice
published on the port operator's website or given to the owner,
master or occupier of a vessel, give directions for regulating any of
the following:
(a) the time at which, and the manner (including the taking on
board of a licensed pilot) in which, a vessel must enter into,
depart from or lie in the port;
(b) the manner and position in which, and the times at which,
within the port:
(i) cargo may be loaded on or unloaded from a vessel; or
(ii) ballast, water or fuel may be taken in or delivered from a
vessel; or
(iii) passengers may embark or disembark a vessel.
(1A) In addition, the port operator of a designated port may give
directions for regulating the positioning, mooring, unmooring,
placing or anchoring of a vessel and the removing of a vessel from
one place to another within the port:
(a) by written notice published on the port operator's website; or
(b) by written notice given to the owner, master or occupier of the
vessel; or
(c) if there is an immediate threat to the vessel, or the vessel
poses an immediate danger to another vessel, a person,
property or the environment – orally to a person apparently in
control of the vessel.
(1B) A direction published on the port operator's website under
subsection (1) or (1A):
(a) must be addressed to the owner, master or occupier of the
vessel to which the direction relates but, if the port operator
does not know the name of the owner, master or occupier,
may be addressed without specifying a name; and
(b) is taken to have been given to the person to whom it is
addressed.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 2 Direction and control of vessels
Ports Management Act 2015 23
(2) A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (1) or (1A)
commits an offence if the person fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
39 Removal etc. of vessel by port operator
(1) If a direction given under section 38(1A) is not complied with, the
port operator of the designated port may cause the vessel to be
positioned, moored, unmoored, placed, anchored or removed as
directed.
(2) Subsection (1) applies irrespective of whether a person has been
charged with, or found guilty of, an offence against section 38(2).
(3) The port operator may also cause a vessel to be positioned,
moored, unmoored, placed, anchored or removed as the port
operator thinks fit if there is no person on board the vessel to whom
a direction may be given under section 38(1A).
(4) The owner, master and occupier of the vessel are jointly and
severally liable to pay all costs incurred by the port operator under
subsection (1) or (3).
(5) Any such amount is additional to any penalty imposed for an
offence against section 38(2).
(6) An amount that an owner, master or occupier is liable to pay under
subsection (4) for costs may be recovered as a debt due and
payable to the port operator.
40 Power to board vessel
(1) The owner, master or occupier of a vessel within a designated port
must, at the request of a port management officer for the port,
permit the officer to do any of the following for the purpose of
investigating whether the vessel, or the business for which it is
being used, is being operated lawfully:
(a) board the vessel;
(b) inspect the vessel, its cargo and any other goods or things on
the vessel;
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 3 Clearance of vessels and wrecks
Ports Management Act 2015 24
(c) do anything else on the vessel in connection with the
investigation.
(2) Before a port management officer boards a vessel under
subsection (1), the officer must produce his or her identity card to
the owner, master or occupier to whom the request under that
subsection is made.
(3) A port management officer may board a vessel and do any other
thing mentioned in subsection (1) if there is no-one on board to
whom a request may be made under that subsection.
(4) The owner, master and occupier of the vessel are jointly and
severally liable to pay all costs incurred under subsection (3).
(5) An amount that a person is liable to pay under subsection (4) may
be recovered as a debt due and payable to the port operator.
Division 3 Clearance of vessels and wrecks
40A Port operator's directions: removal of vessel or wreck in
emergency
(1) This section applies to the following within a designated port:
(a) a vessel, the hull of a vessel or a hulk if:
(i) there is an immediate threat to it; or
(ii) it is in such a condition that it is an immediate threat or
danger to persons or the environment;
(b) a commercial vessel or the hull of a vessel, or a hulk, that was
a commercial vessel if it is in such a condition that it is an
immediate threat or danger to any vessel or property within
the port;
(c) a vessel if it is in such a condition that it is an immediate threat
or danger to vessels or other property connected with
commercial shipping in the port;
(d) a commercial vessel if the manner or means by which it is
secured while at anchor or moored gives rise to an immediate
threat or danger to:
(i) persons; or
(ii) vessels or other property connected with commercial
shipping in the port; or
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 3 Clearance of vessels and wrecks
Ports Management Act 2015 25
(iii) the environment.
(2) The port operator of the designated port must give an oral direction
to a person apparently in control of the vessel, hull or hulk to
remove the vessel, hull or hulk from the designated port.
(3) A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (2) commits
an offence if the person fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(6) If a person to whom a direction is given under subsection (2) fails to
comply with it:
(a) the port operator may cause the vessel, hull or hulk to be
removed from the designated port or moved to another place
within the port; and
(b) the person is liable to pay all costs incurred by the port
operator under paragraph (a).
(7) Subsection (6) applies irrespective of whether the person has been
charged with, or found guilty of, an offence against subsection (3),
and an amount payable under subsection (6) is additional to any
penalty imposed for an offence against subsection (3).
(8) If there is no person on board the vessel, hull or hulk to whom a
direction may be given under subsection (2):
(a) the port operator may cause the vessel, hull or hulk to be
removed from the designated port or moved to another place
within the port; and
(b) the owner, master and occupier of the vessel, hull or hulk are,
jointly and severally liable to pay all costs incurred by the port
operator under paragraph (a).
(9) If the port operator takes action under subsection (8)(a), the
operator must:
(a) publish on the operator's website written notice of the action
taken; and
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 3 Clearance of vessels and wrecks
Ports Management Act 2015 26
(b) if the name and address of the owner, master and occupier of
the vessel, hull or hulk are known – give written notice of the
action taken to the owner, master and occupier.
(10) An amount that a person is liable to pay under subsection (6) or (8)
for costs may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the port
operator.
40B Regional harbourmaster's directions: removal of vessel or
wreck in emergency
(1) This section applies to the following within a designated port:
(a) a vessel, the hull of a vessel or a hulk if:
(i) there is an immediate threat to it; or
(ii) it is in such a condition that it is an immediate threat or
danger to persons or the environment;
(b) a non-commercial vessel or the hull of a vessel, or a hulk, that
was a non-commercial vessel if it is in such a condition that it
is an immediate threat or danger to any vessel or property
within the port;
(c) a vessel if it is in such a condition that it is an immediate threat
or danger to vessels or other property within the port not
connected with commercial shipping in the port;
(d) a non-commercial vessel if the manner or means by which it is
secured while at anchor or moored gives rise to an immediate
threat or danger to:
(i) persons; or
(ii) vessels or other property within the port not connected
with commercial shipping in the port; or
(iii) the environment.
(2) The regional harbourmaster for the designated port may give an
oral direction to a person apparently in control of the vessel, hull or
hulk to remove the vessel, hull or hulk from the designated port.
(3) A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (2) commits
an offence if the person fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
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Ports Management Act 2015 27
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(6) If a person to whom a direction is given under subsection (2) fails to
comply with it:
(a) the regional harbourmaster may cause the vessel, hull or hulk
to be removed from the designated port or moved to another
place within the port; and
(b) the person is liable to pay all costs incurred by the regional
harbourmaster under paragraph (a).
(7) Subsection (6) applies irrespective of whether the person has been
charged with, or found guilty of, an offence against subsection (3),
and an amount payable under subsection (6) is additional to any
penalty imposed for an offence against subsection (3).
(8) If there is no person on board a vessel, hull or hulk to whom a
direction may be given under subsection (2):
(a) the regional harbourmaster may cause the vessel, hull or hulk
to be removed from the designated port or moved to another
place within the port; and
(b) the owner, master and occupier of the vessel, hull or hulk are
jointly and severally liable to pay all costs incurred by the
regional harbourmaster under paragraph (a).
(9) If the regional harbourmaster takes action under subsection (8)(a),
the harbourmaster must:
(a) publish on the harbourmaster's website written notice of the
action taken; and
(b) if the name and address of the owner, master and occupier of
the vessel, hull or hulk are known – give written notice of the
action taken to the owner, master and occupier.
(10) An amount that a person is liable to pay under subsection (6) or (8)
for costs may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the
Territory.
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Ports Management Act 2015 28
40C Direction to pay prior costs and remove vessel, hull or hulk
(1) The port operator, or regional harbourmaster, of a designated port
may give a direction to take action specified under subsection (2) if:
(a) a direction was made under section 40A or 40B in relation to a
vessel, hull or hulk; and
(b) in the case of the port operator – action was taken under
section 40A(6)(a) or (8)(a); and
(c) in the case of the regional harbourmaster – action was taken
under section 40B(6)(a) or (8)(a).
(2) The direction may require the following actions:
(a) payment of the reasonable costs associated with the prior
action taken under section 40A(6)(a) or (8)(a) or 40B(6)(a)
or (8)(a);
(b) removal of the vessel, hull or hulk to a place outside the port
or a specified place inside the port.
(3) The direction must include the following:
(a) the day by which the direction must be complied with;
(b) a warning that action may be taken under subsection (5) and
that the owner, master and occupier of the vessel, hull or hulk
may be liable to pay the reasonable costs of that action.
(4) The direction must:
(a) be given orally to any person apparently in control of the
vessel, hull or hulk; and
(b) be given, in writing, to the owner, master and occupier of the
vessel, hull or hulk, if known; and
(c) be published on the website of the port operator or regional
harbourmaster, as the case may be.
(5) If the direction is not complied with by the day specified in the
direction, the port operator or regional harbourmaster may:
(a) move the vessel, hull or hulk to a place outside the port or a
specified place inside the port; or
(b) sell the vessel, hull or hulk; or
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Division 3 Clearance of vessels and wrecks
Ports Management Act 2015 29
(c) dispose of, other than by sale, or destroy the vessel, hull or
hulk if:
(i) if it is unseaworthy; and
(ii) the cost of repairing it to make it seaworthy, or the cost
of its storage and sale, exceeds its value.
(6) Before selling, disposing or destroying the vessel, hull or hulk,
written notice must be given to the following persons of the
proposed sale, disposal or destruction 28 days in advance:
(a) the owner, master and occupier of the vessel, hull or hulk, if
known;
(b) any person with a registered interest in the vessel, hull or hulk;
(c) any other person with an interest in the vessel, hull or hulk, if
known.
(7) The notice under subsection (6) must also be:
(a) published on the website of the port operator or regional
harbourmaster, as the case may be; and
(b) affixed in a prominent position on the deck of the vessel, hull
or hulk.
(8) The owner, master and occupier of the vessel, hull or hulk are,
jointly and severally liable to pay all reasonable costs incurred by
the port operator or regional harbourmaster for taking any action
under subsection (5).
(9) The reasonable costs that a person is liable to pay under
subsection (8) may be recovered as a debt due and payable to:
(a) the port operator; or
(b) in the case of action by regional harbourmaster – the Territory.
41 Port operator's directions: vessels and wrecks likely to
endanger or obstruct commercial vessels etc.
(1) This section applies to the following within a designated port:
(a) a commercial vessel or the hull of a vessel, or a hulk, that was
a commercial vessel that is in such a condition that it is likely
to cause damage to, endanger or obstruct the passage of,
navigation of or use of the port by, any vessel;
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(b) any other vessel, hull or hulk that is in such a condition that it
is likely to cause damage to, endanger or obstruct the
passage of, navigation of or use of the port by, a commercial
vessel.
(2) The port operator of a designated port must, by written notice,
direct the owner, master or occupier of a vessel, hull or hulk that, in
the port operator's opinion, is one to which this section applies to:
(a) take the preventative action specified in the notice within the
period specified in the notice which, for a direction in relation
to a hull or hulk, must not be less than 14 days; or
(b) if the port operator decides (or, under subsection (3), is
required) to allow the person to select, and take, one of 2 or
more alternative preventative actions – select, and take, one
of the preventative actions specified in the notice within the
period specified in the notice which, for a direction in relation
to a hull or hulk, must not be less than 14 days.
(3) However, the port operator must not direct a person to take
preventative action that includes destroying a vessel, hull or hulk
unless the direction allows the person to select, and take,
alternative preventative action that does not include destroying the
vessel, hull or hulk.
(4) A notice given under subsection (2) must include a statement that if
the owner, master or occupier fails to comply with the direction the
port operator may, at the owner, master or occupier's cost, do one
or more of the following with the vessel, hull or hulk:
(a) remove it from the designated port;
(b) move it to another place within the port;
(c) repair it and make it safe;
(d) destroy it and all fittings and equipment on board;
(e) sell or otherwise dispose of it, and all fittings and equipment
on board.
(5) A direction given under subsection (2) to take preventative action
that includes destroying a vessel, hull or hulk does not authorise the
person to whom it is given to destroy the vessel, hull or hulk without
the consent of its owner.
(6) A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (2), other
than a direction given in the manner mentioned in
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subsection (12)(c), commits an offence if the person fails to comply
with the direction within the period specified in it or any longer time
that the port operator, in writing, allows.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(7) An offence against subsection (6) is an offence of strict liability.
(8) Subsection (9) applies if a person to whom a direction is given
under subsection (2) fails to comply with it within the period
specified in it or any longer time that the port operator, in writing,
allows.
(9) The port operator may do one or more of the following in relation to
the vessel, hull or hulk that is the subject of the direction:
(a) remove it from the designated port;
(b) move it to another place within the port;
(c) repair it and make it safe;
(d) destroy it and all fittings and equipment on board;
(e) sell it, and all fittings and equipment on board, by public
auction or after inviting public tenders;
(f) otherwise dispose of it, and all fittings and equipment on
board, in any manner the port operator thinks fit;
(g) authorise a person to board it (with or without workers,
vehicles, plant, equipment or materials) and do a thing
mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f).
(10) However, the port operator must not destroy a vessel, hull or hulk,
or authorise a person to do so, unless:
(a) in the opinion of the port operator:
(i) the vessel, hull or hulk is unseaworthy; and
(ii) the cost of repairing it to make it seaworthy, or the cost
of storage and sale, exceeds its value; and
(b) either:
(i) the owner, master or occupier was, under
subsection (2), directed to take preventative action that
included destroying the vessel, hull or hulk; or
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(ii) the port operator has given the owner and each person
who has a registered interest in, or who the operator
knows has an interest in, the vessel, hull or hulk 28 days
prior written notice of the operator's intention to do so.
(11) In addition, the port operator must not sell or otherwise dispose of a
vessel, hull or hulk, or authorise a person to do so, unless:
(a) the owner of the vessel, hull or hulk:
(i) cannot be located; or
(ii) fails to collect the vessel, hull or hulk and pay all costs
associated with the securing of the vessel, hull or hulk
after it has been secured by the port operator; and
(b) the port operator has given the owner and each person who
has a registered interest in, or who the operator knows has an
interest in, the vessel, hull or hulk 28 days prior written notice
of the port operator's intention to do so; and
(c) for a disposal otherwise than by sale – in the opinion of the
port operator:
(i) the vessel, hull or hulk is unseaworthy; and
(ii) the cost of repairing it to make it seaworthy, or the cost
of storage and sale, exceeds its value.
(12) For subsection (2), if the port operator does not know the name or
address of the owner, master or occupier of the vessel, hull or hulk,
a direction is taken to have been given to the person if a notice of
the direction addressed to the owner, master or occupier, without
specifying a name, is:
(a) published in a newspaper circulating generally in the Territory;
or
(b) published on the port operator's website; or
(c) affixed in a prominent position on the deck of the vessel, hull
or hulk.
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(13) For subsections (10)(b)(ii) and (11)(b):
(a) if the port operator does not know the name or address of the
owner of the vessel, hull or hulk – the notice is taken to have
been given to the owner if it is addressed to the owner, without
specifying a name, and is published:
(i) in a newspaper circulating generally in the Territory; or
(ii) on the port operator's website; and
(b) notice to a person who has an interest in a vessel, hull or hulk
is taken to have been given if:
(i) for a person who has a registered interest and whose
address is recorded in the register in which the interest
is recorded – it has been sent by post to the person at
that address; or
(ii) otherwise – it is addressed to the person and is
published in a newspaper circulating generally in the
Territory or on the port operator's website.
(14) However, a notice under subsection (12)(a) or (13)(a) or (b)(ii) must
identify the vessel, hull or hulk or describe it by any general
description that the port operator thinks fit.
(15) The person or persons to whom a direction is given under
subsection (2), including a direction given in the manner mentioned
in subsection (12)(c), are jointly and severally liable to pay all costs
incurred under this section by the port operator or a person
authorised under subsection (9).
(16) Subsection (15) applies irrespective of whether any person has
been charged with, or found guilty of, an offence against
subsection (6), and an amount payable under subsection (15) is
additional to any penalty imposed for an offence against
subsection (6).
(17) An amount that a person is liable to pay under subsection (15) for
costs may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the port
operator.
Note for section 41
Part 12 gives the regional harbourmaster for a designated port step-in rights in
certain circumstances.
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42 Port operator's directions: vessels and wrecks that endanger
commercial shipping etc.
(1) This section applies to a vessel, hull or hulk, within a designated
port that, because of the condition of the vessel, hull or hulk or the
manner or means by which it is secured while at anchor or moored,
is a threat or danger to:
(a) persons; or
(b) vessels or other property connected with commercial shipping
in the port; or
(c) the environment.
(2) The port operator of a designated port may, by written notice, direct
the owner, master or occupier of a vessel, hull or hulk that, in the
port operator's opinion, is one to which this section applies to:
(a) take the preventative action specified in the notice within the
period specified in the notice which, for a direction in relation
to a hull or hulk, must not be less than 14 days; or
(b) if the port operator decides (or, under subsection (3), is
required) to allow the person to select, and take, one of 2 or
more alternative preventative actions – select, and take, one
of the preventative actions specified in the notice within the
period specified in the notice which, for a direction in relation
to a hull or hulk, must not be less than 14 days.
(3) However, the port operator must not direct a person to take
preventative action that includes destroying a vessel, hull or hulk
unless the direction allows the person to select, and take,
alternative preventative action that does not include destroying the
vessel, hull or hulk.
(4) A notice given under subsection (2) must include a statement that if
the owner, master or occupier fails to comply with the direction the
port operator may, at the owner, master or occupier's cost, do one
or more of the following with the vessel, hull or hulk:
(a) remove it from the designated port;
(b) move it to another place within the port;
(c) repair it and make it safe;
(d) destroy it and all fittings and equipment on board;
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(e) sell or otherwise dispose of it, and all fittings and equipment
on board.
(5) A direction given under subsection (2) to take preventative action
that includes destroying a vessel, hull or hulk does not authorise the
person to whom it is given to destroy the vessel, hull or hulk without
the consent of its owner.
(6) A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (2), other
than a direction given in the manner mentioned in
subsection (12)(c), commits an offence if the person fails to comply
with the direction within the period specified in it or any longer time
that the port operator, in writing, allows.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(7) An offence against subsection (6) is an offence of strict liability.
(8) Subsection (9) applies if a person to whom a direction is given
under subsection (2) fails to comply with it within the period
specified in it or any longer time that the port operator, in writing,
allows.
(9) The port operator may do one or more of the following in relation to
the vessel, hull or hulk that is the subject of the direction:
(a) remove it from the designated port;
(b) move it to another place within the port;
(c) repair it and make it safe;
(d) destroy it and all fittings and equipment on board;
(e) sell it, and all fittings and equipment on board, by public
auction or after inviting public tenders;
(f) otherwise dispose of it, and all fittings and equipment on
board, in any manner the port operator thinks fit;
(g) authorise a person to board it (with or without workers,
vehicles, plant, equipment or materials) and do a thing
mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f).
(10) However, the port operator must not destroy a vessel, hull or hulk,
or authorise a person to do so, unless:
(a) in the opinion of the port operator:
(i) the vessel, hull or hulk is unseaworthy; and
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(ii) the cost of repairing it to make it seaworthy, or the cost
of storage and sale, exceeds its value; and
(b) either:
(i) the owner, master or occupier was, under
subsection (2), directed to take preventative action that
included destroying the vessel, hull or hulk; or
(ii) the port operator has given the owner and each person
who has a registered interest in, or who the operator
knows has an interest in, the vessel, hull or hulk 28 days
prior written notice of the port operator's intention to do
so.
(11) In addition, the port operator must not sell or otherwise dispose of a
vessel, hull or hulk, or authorise a person to do so, unless:
(a) the owner of the vessel, hull or hulk:
(i) cannot be located; or
(ii) fails to collect the vessel, hull or hulk and pay all costs
associated with the securing of the vessel, hull or hulk
after it has been secured by the port operator; and
(b) the port operator has given the owner and each person who
has a registered interest in, or who the operator knows has an
interest in, the vessel, hull or hulk 28 days prior written notice
of the port operator's intention to do so; and
(c) for a disposal otherwise than by sale – in the opinion of the
port operator:
(i) the vessel, hull or hulk is unseaworthy; and
(ii) the cost of repairing it to make it seaworthy, or the cost
of storage and sale, exceeds its value.
(12) For subsection (2), if the port operator does not know the name or
address of the owner, master or occupier of the vessel, hull or hulk,
a direction is taken to be given to the person if a notice of the
direction addressed to the owner, master or occupier, without
specifying a name, is:
(a) published in a newspaper circulating generally in the Territory;
or
(b) published on the port operator's website; or
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(c) affixed in a prominent position on the deck of the vessel, hull
or hulk.
(13) For subsections (10)(b)(ii) and (11)(b):
(a) if the port operator does not know the name or address of the
owner of the vessel, hull or hulk – the notice is taken to have
been given to the owner if it is addressed to the owner, without
specifying a name, and is published:
(i) in a newspaper circulating generally in the Territory; or
(ii) on the port operator's website; and
(b) notice to a person who has an interest in a vessel, hull or hulk
is taken to have been given if:
(i) for a person who has a registered interest and whose
address is recorded in the register in which the interest
is recorded – it has been sent by post to the person at
that address; or
(ii) otherwise – it is addressed to the person and is
published in a newspaper circulating generally in the
Territory or on the port operator's website.
(14) However, a notice under subsection (12)(a) or (13)(a) or (b)(ii) must
identify the vessel, hull or hulk or describe it by any general
description that the port operator thinks fit.
(15) The person or persons to whom a direction is given under
subsection (2), including a direction given in the manner mentioned
in subsection (12)(c), are jointly and severally liable to pay all costs
incurred under this section by the port operator or a person
authorised under subsection (9).
(16) Subsection (15) applies irrespective of whether any person has
been charged with, or found guilty of, an offence against
subsection (6), and an amount payable under subsection (15) is
additional to any penalty imposed for an offence against
subsection (6).
(17) An amount that a person is liable to pay under subsection (15) for
costs may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the port
operator.
Note for section 42
Part 12 gives the regional harbourmaster for a designated port step-in rights in
certain circumstances.
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43 Regional harbourmaster's directions: vessels and wrecks
likely to endanger or obstruct non-commercial vessels etc.
(1) This section applies to the following within a designated port:
(a) a non-commercial vessel or the hull of a vessel, or a hulk, that
was a non-commercial vessel that is in such a condition that it
is likely to cause damage to, endanger or obstruct the
passage of, navigation of or use of the port by, any vessel;
(b) any other vessel, hull or hulk that is in such a condition that it
is likely to cause damage to, endanger or obstruct the
passage of, navigation of or use of the port by, a
non-commercial vessel;
(c) a vessel, hull or hulk that, because of its condition or the
manner or means by which it is secured while at anchor or
moored, is a threat or danger to:
(i) persons; or
(ii) vessels or other property within the port not connected
with commercial shipping in the port; or
(iii) the environment.
(2) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may, by written
notice, direct the owner, master or occupier of a vessel, hull or hulk
that, in the harbourmaster's opinion, is one to which this section
applies to:
(a) take the preventative action specified in the notice within the
period specified in the notice which, for a direction in relation
to a hull or hulk, must not be less than 14 days; or
(b) if the harbourmaster decides (or, under subsection (3), is
required) to allow the person to select, and take, one of 2 or
more alternative preventative actions – select, and take, one
of the preventative actions specified in the notice within the
period specified in the notice which, for a direction in relation
to a hull or hulk, must not be less than 14 days.
(3) However, the regional harbourmaster must not direct a person to
take preventative action that includes destroying a vessel, hull or
hulk unless the direction allows the person to select, and take,
alternative preventative action that does not include destroying the
vessel, hull or hulk.
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(4) A notice given under subsection (2) must include a statement that if
the owner, master or occupier fails to comply with the direction the
regional harbourmaster may, at the owner, master or occupier's
cost, do one or more of the following with the vessel, hull or hulk:
(a) remove it from the designated port;
(b) move it to another place within the port;
(c) repair it and make it safe;
(d) destroy it and all fittings and equipment on board;
(e) sell or otherwise dispose of it, and all fittings and equipment
on board.
(5) A direction given under subsection (2) to take preventative action
that includes destroying a vessel, hull or hulk does not authorise the
person to whom it is given to destroy the vessel, hull or hulk without
the consent of its owner.
(6) A person to whom a direction is given under subsection (2), other
than a direction given in the manner mentioned in
subsection (12)(c), commits an offence if the person fails to comply
with the direction within the period specified in it or any longer time
that the regional harbourmaster, in writing, allows.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(7) An offence against subsection (6) is an offence of strict liability.
(8) Subsection (9) applies if a person to whom a direction is given
under subsection (2) fails to comply with it within the period
specified in it or any longer time that the regional harbourmaster, in
writing, allows.
(9) The regional harbourmaster may do one or more of the following in
relation to the vessel, hull or hulk that is the subject of the direction:
(a) remove it from the designated port;
(b) move it to another place within the port;
(c) repair it and make it safe;
(d) destroy it and all fittings and equipment on board;
(e) sell it, and all fittings and equipment on board, by public
auction or after inviting public tenders;
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(f) otherwise dispose of it, and all fittings and equipment on
board, in any manner the regional harbourmaster thinks fit;
(g) authorise a person to board it (with or without workers,
vehicles, plant, equipment or materials) and do a thing
mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f).
(10) However, the regional harbourmaster must not destroy a vessel,
hull or hulk, or authorise a person to do so, unless:
(a) in the opinion of the regional harbourmaster:
(i) the vessel, hull or hulk is unseaworthy; and
(ii) the cost of repairing it to make it seaworthy, or the cost
of storage and sale, exceeds its value; and
(b) either:
(i) the owner, master or occupier was, under
subsection (2), directed to take preventative action that
included destroying the vessel, hull or hulk; or
(ii) the regional harbourmaster has given the owner and
each person who has a registered interest in, or who the
regional harbourmaster knows has an interest in, the
vessel, hull or hulk 28 days prior written notice of the
regional harbourmaster's intention to do so.
(11) In addition, the regional harbourmaster must not sell or otherwise
dispose of a vessel, hull or hulk, or authorise a person to do so,
unless:
(a) the owner of the vessel, hull or hulk:
(i) cannot be located; or
(ii) fails to collect the vessel, hull or hulk and pay all costs
associated with the securing of the vessel, hull or hulk
after it has been secured by the harbourmaster; and
(b) the regional harbourmaster has given the owner and each
person who has a registered interest in, or who the regional
harbourmaster knows has an interest in, the vessel, hull or
hulk 28 days prior written notice of the regional
harbourmaster's intention to do so; and
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(c) for a disposal otherwise than by sale – in the opinion of the
regional harbourmaster:
(i) the vessel, hull or hulk is unseaworthy; and
(ii) the cost of repairing it to make it seaworthy, or the cost
of storage and sale, exceeds its value.
(12) For subsection (2), if the regional harbourmaster does not know the
name or address of the owner, master or occupier of the vessel,
hull or hulk, a direction is taken to have been given to the person if
a notice of the direction addressed to the owner, master or
occupier, without specifying a name, is:
(a) published in a newspaper circulating generally in the Territory;
or
(b) published on the regional harbourmaster's website; or
(c) affixed in a prominent position on the deck of the vessel, hull
or hulk.
(13) For subsections (10)(b)(ii) and (11)(b):
(a) if the regional harbourmaster does not know the name or
address of the owner of the vessel, hull or hulk – the notice is
taken to have been given to the owner if it is addressed to the
owner, without specifying a name, and is published:
(i) in a newspaper circulating generally in the Territory; or
(ii) on the regional harbourmaster's website; and
(b) notice to a person who has an interest in a vessel, hull or hulk
is taken to have been given if:
(i) for a person who has a registered interest and whose
address is recorded in the register in which the interest
is recorded – it has been sent by post to the person at
that address; or
(ii) otherwise – it is addressed to the person and is
published in a newspaper circulating generally in the
Territory or on the regional harbourmaster's website.
(14) However, a notice under subsection (12)(a) or (13)(a) or (b)(ii) must
identify the vessel, hull or hulk or describe it by any general
description that the regional harbourmaster thinks fit.
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(15) The person or persons to whom a direction is given under
subsection (2), including a direction given in the manner mentioned
in subsection (12)(c), are jointly and severally liable to pay all costs
incurred under this section by the regional harbourmaster or a
person authorised under subsection (9).
(16) Subsection (15) applies irrespective of whether any person has
been charged with, or found guilty of, an offence against
subsection (6), and an amount payable under subsection (15) is
additional to any penalty imposed for an offence against
subsection (6).
(17) An amount that a person is liable to pay under subsection (15) for
costs may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the Territory.
44 Sale of vessel or wreck by port operator
(1) This section applies if the whole or part of a vessel, hull or hulk, or
fittings or equipment from on board a vessel, hull or hulk, (the
property) is sold by a port operator under section 40C, 41 or 42.
(2) The purchaser of the property holds title to the property free of any
interest existing in it before the sale.
(3) The proceeds of the sale must be paid as follows:
(a) first – in payment of the costs of the sale;
(b) second – in payment of the costs incurred by the port operator
for the removal or storage of, or repairs to, the property;
(c) third – in payment of the costs incurred by the port operator for
giving notice to a person about the proposed sale;
(d) fourth – to the Accountable Officer for payment into the
Accountable Officer's Trust Account.
(4) Within 14 days after selling the property, the port operator must
prepare a record of the following particulars:
(a) a description of the property;
(b) the date and means of giving notice of intention to sell the
property;
(c) the name and address of any person to whom the notice was
given;
(d) the date of sale;
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(e) the name and address of the purchaser;
(f) the sale price;
(g) the amount retained by the port operator to cover the costs
mentioned in subsection (3)(a), (b) and (c);
(h) if the property was sold by public auction – the name and
address of the principal place of business of the auctioneer
who sold the property;
(i) if applicable – the amount of the balance of the proceeds of
sale paid to the Accountable Officer and the date of payment.
(5) The port operator must:
(a) retain the record required under subsection (4) for 3 years
from the date of sale; and
(b) make the record available on request by any of the following:
(i) the owner of the property;
(ii) any other person claiming to have an interest in the
property;
(iii) the Commissioner of Police;
(iv) an authorised officer as defined in section 4(1) of the
Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Act 1990;
(v) the Accountable Officer.
(6) Within 28 days after the sale, the port operator must:
(a) make the payment mentioned in subsection (3)(d); and
(b) give the Accountable Officer a copy of the record required
under subsection (4).
(7) The port operator commits an offence if the port operator fails to
comply with a requirement under subsection (4), (5) or (6).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(8) An offence against subsection (7) is an offence of strict liability.
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(9) If satisfied a person had an interest in the property before the sale,
the Accountable Officer must pay to that person out of the
Accountable Officer's Trust Account:
(a) an amount equivalent to that person's interest in the property;
or
(b) if the person's interest in the property expressed as a
monetary amount exceeds the balance of the proceeds of
sale – the balance of the proceeds of sale.
(10) A person claiming an interest in the property under subsection (9)
must apply to the Accountable Officer within 3 years after the sale.
(11) The Accountable Officer is not liable to make any further payment
for the property if the balance of the proceeds of sale of the
property has been paid under subsection (9)(b).
(12) Subsection (11) does not prevent a person making a claim against
the person to whom the Accountable Officer has paid the balance
of the proceeds of sale.
(13) Proceeds from the sale of the property that have remained
unclaimed for 3 years must be paid into the Central Holding
Authority.
(14) In this section:
Accountable Officer means the Accountable Officer, as defined in
section 3(1) of the Financial Management Act 1995, for the Agency.
Accountable Officer's Trust Account, see section 3(1) of the
Financial Management Act 1995.
44A Sale of vessel or wreck by regional harbourmaster
(1) This section applies if the whole or part of a vessel, hull or hulk, or
fittings or equipment from on board a vessel, hull or hulk, (the
property) is sold by a regional harbourmaster under section 40C or
43.
(2) The purchaser of the property holds title to the property free of any
interest existing in it before the sale.
(3) The proceeds of the sale must be paid as follows:
(a) first – in payment of the costs of the sale;
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(b) second – in payment of the costs incurred by the regional
harbourmaster for the removal or storage of, or repairs to, the
property;
(c) third – in payment of the costs incurred by the regional
harbourmaster for giving notice to a person about the
proposed sale;
(d) fourth – in payment of the amount owing to the following:
(i) the holder of a registered interest in the property;
(ii) the holder of a known unregistered interest in the
property;
(e) fifth – to the owner of the property.
(4) If the regional harbourmaster is unable to locate the owner after
making reasonable attempts to do so, the amount payable to the
owner under subsection (3)(e) must be paid to the Central Holding
Authority.
44B Other disposal of vessel or wreck
(1) This section applies if the whole or part of a vessel, hull or hulk, or
fittings or equipment from on board a vessel, hull or hulk, is
disposed of to a person, otherwise than by sale, under this Division.
(2) The person holds title to the vessel, hull, hulk, fittings or equipment
free of any interest existing in it before the disposal.
44C Acquisition on just terms
(1) If the operation of this Division would, apart from this section, result
in an acquisition of property from a person otherwise than on just
terms:
(a) the person is entitled to receive the compensation necessary
to ensure the acquisition is on just terms from:
(i) if the acquisition arises from the exercise of a power or
function by a port operator – the port operator; or
(ii) if the acquisition arises from the exercise of a power or
function by a regional harbourmaster – the Territory; and
(b) a court of competent jurisdiction may decide the amount of
compensation or make the orders it considers necessary to
ensure the acquisition is on just terms.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 4 Dangerous goods
Ports Management Act 2015 46
(2) Subsection (3) applies if:
(a) a court has decided an amount of compensation is payable;
and
(b) under subsection (1)(a)(i), a port operator is required to pay
the compensation; and
(c) the port operator fails to do so within a reasonable time.
(3) The Territory must pay the compensation and the port operator is
liable to pay the Territory the amount of compensation paid by the
Territory together with all costs incurred by the Territory in
consequence of the port operator's failure.
(4) An amount that a port operator is liable to pay under subsection (3)
may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the Territory.
Division 4 Dangerous goods
45 Advance notification of entry of vessels
(1) The port operator of a designated port commits an offence if:
(a) the port operator receives advance notification of the entry into
the port of a vessel carrying dangerous goods in accordance
with one of the following:
(i) Australian Standard AS 3846-2005;
(ii) any other Australian or International Standard generally
applicable to the storage, handling or transport of
dangerous goods in ports that is prescribed for this
paragraph;
(iii) a requirement of the port operator; and
(b) the port operator fails to give a copy of the notification to the
regional harbourmaster for the port immediately after receiving
it.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 4 Dangerous goods
Ports Management Act 2015 47
46 Requirements relating to vessel carrying dangerous goods
(1) This section applies if a vessel requiring entry into a designated
port has dangerous goods on board as cargo.
(2) The port operator of the designated port may require the owner of
the vessel, in respect of the whole of any loss or damage that may
occur from the loading, unloading, handling or storage of the cargo
in the port:
(a) to give to the port operator such security by way of bond,
indemnity, guarantee or otherwise, or any combination of
those methods, as the port operator determines; or
(b) to have or obtain a policy of insurance of a kind approved by
the port operator for this section.
(3) The port operator may refuse or restrict entry into the port of a
vessel, or refuse or restrict the loading, unloading, handling or
storage of cargo on, from or in a vessel, in respect of which the
owner has refused or failed to give a security or have a policy of
insurance as required under subsection (2).
47 Handling and transport of dangerous goods
(1) Australian Standard AS 3846-2005 applies to, and in respect of, the
handling and transport of dangerous goods within a designated
port.
(2) For subsection (1), Australian Standard AS 3846-2005 applies as if:
(a) dangerous cargoes were defined by that Standard as having
the same meaning as dangerous goods in this Act; and
(b) the whole of the area of a designated port were a port area as
defined by that Standard.
(3) Regulations may provide that, instead of Australian Standard
AS 3846-2005, another Australian Standard, or an International
Standard, generally applicable to the handling and transport of
dangerous goods in ports applies in relation to the handling and
transport of dangerous goods within a designated port with any
prescribed modifications.
(4) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person engages in conduct within a designated port in
relation to the handling or transport of dangerous goods; and
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 4 Dangerous goods
Ports Management Act 2015 48
(b) the conduct contravenes Australian Standard AS 3846-2005
or another Standard that applies under subsection (3).
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(5) A prosecution cannot be instituted in respect of an offence against
subsection (4) without the written consent of the Competent
Authority.
48 Forfeiture of dangerous goods
(1) This section applies if a person is found guilty by a court of an
offence against section 47(4).
(2) The court may order the dangerous goods in respect of which the
offence was committed:
(a) to be forfeited to the Territory; or
(b) to be destroyed.
(3) The court may order the forfeiture or destruction of the dangerous
goods despite:
(a) them not belonging to the person found guilty; or
(b) their owner having no knowledge of the proceeding.
(4) The Competent Authority may recover from the person found guilty,
as a debt due and payable to the Territory, the costs incurred by it
in relation to the forfeiture or destruction of the dangerous goods.
49 Application of Dangerous Goods Act 1998
For the application of the Dangerous Goods Act 1998 to water and
land constituting a designated port:
(a) any reference in that Act to a vehicle is taken to include a
vessel; and
(b) any reference in that Act to a load on a vehicle is taken, in
relation to a vessel, to be a reference to cargo; and
(c) Parts 4 and 5 of that Act have effect as if dangerous goods
within the meaning of those Parts had the same meaning as in
this Act.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 5 Closed waters
Ports Management Act 2015 49
Division 5 Closed waters
50 Power of port operator to close waters
(1) Subject to the regulations, the port operator of a designated port
may, by notice published in accordance with subsection (1A), close,
for a period specified in the notice, all or part of the waters of the
port:
(a) to all persons and vessels; or
(b) to specified classes of persons and vessels.
(1A) The notice must be published on the port operator's website or in
the manner that, in the opinion of the port operator, is most likely to
bring it to the attention of persons who may be affected by it.
(2) If a notice is published under subsection (1), the waters described
in the notice are, for the period specified in the notice, closed
waters to all persons and vessels or to the classes of persons and
vessels specified in the notice, as the case requires.
(3) A person commits an offence if the person is in closed waters
contrary to a notice published under subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(4) The master of a vessel commits an offence if the vessel is in closed
waters contrary to a notice published under subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(5) An offence against subsection (3) or (4) is an offence of strict
liability.
(6) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) or (4) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(6A) Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply to a police officer if:
(a) the officer is acting in the course of the officer's duties and
taking reasonable care; and
(b) it is reasonable for the officer to enter the closed waters.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 5 Closed waters
Ports Management Act 2015 50
(7) The port operator, a port management officer or a police officer may
direct a person apparently in control of a vessel that is in closed
waters contrary to a notice published under subsection (1) to
remove the vessel from the closed waters.
Note for section 50
Part 12 gives the regional harbourmaster for a designated port step-in rights in
certain circumstances.
(8) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is directed to remove a vessel from closed waters
under subsection (7); and
(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(9) An offence against subsection (8) is an offence of strict liability.
(10) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (8) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
51 Power of regional harbourmaster to close waters
(1) Subject to the regulations, the regional harbourmaster for a
designated port may, by notice published in accordance with
subsection (1A), close, for a period specified in the notice, all or
part of the waters of the port:
(a) to all persons and vessels; or
(b) to specified classes of persons and vessels.
(1A) The notice must be published on the regional harbourmaster's
website or in the manner that, in the opinion of the regional
harbourmaster, is most likely to bring it to the attention of persons
who may be affected by it.
(2) However, the regional harbourmaster for a designated port may
only exercise the power given by subsection (1) if:
(a) the harbourmaster:
(i) is satisfied that the closure would not have, and could
not reasonably be expected to have, an adverse impact
on commercial shipping; and
(ii) has given the port operator of the port written notice of
its intention to do so; or
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 5 Closed waters
Ports Management Act 2015 51
(b) the closure is for 30 days or less and the port operator of the
port consents to the closure.
(3) If a notice is published under subsection (1), the waters described
in the notice are, for the period specified in the notice, closed
waters to all persons and vessels or to the classes of persons and
vessels specified in the notice, as the case requires.
(4) A person commits an offence if the person is in closed waters
contrary to a notice published under subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(5) The master of a vessel commits an offence if the vessel is in closed
waters contrary to a notice published under subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(6) An offence against subsection (4) or (5) is an offence of strict
liability.
(7) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (4) or (5) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(7A) Subsections (4) and (5) do not apply to a police officer if:
(a) the officer is acting in the course of the officer's duties and
taking reasonable care; and
(b) it is reasonable for the officer to enter the closed waters.
(8) The regional harbourmaster, a police officer or a person authorised
by the regional harbourmaster may direct a person apparently in
control of a vessel that is in closed waters contrary to a notice
published under subsection (1) to remove the vessel from the
closed waters.
(9) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is directed to remove a vessel from closed waters
under subsection (8); and
(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(10) An offence against subsection (9) is an offence of strict liability.
(11) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (9) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
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Part 5 Control and management of designated port
Division 6 Erection of structures and dredging
Ports Management Act 2015 52
52 Removal etc. of vessel for failure to comply with direction
(1) This section applies if the person apparently in control of a vessel
fails to comply with a direction given under section 50(7) or 51(8),
irrespective of whether that person has been charged with, or found
guilty of, an offence against section 50(3) or (8) or 51(4) or (9), as
the case requires.
(2) The port operator of the designated port or regional harbourmaster
for the port may cause the vessel to be removed to a place outside
the closed waters.
(3) The person who failed to comply with the direction is liable to pay
all costs incurred by the port operator or regional harbourmaster
under subsection (2).
(4) Any such amount is additional to any penalty imposed for an
offence against section 50(3) or (8) or 51(4) or (9).
(5) An amount that a person is liable to pay under subsection (3) for
costs may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the port
operator, for costs incurred by the port operator, or to the Territory,
for costs incurred by the regional harbourmaster.
Division 6 Erection of structures and dredging
53 Erection of structures and dredging
(1) A person must not, without the prior written approval of the regional
harbourmaster for a designated port or otherwise than in
accordance with the terms of any such approval, in or on waters
within the designated port:
(a) erect, or cause to be erected, below the highwater mark any
jetty, wharf, pontoon (whether or not attached to the shore),
mooring or structure, whether temporary or permanent; or
(b) moor, anchor or otherwise fasten a floating structure or
mooring buoy to the sea floor, a lake or riverbed or the shore;
or
(c) undertake dredging or any other activity that would cause a
significant alteration of the bathymetry of the port.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
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Part 6 Stevedore licences
Ports Management Act 2015 53
(4) The regional harbourmaster must not withhold an approval under
subsection (1), or impose a condition on such an approval, except
on reasonable grounds set out in a written notice given to the
person seeking to do the thing mentioned in subsection (1).
(5) A notice under subsection (4) must specify that the person has a
right to have the decision to withhold approval, or to impose a
condition on the approval, reviewed by the Tribunal.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to dredging in a
designated port undertaken by the port operator of the port in
accordance with an agreement made under section 9(1).
Part 6 Stevedore licences
54 Application for grant or renewal of licence
(1) A person may apply to the Minister for a licence, or for the renewal
of a licence, to carry on a business of a stevedore within a
designated port.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must be:
(a) in the approved form; and
(b) accompanied by the prescribed fee.
(3) The Minister must consider an application made under
subsection (1) and may grant or renew, or refuse to grant or renew,
the licence.
(4) A licence granted or renewed by the Minister is subject to any
conditions, including as to its duration, that the Minister thinks fit
and endorses on the licence.
(5) In considering an application under subsection (1), the Minister
must have regard to:
(a) whether the applicant has, or is likely to have, adequate
access to land at the designated port to carry on the business
of a stevedore in the port; and
(b) whether the applicant is a suitable person to hold, or to
continue to hold, the licence; and
(c) the applicant's experience, skill and ability to provide services
in relation to the business of a stevedore in a port; and
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Part 6 Stevedore licences
Ports Management Act 2015 54
(d) whether the grant or renewal would lessen effective
competition in upstream or downstream markets, either within
or outside the designated port; and
(e) the standard of the applicant's equipment; and
(f) any other matter relating to ensuring the safety of anyone
connected with the provision of the services.
(6) In considering whether an applicant is a suitable person to hold, or
to continue to hold, a licence, the Minister must have regard to the
following matters:
(a) whether the applicant has ever been:
(i) found guilty of an offence against a law of the Territory,
the Commonwealth, a State or another Territory that is
punishable by imprisonment for more than 12 months; or
(ii) a director of, or involved in the management of, a body
corporate that was found guilty of such an offence;
(b) whether in the 10 years before making the application, the
applicant has been:
(i) found guilty of an offence against a law of the Territory,
the Commonwealth, a State or another Territory; or
(ii) a director of, or involved in the management of, a body
corporate that was found guilty of such an offence;
(c) whether the applicant has been a director of, or involved in the
management of, a body corporate that was wound up in the
2 years before making the application or is in the process of
being wound up;
(d) whether the applicant has ever:
(i) become bankrupt; or
(ii) applied to take the benefit of a law for the relief of
bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(iii) compounded with creditors or made an assignment of
the applicant's remuneration for their benefit;
(e) whether the applicant is a body corporate that is under
administration, is in the process of being wound up or has
executed a deed of company arrangement that is in force.
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Part 6 Stevedore licences
Ports Management Act 2015 55
(7) The Minister must not grant or renew a licence, or refuse to grant or
renew a licence, to carry on a business of a stevedore within a
designated port without first consulting the port operator of the port.
(8) The Minister must, as soon as practicable after deciding an
application under subsection (1), give written notice of the decision
to the applicant and to the port operator of the designated port,
specifying:
(a) the reasons for the decision; and
(b) for a decision to refuse the application – that the applicant has
a right to have the decision reviewed by the Tribunal.
55 Suspension or cancellation of licence
(1) If the holder of a licence under this Part contravenes a condition of
the licence, the Minister may, after consulting with the port operator
of the relevant designated port:
(a) suspend the licence for a specified period; or
(b) cancel the licence.
(2) If the Minister decides to suspend or cancel a licence under
subsection (1), the Minister must give written notice of the decision
to the licence holder and the port operator:
(a) specifying the reasons for the decision; and
(b) specifying that the licence holder has a right to have the
decision reviewed by the Tribunal; and
(c) if the licence is to be cancelled – requiring the licence holder
to surrender the licence document to the Minister within the
period specified in the notice.
(3) In this section:
licence holder includes former licence holder.
56 Penalty for carrying on business etc. while unlicensed
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person carries on a business of a stevedore; and
(b) the business is carried on within a designated port; and
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Part 7 Port notices
Ports Management Act 2015 56
(c) the person does not hold a licence under this Part authorising
the person to do so.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) In any proceedings for an offence against subsection (1), an
averment by the prosecutor in a complaint or information that a
specified person did not hold a licence under this Part at the time
when the offence was committed is evidence of the fact so averred.
Part 7 Port notices
57 Port operator may issue port notice
(1) The port operator of a designated port may, by a notice issued
under this section (a port notice), control activities or conduct
within the port for the purpose of maintaining or improving its safe,
secure or efficient operation.
(2) Without limiting the activities or conduct that it may control, a port
notice may:
(a) control the entry of persons to the designated port, or any part
of it, and their behaviour while within the port; or
(b) control the movement, stopping or parking of vehicles within
the port; or
(c) control the movement or mooring of vessels within the port; or
(d) control activities on or by vessels within the port; or
(e) control the movement, handling or storage of goods loaded,
waiting to be loaded or unloaded on or from vessels within the
port.
(3) If there is an inconsistency between a provision of a port notice and
a provision of any other law of the Territory, the provision of the
other law prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
58 How port notice may be issued
(1) A port notice may be issued in any of the following ways:
(a) by being displayed in a prominent position within the port;
(b) by being published on the port operator's website;
(c) by being given to the person or persons to whom it applies.
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Part 7 Port notices
Ports Management Act 2015 57
(2) The port operator of a designated port must, not less than 14 days
before issuing or revoking a port notice, give the regional
harbourmaster written notice of the proposed issue or revocation.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the port notice is issued or
revoked:
(a) because of an emergency; or
(b) in order to avert or minimise an imminent threat of:
(i) death, or serious injury, to any person; or
(ii) loss of, or serious damage to, property; or
(iii) material harm to the environment.
(4) If subsection (2) does not apply, the port operator must give the
regional harbourmaster written notice of the issue or revocation of a
port notice within 3 days after that event.
59 Enforcement of port notice
(1) A port operator of a designated port may enforce compliance with a
port notice issued by it in any of the following ways:
(a) by directing any person who is contravening the notice to
leave the designated port;
(b) by removing from the port, or moving within the port, any
vehicle that is stopped or parked in contravention of the
notice;
(c) by removing from the port, or moving within the port, anything
placed or located in contravention of the notice;
(d) by carrying out any work at the port that a person has failed to
carry out in contravention of the notice or that is reasonably
required to be carried out to remedy a contravention of the
notice.
(1A) A police officer may enforce compliance with a port notice that was
issued to control activities or conduct on the water within a
designated port by:
(a) directing any person who is contravening the notice to leave
the port; or
(b) removing from the port, or moving within the port, anything
placed or located in contravention of the notice.
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Part 7 Port notices
Ports Management Act 2015 58
(2) The power to remove or move a vehicle or other thing from or within
the port includes the power to place the vehicle or other thing in
secure storage pending its return to its owner.
(3) Before a port enforcement officer exercises, in relation to any
individual, a power to enforce compliance with a port notice, the
officer must produce his or her identity card to that individual.
(4) A port operator of a designated port is entitled to recover as a debt
due and payable to the operator the reasonable costs incurred by
the operator in enforcing compliance with a port notice.
(5) The costs are recoverable from the person whose contravention of
the port notice resulted in them being incurred.
(6) A certificate issued by the port operator certifying as to the
reasonable costs incurred in enforcing compliance with a port
notice is evidence of the matters certified.
60 Advance notice of proposed work
(1) A port operator of a designated port is not authorised by
section 59(1)(d) to enforce compliance with a port notice by
carrying out work that a person has failed to carry out unless the
port operator has notified the person of the proposed work in
accordance with subsection (2).
(2) Notice of proposed work under section 59(1)(d) must:
(a) be given no less than 7 days before the work commences;
and
(b) be given in writing; and
(c) give details of the alleged contravention concerned.
(3) Notice is not required to be given in accordance with subsection (2)
if the work is necessary:
(a) because of an emergency; or
(b) in order to avert or minimise an imminent threat of:
(i) death, or serious injury, to any person; or
(ii) loss of, or serious damage to, property; or
(iii) material harm to the environment.
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Part 7 Port notices
Ports Management Act 2015 59
61 Power of entry
A port operator of a designated port may, on giving reasonable
notice to the occupier, enter any land or premises at the port for the
purpose of:
(a) finding out whether a port notice is being complied with; or
(b) doing anything that the port operator is authorised to do to
enforce compliance with a port notice.
62 Monitoring of port notices
(1AA) A police officer who, under section 59(1A), enforces compliance
with a port notice within a designated port must, as soon as
practicable after doing so, give the port operator of the port details
of:
(a) the contravention of the port notice; and
(b) the action taken by the officer to enforce compliance with the
port notice.
(1) A port operator of a designated port must, within 3 months after
each 6 month period ending on 30 June or 31 December in a year,
give the regional harbourmaster for the port details of such of the
following matters (reportable matters) as occurred during the
6 month period:
(a) a contravention of a port notice issued by the port operator of
which the port operator is aware;
(b) any exercise by the port operator of the power under
section 61 to enter land or premises;
(c) any action taken to enforce compliance with a port notice
issued by the port operator.
(2) A port operator must also give details of reportable matters to the
regional harbourmaster as and when directed to do so by the
regional harbourmaster by written notice given to the port operator.
(3) A notice under subsection (2) must allow not less than 21 days for
compliance with the direction.
(4) Information required to be given by or under this section must be
given in any manner and form that the regional harbourmaster may
from time to time direct by written notice given to the port operator.
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Part 8 Pilotage
Division 1 Preliminary matters
Ports Management Act 2015 60
(5) The regional harbourmaster may from time to time publish reports
and statements, based on information given to him or her under this
section about reportable matters, subject to the following
requirements:
(a) the report or statement must not include information that
identifies a person (or is likely to lead to the identification of a
person) as a person who has contravened a port notice;
(b) the regional harbourmaster must give the relevant port
operator a copy of the proposed report or statement at least
14 days before it is published.
(6) No liability (including liability in defamation) is incurred by a person
for publishing in good faith a report or statement under this section
or a fair report or summary of such a report or statement.
Part 8 Pilotage
Division 1 Preliminary matters
63 Definition
In this Part:
vessel includes an off-shore industry mobile unit as defined in
section 7(1) of the Marine Act 1981, but does not include:
(a) a vessel propelled by oars; or
(b) an air-cushioned vehicle as defined in section 7(1) of the
Marine Act 1981; or
(c) in relation to a particular pilotage area – a vessel or a class of
vessel that is prescribed by regulation as an exempt vessel for
that area.
64 Pilotage authority may declare exempt vessels
The pilotage authority for a pilotage area may, by Gazette notice,
declare a vessel or a class of vessel to be an exempt vessel for the
pilotage area or part of the pilotage area, subject to any conditions
the pilotage authority thinks fit.
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Part 8 Pilotage
Division 2 Pilotage areas and authorities
Ports Management Act 2015 61
Division 2 Pilotage areas and authorities
65 Pilotage areas
The Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare an area of Northern
Territory waters to be a pilotage area.
66 Pilotage authorities
(1) The regional harbourmaster is the pilotage authority for any pilotage
area within a designated port for which he or she is the regional
harbourmaster.
(2) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, appoint a person to be the
pilotage authority for any other pilotage area.
67 Technical and safety standards
(1) The pilotage authority for a pilotage area must, by written notice,
make technical and safety standards for pilotage, and the provision
of pilotage services, in that area.
(2) In making technical and safety standards the pilotage authority
must have regard to:
(a) any Marine Order made under the Navigation Act 2012 (Cth)
and order made under the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of
Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 (Cth); and
(b) any other relevant law of the Territory or the Commonwealth.
(3) As soon as practicable after making technical and safety standards,
the pilotage authority must:
(a) publish a notice in the Gazette stating the following:
(i) that the standards have been made;
(ii) the date on which the standards take effect, which may
be the day on which the notice is published or any later
date;
(iii) the place where copies of the standards can be
obtained; and
(b) publish the standards on the Internet and in any other way
decided by the pilotage authority; and
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Part 8 Pilotage
Division 3 Pilotage generally
Ports Management Act 2015 62
(c) give a copy of the standards to:
(i) the port operator of any designated port within which the
pilotage area is situated; and
(ii) any pilotage services provider for the pilotage area.
(5) A person must not contravene a standard made under
subsection (1) when conducting pilotage, or providing pilotage
services, in the pilotage area to which the standard applies.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(6) An offence against subsection (5) is an offence of strict liability.
(7) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (5) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
Division 3 Pilotage generally
Note for Division 3
Part 12 gives the regional harbourmaster for a designated port step-in rights in
certain circumstances.
68 Compulsory pilotage
(1) Pilotage is compulsory for every pilotage area within a designated
port.
(2) A pilotage authority for any other pilotage area may declare that
pilotage is compulsory for the whole or a specified part of that area.
(3) A declaration must be published:
(a) if the pilotage authority is a public sector entity – in the
Gazette; or
(b) otherwise – in a newspaper circulating generally in the
Territory.
(4) A declaration takes effect on the date it is published in the Gazette
or in a newspaper, as required under subsection (3), or any later
date specified in the declaration.
(5) A pilotage authority that makes a declaration that is published in
accordance with subsection (3)(b) must give a copy of the
declaration to the Director within 3 days after its publication.
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69 Special pilotage requirements
(1) This section applies only in relation to:
(a) a pilotage area, or a part of a pilotage area, for which pilotage
is not compulsory; or
(b) a vessel, including a vessel that but for paragraph (c) of the
definition vessel in section 63 would be a vessel for this Part,
entering, plying or moving in or leaving a pilotage area, or a
part of a pilotage area, for which pilotage is compulsory.
(2) A pilotage authority for a pilotage area (or the port operator of a
designated port within which a pilotage area is situated) may
require the master of a vessel to have on board a licensed pilot if of
the opinion that there would be a special risk or danger arising from
the vessel entering, plying or moving in or leaving that area.
(3) In forming the opinion, the pilotage authority or port operator must
have regard to:
(a) the condition of the vessel and its equipment; and
(b) the nature and condition of any cargo carried on the vessel;
and
(c) whether or not there is a nuclear power source on the vessel;
and
(d) the circumstances of, and the conditions within, the particular
pilotage area.
(4) The master of a vessel commits an offence if:
(a) the master engages in conduct; and
(b) the conduct contravenes a requirement under subsection (2).
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
70 Failure to take pilot on board
Except as provided by section 73, the master of a vessel commits
an offence if:
(a) the master allows the vessel to enter, ply or move in or leave
an area; and
(b) the area is a compulsory pilotage area; and
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(c) there is not a licensed pilot on board.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
71 Procedure on entering compulsory pilotage area
(1) Except as provided by section 73, the master of a vessel, before
the vessel enters a compulsory pilotage area, must:
(a) present the vessel at a boarding ground for the area; and
(b) receive on board a licensed pilot; and
(c) receive on board any persons and equipment required by the
pilot; and
(d) if the pilot is to conduct pilotage as part of pilotage services
provided by a pilotage services provider – receive on board
any persons and equipment as required by the provider; and
(e) provide any reasonable assistance required by the pilot or a
person mentioned in paragraph (c) or (d); and
(f) give pilotage charge of the vessel to the pilot.
(2) The master of a vessel commits an offence if:
(a) the master engages in conduct; and
(b) the conduct contravenes a requirement of subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
72 Duty of licensed pilot
Subject to the authority of the master of a vessel, the duty of a
licensed pilot is to pilot the vessel.
73 Pilotage not required in certain cases
(1AA) Sections 70 and 71 do not apply to a vessel if:
(a) the vessel is a vessel, or of a class of vessel, declared to be
exempt under section 64 and the conditions of the exemption,
if any, are satisfied; or
(b) the master of the vessel holds a pilotage exemption certificate
and the conditions of the certificate, if any, are satisfied.
(1) In addition, sections 70 and 71 do not apply to a vessel if, in the
opinion of the relevant entity, it is necessary, having regard to the
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safety of the vessel or of a person on board the vessel, for the
vessel to be immediately brought into, moved within or taken out of
a compulsory pilotage area.
(1A) As soon as practicable after a vessel is brought into, moved within
or taken out of a compulsory pilotage area within a designated port
under subsection (1), the relevant entity must give notice to:
(a) if the relevant entity is the pilotage authority for the
compulsory pilotage area – the port operator of the designated
port; or
(b) if the relevant entity is the port operator of the designated
port – the pilotage authority for the compulsory pilotage area.
(2) In this section:
relevant entity means the pilotage authority for the compulsory
pilotage area or the port operator of any designated port within
which the compulsory pilotage area is situated.
74 Owner's liability
If a master of a vessel is found guilty of an offence against
section 70 or 71, the owner of the vessel is taken to be guilty of the
same offence and is liable to the same penalty.
Division 4 Pilotage licences and pilotage exemption
certificates
75 Application for pilotage licence or exemption certificate
(1) A person may apply in writing to a pilotage authority for a pilotage
licence or pilotage exemption certificate in respect of a pilotage
area for which it is the pilotage authority.
(2) An application for renewal of a pilotage licence or pilotage
exemption certificate may be made in the same manner as the
original application was made.
76 Issue and renewal of pilotage licence or exemption certificate
(1) A pilotage authority may issue or renew a pilotage licence or
pilotage exemption certificate in respect of a pilotage area for which
it is the pilotage authority on an application under section 75 if:
(a) for a pilotage area within a designated port – the port operator
of the port is satisfied of the matters prescribed by regulation;
or
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(b) otherwise – the pilotage authority is satisfied of those matters.
(2) The pilotage authority may, when issuing or renewing a pilotage
licence, specify that the licence is subject to one or more of the
following conditions:
(a) a condition that the licence applies only to specified vessels
(including, for example, vessels of a specified size or kind);
(b) a condition specifying that the licence only applies to a
specified part of the pilotage area.
(3) The pilotage authority may, when issuing or renewing a pilotage
exemption certificate, specify that the certificate is subject to one or
more of the following conditions:
(a) a condition that the certificate only applies to:
(i) a specified vessel; or
(ii) specified vessels (including, for example, vessels of a
specified size or kind);
(b) a condition specifying that the certificate only applies to
specified hours during a day;
(c) a condition specifying that the certificate only applies to a
specified part of the pilotage area.
(4) In addition, the pilotage authority must not issue a pilotage
exemption certificate to, or renew a pilotage exemption certificate
held by, a person who is not the master of a vessel to which the
certificate relates.
(5) Subsections (2) and (3) do not limit the conditions that may be
imposed by the pilotage authority on a pilotage licence or pilotage
exemption certificate.
(6) The regulations may provide for:
(a) the matters that a pilotage authority or a port operator for a
designated port may take into account in making a decision
under this section; and
(b) a qualification or requirement in relation to any of the matters
mentioned in paragraph (a) (including, for example, whether
an applicant for a pilotage licence has undertaken a specified
number of supervised transits); and
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(ba) the medical examination of a licensed pilot in order that his or
her fitness to discharge his or her duties may be determined;
and
(c) a pilotage authority to vary a condition of a pilotage licence or
pilotage exemption certificate.
77 Form of pilotage licence and exemption certificate
(1) A pilotage licence or pilotage exemption certificate must:
(a) be in the approved form; and
(b) specify the pilotage area in respect of which it is issued.
(2) A pilotage licence has effect for 3 years from the date it is issued.
(3) A pilotage exemption certificate has effect for 2 years from the date
it is issued.
78 Suspension or cancellation
(1) If a pilotage authority, after receiving a report under section 83(5), is
satisfied as to any of the matters mentioned in section 82(1), it may
cancel or suspend, for any period that it thinks fit, the pilotage
licence held by the licensed pilot in respect of whom the inquiry was
held.
(2) A pilotage exemption certificate may be cancelled or suspended at
any time if, in the opinion of the pilotage authority, the holder is unfit
to continue to hold the certificate.
79 Production of pilotage licence
(1) A licensed pilot, on request by the master of a vessel that the pilot
proposes to take in pilotage, must produce his or her pilotage
licence to the master.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
80 Person other than licensed pilot not to pilot vessel
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person pilots a vessel in a pilotage area; and
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(b) a licensed pilot is required by this Part to be on board the
vessel while it is in that area; and
(c) the person is not a licensed pilot or the holder of a pilotage
exemption certificate in respect of that area.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person:
(a) represents, by word or conduct, that the person is a licensed
pilot or the holder of a pilotage exemption certificate in respect
of a pilotage area; and
(b) knows that the representation is false.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
81 Misconduct by licensed pilot
(1) A licensed pilot commits an offence if the licensed pilot:
(a) has pilotage charge of a vessel; and
(b) is under the influence of alcohol or a drug.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) that the licensed pilot:
(a) was, at the time of the alleged offence, under the influence of
a drug taken by the pilot for medical purposes; and
(b) either:
(i) the pilot took the drug on medical advice and complied
with any direction given as part of that advice; or
(ii) the pilot had no reason to believe that the drug might
have the influence it did.
(3) A licensed pilot commits an offence if the licensed pilot:
(a) has pilotage charge of a vessel; and
(b) engages in conduct; and
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(c) the conduct causes, or is likely to cause, the loss or
destruction of, or serious damage to, the vessel or any other
vessel, a port facility or any other property.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(4) In this section:
drug, see section 19(1) of the Traffic Act 1987.
82 Inquiry into misconduct by licensed pilot
(1) The Minister may, at the request of a pilotage authority, appoint a
person to conduct an inquiry into whether a licensed pilot:
(a) is unfit to discharge his or her duties; or
(b) has been seriously negligent in the discharge of his or her
duties; or
(c) has repeatedly failed to comply with requests made to him or
her by the pilotage authority under this Act.
(2) If the pilotage authority is of the opinion that it is desirable to do so,
it may suspend the pilotage licence held by the licensed pilot
pending the outcome of the inquiry.
83 Conduct of inquiry
(1) A person appointed under section 82(1) to conduct an inquiry may:
(a) go on board a vessel; and
(b) enter on a wharf or installation within a pilotage area in
respect of which the pilot is licensed; and
(c) require a person to answer any question relating to the subject
of the inquiry; and
(d) require the production of a document, including a report or
transcript of an inquiry or investigation held under this Act,
relevant to the inquiry.
(2) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes a
requirement made under subsection (1)(c) or (d).
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
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(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(5) A person appointed to conduct an inquiry under section 82(1) must
report on it to the pilotage authority, and forward a copy of the
report to the Minister.
84 Reviews of decisions under this Division
(1) This section applies to any of the following decisions of a pilotage
authority in relation to a person:
(a) a refusal to issue or renew a pilotage licence or pilotage
exemption certificate;
(b) a decision to specify or vary a condition of a pilotage licence
or pilotage exemption certificate;
(c) a decision to suspend or cancel a pilotage licence or pilotage
exemption certificate.
(2) The pilotage authority must, as soon as practicable after making the
decision, give written notice of it to the person specifying:
(a) the reasons for the decision; and
(b) that the person has a right to have the decision reviewed by
the Tribunal; and
(c) if the pilotage licence or pilotage exemption certificate is
cancelled – that the person must surrender the licence or
certificate to the pilotage authority within the period specified
in the notice.
(3) If the notice requires a person to surrender the licence or certificate
to the pilotage authority as mentioned in subsection (2)(c), the
person must not contravene the requirement.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(4) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
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Part 8 Pilotage
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Division 5 Pilotage services providers
85 Minister may appoint pilotage services provider
(1) The Minister may appoint a person to be a pilotage services
provider for a pilotage area.
(2) The Minister may appoint a person under subsection (1) only if
satisfied that:
(a) the person has the necessary capability to provide pilotage
services by one or more licensed pilots in the pilotage area;
and
(b) in providing pilotage services in the pilotage area, each of the
licensed pilots would be under the control of the person and
be:
(i) employed or engaged by the person; or
(ii) in prescribed circumstances, employed or engaged by
an entity specified in the regulations; and
(c) the person is a suitable person to be appointed; and
(d) the person meets any prescribed requirements.
(3) In considering whether a person is a suitable person for
subsection (2)(c), the Minister must take into account all of the
following matters:
(a) whether the person has ever been:
(i) found guilty of an offence against a law of the Territory,
the Commonwealth, a State or another Territory that is
punishable by imprisonment for more than 12 months; or
(ii) a director of, or involved in the management of, a body
corporate that was found guilty of such an offence;
(b) whether, in the immediately preceding 10 years:
(i) the person has been found guilty of an offence against a
law of the Territory, the Commonwealth, a State or
another Territory; or
(ii) the person has been a director of, or involved in the
management of, a body corporate that was found guilty
of such an offence;
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(c) whether the person has been a director of, or involved in the
management of, a body corporate that was wound up in the
immediately preceding 2 years or is in the process of being
wound up;
(d) whether the person has ever:
(i) become bankrupt; or
(ii) applied to take the benefit of a law for the relief of
bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(iii) compounded with creditors or made an assignment of
the person's remuneration for their benefit;
(e) whether the person is a body corporate that is under
administration, is in the process of being wound up or has
executed a deed of company arrangement that is in force.
(4) The appointment has effect:
(a) subject to any conditions specified in the appointment and in
any pilotage services contract entered into between the
Minister and the appointee; and
(b) for the term specified in the appointment unless it is
terminated at an earlier time:
(i) under section 89; or
(ii) in accordance with the terms of a contract mentioned in
paragraph (a).
(5) Subsection (4) does not prevent the reappointment of the appointed
person under subsection (1).
(6) The regulations may provide for the following matters:
(a) requirements for subsection (2)(d) including, for example:
(i) safety requirements; and
(ii) the qualifications of persons providing the service; and
(iii) the requirement to pay any fees or charges;
(b) the conditions that may be specified under subsection (4)(a)
including, for example, conditions about:
(i) the pilotage services provider's insurance coverage; and
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(ii) the pilotage services provider's capability for providing
pilotage services; and
(iii) the qualifications of persons to provide the service; and
(iv) the provision of reports to the Minister about the
performance of the pilotage services provider;
(c) matters that may be considered by the Minister when
specifying the conditions;
(d) any other matters arising from this section.
86 Pilotage services contracts
(1) The Minister may enter into a contract with a pilotage services
provider in relation to the provision of pilotage services by that
provider.
(2) Despite anything to the contrary in the Procurement Act 1995 or
any other Act, a pilotage services contract may be entered into
without a competitive tender process having been undertaken.
(3) A pilotage services contract may (but need not) appoint the pilotage
services provider to provide pilotage services on an exclusive basis
within the relevant pilotage area.
(4) A pilotage services contract may be entered into for any term, and
contain any terms or conditions, that the Minister thinks fit.
(5) Without limiting subsections (1), (3) and (4), a pilotage services
contract may:
(a) specify the level of pilotage services to be provided under the
contract; and
(b) set out performance standards, and quality assurance
programs, for pilotage services to be provided under the
contract; and
(c) specify the amount of consideration to be paid to the Minister
by the pilotage services provider under the contract; and
(d) require the pilotage services provider to keep records of the
pilotage services provided by the provider and the amounts
charged and paid in respect of those services; and
(e) empower the Minister and any person authorised by the
Minister to inspect those records; and
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(f) require the pilotage services provider to provide information,
as and when the Minister requires, as to the costs incurred by
the provider in providing pilotage services for the pilotage area
concerned; and
(g) empower the Minister to terminate or suspend the contract:
(i) on the ground that the pilotage services provider is
unable to provide pilotage services at the level
mentioned in paragraph (a); or
(ii) on the ground that the pilotage services provider has
contravened the marine legislation or the Marine Safety
National Law; or
(iii) on any other specified ground.
87 Record-keeping and reporting obligations
(1) A pilotage services provider for a pilotage area within a designated
port must keep, in the prescribed manner, records containing the
prescribed particulars of all reportable incidents that occur within
the pilotage area and that involve:
(a) a licensed pilot employed or engaged by the pilotage services
provider; or
(b) a vessel of which a licensed pilot employed or engaged by the
pilotage services provider has pilotage charge.
(2) A pilotage services provider for a pilotage area within a designated
port commits an offence if:
(a) a reportable incident mentioned in subsection (1) occurs within
the pilotage area; and
(b) the pilotage services provider fails to keep a record of the
incident in accordance with subsection (1).
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) A pilotage services provider for a pilotage area within a designated
port commits an offence if:
(a) a reportable incident mentioned in subsection (1) occurs within
the pilotage area; and
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(b) the pilotage services provider fails to report, in writing, the
prescribed particulars of the incident to the regional
harbourmaster for the port within the prescribed period after it
occurs.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) An offence against subsection (2) or (3) is an offence of strict
liability.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) or (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(6) This section does not affect any requirement to keep a record of
any kind, or report an event of any kind, that a pilotage services
provider has under any other Act.
88 Offences
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person provides pilotage services in a pilotage area; and
(b) the person is not a pilotage services provider for the area.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) A pilotage services provider commits an offence if:
(a) the pilotage services provider provides pilotage services; and
(b) in providing the pilotage services, the pilotage services
provider contravenes a condition specified in the provider's
appointment.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
89 Termination and suspension, and variation of conditions, of
appointment
(1) The Minister may terminate, or suspend for a specified period, the
appointment of a person as a pilotage services provider if:
(a) the Minister considers the person:
(i) has contravened a condition of the appointment; or
(ii) no longer meets the requirements for the appointment
under this Division; and
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(b) for a termination of the appointment, the Minister:
(i) has notified the person of the Minister's intention to
terminate the appointment; and
(ii) has specified in the notice that the person may, within a
reasonable period specified in the notice, explain to the
Minister why the appointment should not be terminated;
and
(iii) has taken into account any explanation given to the
Minister within the specified period.
(2) If a pilotage services contract to which a person appointed as a
pilotage services provider is a party is terminated or expires, their
appointment as a pilotage services provider is terminated by force
of this subsection.
(3) The Minister may vary a condition of the appointment of a person
as a pilotage services provider if the Minister considers the variation
is necessary:
(a) to ensure compliance with this Act; or
(b) in other circumstances prescribed by regulation for the
purposes of safety.
(4) The Minister must, as soon as practicable after making a decision
under subsection (1) or (3) in relation to a pilotage services
provider, give written notice of the decision to the pilotage services
provider specifying:
(a) the reasons for the decision; and
(b) that the pilotage services provider has a right to have the
decision reviewed by the Tribunal.
90 Regulations may provide for other matters about appointment
The regulations may provide for a matter arising from the
appointment of a pilotage services provider, including, for example,
the monitoring of compliance with this Division by the pilotage
services provider.
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Part 9 Marine navigational aids
Division 1 Preliminary matters
Ports Management Act 2015 77
Division 6 General matters
91 Master responsible for vessel
The master of a vessel is not relieved of the master's responsibility
for the conduct and navigation of the vessel by reason of the vessel
being:
(a) in pilotage charge of a licensed pilot or a person holding a
pilotage exemption certificate; or
(b) navigated in a pilotage area or compulsory pilotage area
without a pilot.
92 Protection of licensed pilot, pilotage authority and pilotage
services provider
(1) Each of the following is not liable for any loss or damage caused or
suffered by a vessel while a licensed pilot is acting as pilot of the
vessel:
(a) the pilot;
(b) the pilotage authority that licensed the pilot;
(c) subject to subsection (2), the pilotage services provider or
other entity by which the pilot was employed or engaged at the
time the pilot was acting as pilot of the vessel.
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect any liability of the pilotage services
provider or other entity for employing or engaging as a pilot a
person who was not qualified or competent to be a pilot.
Part 9 Marine navigational aids
Division 1 Preliminary matters
93 Definitions
In this Part:
aid means:
(a) a lighthouse, lightship, beacon or buoy; or
(b) any other structure, marker, device or apparatus that is an aid
to marine navigation, including a radio beacon or an electronic
aid, but not including a device or apparatus used, or for use,
on a vessel (not being a lightship).
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Ports Management Act 2015 78
light includes a fire and a street light or other illuminating device.
owner, in relation to an aid, light or lamp, includes a person in
possession or control of the aid, light or lamp.
94 Application of Part
This Part applies in relation to an aid that is within Northern
Territory waters, or on land within the Territory, other than an aid
that is, under the Navigation Act 2012 (Cth), the property of, or
under the control of:
(a) the Commonwealth; or
(b) the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (established by the
Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 (Cth)).
Division 2 Aids
95 Establishment etc. of aids by port operator
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the port operator of a designated port
may establish, maintain, operate, alter or remove an aid that:
(a) is within the port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within the port.
(2) A port operator may only establish, alter or remove an aid
mentioned in subsection (1) with the prior written approval of the
regional harbourmaster for the designated port.
(3) The port operator may, by written notice, authorise a person to
carry out on its behalf any work necessary for the exercise of the
port operator's functions under subsection (1).
96 Establishment etc. of private aids
(1) Subject to subsection (1A), a person must not, without the written
approval of the port operator of a designated port, establish,
maintain, operate, alter or remove an aid that:
(a) is within the port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within the port.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
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Division 2 Aids
Ports Management Act 2015 79
(1A) The port operator of a designated port may only approve the
establishment, alteration or removal of an aid mentioned in
subsection (1) with the prior written approval of the regional
harbourmaster for the designated port.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
97 Control of aids, lamps and lights
(1) This section applies with respect to an aid, lamp or light that:
(a) is within a designated port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within a designated port.
(2) The port operator of the designated port may, if of the opinion that it
is desirable for the safety or convenience of marine navigation to do
so, by written notice given to the owner of the aid, lamp or light,
require the owner:
(a) to remove it entirely or to some other position; or
(b) to modify it, or to alter its character or mode of exhibition, to
the extent, or in the manner, specified in the notice; or
(c) to cease using it; or
(d) to use it only at the times and in the manner specified in the
notice.
(3) A person given a notice under subsection (2) must comply with the
requirement contained in the notice.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(6) Subsection (7) applies if:
(a) a person fails to comply with a requirement contained in a
notice under subsection (2); or
(b) a notice under subsection (2) cannot be given because the
port operator does not know who owns the aid, lamp or light.
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Part 9 Marine navigational aids
Division 2 Aids
Ports Management Act 2015 80
(7) The port operator may take possession or control of the aid, lamp
or light and do anything that:
(a) if subsection (6)(a) applies – the person specified in the notice
under subsection (2) was required by the notice to do; or
(b) if subsection (6)(b) applies – must, in the opinion of the port
operator, be done for the safety of marine navigation.
(8) Any costs incurred in doing a thing under subsection (7) in relation
to an aid, lamp or light may be recovered as a debt due and
payable by the owner of the aid, lamp or light to the port operator.
98 Inspection of aids
A person authorised by the port operator of a designated port may
inspect, at any reasonable time, an aid, lamp or light that:
(a) is within the port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within the port.
99 Entry on land
(1) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port, or a person
authorised by the regional harbourmaster, may enter any land, and
transport goods through or over it, for the purpose mentioned in
subsection (2).
(2) The purpose is to erect, inspect or maintain an aid, lamp or light
that:
(a) is within the port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within the port.
(3) The powers of the regional harbourmaster, or a person authorised
by the regional harbourmaster, under subsection (1) in relation to
land includes powers in relation to Aboriginal land even though the
regional harbourmaster or the person does not hold a permit to
enter Aboriginal land under the Aboriginal Land Act 1978.
(4) In this section:
Aboriginal land, see section 3(1) of the Aboriginal Land Rights
(Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth).
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Part 9 Marine navigational aids
Division 2 Aids
Ports Management Act 2015 81
100 Mooring at aids
(1) A person must not moor, make fast or attach a vessel to an aid that:
(a) is within a designated port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within a designated port.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
101 Obligation in relation to defective or damaged aids
(1) This section applies with respect to an aid that:
(a) is within a designated port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within a designated port.
(2) If an aid is defective or damaged its owner must ensure that it is
repaired or replaced as soon as practicable after the owner
becomes aware of the defect or damage.
(3) The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may, by written
notice to the owner of a defective or damaged aid, direct the owner
to repair or replace it within a period specified in the notice.
(4) The owner of the aid must comply with a direction given under
subsection (3).
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(5) An offence against subsection (4) is an offence of strict liability.
(6) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (4) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(7) If the owner fails to comply with a direction given under
subsection (3), the regional harbourmaster may cause the aid to be
repaired or replaced, irrespective of whether the owner has been
charged with, or found guilty of, an offence against subsection (4).
(8) The owner is liable to pay all costs incurred by the regional
harbourmaster under subsection (7).
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Ports Management Act 2015 82
(9) Any such amount is additional to any penalty imposed for an
offence against subsection (4).
(10) An amount that the owner is liable to pay under subsection (8) for
costs may be recovered as a debt due and payable to the Territory.
102 Offences in relation to aids
(1) This section applies with respect to an aid that:
(a) is within a designated port; or
(b) may affect the safety or convenience of marine navigation
within a designated port.
(2) A person must not damage or destroy the aid.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(3) A person commits an offence if the person engages in conduct that:
(a) results in the view of the aid being obstructed in a manner that
lessens its efficiency; or
(b) hinders the effective use of the aid.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(4) A person must not be in or on:
(a) the aid; or
(b) any enclosed area of land on which the aid is situated.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(5) An offence against subsection (2), (3) or (4) is an offence of strict
liability.
(6) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2), (3) or (4) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
103 Notification of damage
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) an aid within a designated port, or that may affect the safety or
convenience of marine navigation within a designated port, is
damaged, destroyed or interfered with; and
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Part 10 Port charges
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Ports Management Act 2015 83
(b) the person fails to report the damage, destruction or
interference immediately to both the port operator of, and the
regional harbourmaster for, the designated port.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1)(b).
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
104 Costs of rectification
(1) This section applies to any costs that are incurred by a port
operator of a designated port in replacing, repairing or reinstating
an aid that is damaged, destroyed or interfered with in
contravention of section 102.
(2) The costs are a debt due to the port operator from the person who
caused the destruction, damage or interference.
105 Immunity from certain proceedings
Legal proceedings cannot be instituted against the port operator of
a designated port in respect of an act or omission of the port
operator that is done or made under this Part unless the act or
omission arises from wilful misconduct.
Part 10 Port charges
Division 1 Preliminary matters
106 Interpretation
(1) In this Part:
charging entity means a port authority or pilotage services
provider.
port authority, of a designated port, means the port operator of the
port or the Minister.
(2) A reference in this Part to the owner of a vessel includes a
reference to a person who, whether on the person's own behalf or
on behalf of another:
(a) exercises any of the functions of the owner of the vessel; or
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Ports Management Act 2015 84
(b) represents to a port authority that the person has those
functions or accepts the obligation to exercise those functions.
(3) A reference in this Part to the owner of cargo includes a reference
to:
(a) a joint owner of the cargo; and
(b) any person who, whether on the person's own behalf or on
behalf of another:
(i) exercises any of the functions of the owner of the cargo;
or
(ii) represents to a port authority that the person has those
functions or accepts the obligation to exercise those
functions.
(4) For this Part, a person does not cease to be the owner of a vessel
because the vessel is mortgaged, chartered, leased or hired to
another person.
107 Part does not apply to recreational vessels
This Part does not apply to:
(a) a pleasure craft as defined in section 7(1) of the Marine
Act 1981; or
(b) a hire-and-drive vessel (as defined in section 7(1) of the
Marine Act 1981) used solely for pleasure; or
(c) a vessel used for an expedition organised for reward, fee or
other valuable consideration so as to enable people to engage
in:
(i) amateur fishing; or
(ii) sightseeing activities where the expedition is conducted
wholly within a designated port.
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Part 10 Port charges
Division 2 Fixing of charges
Ports Management Act 2015 85
Division 2 Fixing of charges
108 Port authority charges
(1) The port operator of a designated port may, as a port authority of
the port, by written notice published on the port operator's website,
fix charges in respect of the use by a vessel of any or all of the
following:
(a) the waters of the designated port;
(b) port facilities of the designated port that are owned by, or
leased or licensed to, or operated or maintained by, the port
operator.
(2) The Minister may, as a port authority of a designated port, by
Gazette notice, fix charges in respect of the use by a vessel of any
or all of the following:
(a) the waters of the designated port;
(b) port facilities of the designated port that are owned by, or
leased or licensed to, or operated or maintained by, the
Minister or another public sector entity.
(3) Subsection (1) is subject to any conditions or restrictions on, or
exclusions from, the power of a port operator of a designated port
to fix charges imposed by a port operating agreement to which the
port operator is a party.
(4) Without limiting subsection (1) or (2), charges of the following kind
may be fixed in relation to a designated port:
(a) a port due, being a charge in respect of the entry (however
made) of a vessel into the port or its movement within the port;
(b) a wharfage charge, being a charge calculated by reference to
the quantity, volume or weight of cargo loaded on, or unloaded
from, a vessel occupying a berth, or transhipped between
vessels, within the port;
(c) a berthing charge, being a charge calculated by reference to
the amount of time, as determined by a port authority:
(i) that a vessel occupies a berth within the port for any
purpose; or
(ii) that a vessel anchors within the port in an area of water
that is not adjacent to a wharf, pontoon, mooring buoy,
dolphin or structure of any other kind; or
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Ports Management Act 2015 86
(iii) for which a berth is reserved for occupation by a vessel
for any purpose.
(5) Different charges may be fixed in respect of different classes of
vessels, cargo or berths or according to such other factors as a port
authority thinks fit.
(6) In this section:
berth, in relation to a charge fixed by a port authority, means an
area of water within a designated port surrounding or adjacent to a
wharf, mooring buoy or dolphin that is owned by, leased or licensed
to, or operated or maintained by the port authority.
dolphin means an apparatus or structure (other than a wharf or
mooring buoy) that is permanently fixed to the bed of navigable
waters and that is used for securing a vessel.
109 Pilotage services provider charges
(1) A pilotage services provider for a pilotage area may, by written
notice published on the pilotage services provider's website, fix the
rates of charges payable to the pilotage services provider for the
provision of pilotage services.
(2) Different charges may be fixed in respect of different classes of
vessels or according to such other factors as a pilotage services
provider thinks fit.
(3) The owner or master of a vessel is liable to pay to a pilotage
services provider the charges for pilotage services provided in
relation to the vessel.
(4) Charges payable under subsection (3) and collected by the pilotage
services provider may be retained by the provider.
(5) This section is subject to any provision made by a pilotage services
contract.
Division 3 General matters
110 Agreements in relation to charges
(1) A charging entity may enter into an agreement with a person liable
to pay to the entity any kind of charge under this Part.
(2) The agreement may:
(a) fix the amount of any charge payable by the person to the
charging entity; or
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Ports Management Act 2015 87
(b) provide for any other matter that the entity is permitted by or
under this Part to determine in respect of the charge; or
(c) provide for any right or privilege that, by or under this Part,
accrues to the person liable to pay the charge, or that the
entity may confer on the person.
(3) To the extent the agreement provides, the agreement displaces any
determinations of the charging entity in relation to the charge or to
the matter, right or privilege concerned.
111 Payment and collection of charges
(1) A charge under this Part is payable on demand by the charging
entity that fixed the charge, or at such time, or on such terms, as
the entity may determine in respect of the person liable to pay it.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a charge fixed by a port authority may
only be collected by that port authority and not by the other port
authority.
(3) A port authority may appoint an agent for the collection of charges,
and the agent may be the other port authority.
(4) A charge under this Part may be recovered as a debt due and
payable to the charging entity that fixed the charge by the person
liable to pay it.
(5) If there is more than one person liable to pay a charge under this
Part, those persons are jointly and severally liable to pay the
charge.
112 Interest on overdue payments
(1) A charging entity may charge interest, at a rate determined by the
entity, on charges fixed under this Part by the entity that are unpaid
by the due date.
(2) Different rates may be determined for charges that remain unpaid
for different periods of time.
113 Security for payment of charges
(1) A charging entity may require a person to lodge with it a security
deposit as security for the payment of charges that have been, or
may be, incurred under this Part by the person.
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Ports Management Act 2015 88
(2) The security deposit:
(a) may take the form of cash or a guarantee from a bank,
building society or credit union or any other form that the
charging entity approves; and
(b) must be in or for an amount determined by the entity.
(3) A charging entity may appropriate a security deposit or the
proceeds of a security deposit to meet liabilities of the depositor
(including any interest payable) under this Part that are unpaid after
becoming due.
(4) In the event that a security deposit or the proceeds of a security
deposit have been appropriated or partly appropriated, a charging
entity may require lodgement of further security.
(5) If at any time a charging entity considers that a depositor's potential
liabilities under this Part should be more adequately secured, the
entity may require the lodgement of security in a greater amount, or
in a different form, or both.
114 Failure to comply with charging entity's requirements
(1) A charging entity may withhold or withdraw the provision of services
or facilities to a person who fails to comply with any lawful
requirement made by the entity with respect to the provision of
those services or facilities, whether or not the person has paid a
charge for their provision.
(2) This section does not affect any other function or discretion of the
charging entity in relation to its services and facilities.
115 Liability of current owners and agents
(1) To the extent to which a charge under this Part, payable by the
owner of a vessel, is not paid by the person who was the owner at
the time the charge was incurred, the charge is payable by the
person who is the owner at the time payment is demanded by a
charging entity.
(2) Subsection (3) applies if at the time a vessel left a designated port:
(a) there was an agent for the berthing or working of the vessel;
and
(b) there was no other agent for the vessel.
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Ports Management Act 2015 89
(3) The agent is liable, to the same extent as the owner of the vessel,
for charges under this Part incurred in relation to the vessel while in
port that are unpaid.
(4) If, at the time a vessel left a designated port, there was an agent for
the vessel other than an agent for the berthing or working of the
vessel, that agent is liable, to the same extent as the owner of the
vessel, for charges under this Part incurred in relation to the vessel
while in port that are unpaid.
116 Waiver or refund of charges
A charging entity may waive or refund the whole or any part of any
charge under this Part that is due to the entity in any particular case
or class of case.
Part 11 Port access and pricing
Division 1 Preliminary matters
117 Object of Part
The object of this Part is to promote the economically efficient
operation of, use of and investment in major port facilities in the
Territory by which services are provided, so as to promote effective
competition in upstream and downstream markets.
118 Application of Part
This Part applies to prescribed services provided by:
(a) a port operator of a designated port that is not a public sector
entity (a private port operator); or
(b) a pilotage services provider that is not a public sector entity (a
private pilotage provider).
119 Application of Utilities Commission Act 2000
(1) The provision of prescribed services by a private port operator or
private pilotage provider is declared to be a regulated industry for
the Utilities Commission Act 2000.
(2) The charges fixed by a private port operator or private pilotage
provider in relation to the provision of prescribed services provided
by the operator or provider are prices for goods or services for the
Utilities Commission Act 2000.
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Ports Management Act 2015 90
(3) The Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory established by
Part 2 of the Utilities Commission Act 2000 is the Regulator for this
Part.
(4) A private port operator or private pilotage provider is taken to be a
licensed entity for the purpose of the application of the Utilities
Commission Act 2000, as affected by this Part, in relation to the
operator or provider.
120 Reports and statements by Regulator
(1) The Regulator may from time to time publish reports and
statements, based on information given or obtained under this Part,
about the provision of access to prescribed services or charges
fixed in relation to the provision of prescribed services.
(2) No liability (including liability in defamation) is incurred for
publishing in good faith a report or statement under this section or a
fair report or summary of such a report or statement.
121 Annual report to Minister on material non-compliance
(1) The Regulator must make an annual report to the Minister, by
1 December in each year, on each of the following:
(a) if the Regulator has received a report under section 130 from
a private port operator on any material instance of
non-compliance with the operator's access policy that
occurred during the immediately preceding financial year – the
contents of the report;
(b) if the Regulator is satisfied that there were one or more
material instances, during the immediately preceding financial
year, of non-compliance by a private port operator or private
pilotage provider with a determination of the Regulator
mentioned in section 132 that applied to the operator or
provider at the time of the non-compliance – the instance or
instances.
(2) The Minister must table a copy of the report in the Legislative
Assembly within 7 sitting days after receiving it.
122 Regulations
Regulations made for this Part must promote the object of this Part.
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Ports Management Act 2015 91
123 Review of Part
(1) Within the last year of each review period, the Regulator must:
(a) conduct and complete a review of the operation of this Part
and the regulations made for this Part; and
(b) prepare a report on the review; and
(c) give a copy of the report to the Minister.
(2) The purpose of a review is to determine:
(a) whether there is an ongoing need for regulatory oversight of
access to, and pricing of, prescribed services provided by
private port operators or private pilotage providers; and
(b) whether there is a need to change the form of regulatory
oversight of access and, if so, how; and
(c) whether there is a need to change the form of regulatory
oversight of prices and, if so, how; and
(d) whether amendments should be made to this Part or the
regulations made for it and, if so, the nature of those
amendments.
(3) The Regulator must consult with each private port operator and
private pilotage provider during a review.
(4) The Minister must table a copy of a report on a review in the
Legislative Assembly within 7 sitting days after receiving it.
(5) To avoid doubt, this section does not prevent this Part or the
regulations made for it being amended or repealed at any time.
(6) In this section:
review period means each of the following:
(a) the 3 year period starting on the commencement of this Part;
(b) each successive 5 year period after the period mentioned in
paragraph (a).
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Part 11 Port access and pricing
Division 2 Access regulation
Ports Management Act 2015 92
Division 2 Access regulation
124 Preventing or hindering access
(1) A private port operator or private pilotage provider must not engage
in conduct for the purpose of preventing or hindering the access of
a user or potential user (port user) to any prescribed service.
(2) A private port operator or private pilotage provider that acts as
mentioned in subsection (3) is taken to be engaging in conduct of a
kind mentioned in subsection (1).
(3) Having regard to the relevant criterion, the private port operator or
private pilotage provider provides, or proposes to provide, access to
the prescribed service to itself, or a related body corporate of itself,
on more favourable terms than the terms on which it provides, or
proposes to provide, access to the prescribed service to a
competitor of itself.
(4) For subsection (3), the relevant criterion is the terms, taken as a
whole, on which the private port operator or private pilotage
provider provides, or proposes to provide, access to the prescribed
service to itself, or a related body corporate of itself, and the
competitor:
(a) having regard, in particular, to the nature and quality of the
prescribed service provided, or proposed to be provided; but
(b) disregarding the charges fixed for access to the prescribed
service.
(5) A private port operator does not contravene subsection (1) if the
conduct is constituted by:
(a) a refusal to alter or add to port facilities if, in the reasonable
opinion of the private port operator, the alteration or addition is
not required for the provision of the requested prescribed
service; or
(b) an act done in accordance with the operator's access policy;
or
(c) a reasonable act done:
(i) because of an emergency; or
(ii) in order to avert or minimise an imminent threat of:
(A) death, or serious injury, to any person; or
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Part 11 Port access and pricing
Division 2 Access regulation
Ports Management Act 2015 93
(B) loss of, or serious damage to, property; or
(C) material harm to the environment.
(6) In this section:
competitor, of a private port operator or private pilotage provider,
means an entity that has, or seeks to have, access to the
prescribed service to compete in a market with the operator or
provider or a related body corporate of the operator or provider.
125 Unfairly differentiating
(1) In negotiating arrangements to provide access to any prescribed
service, or a change to any such arrangement, a private port
operator or private pilotage provider must not unfairly differentiate
between port users in a way that has a material adverse effect on
the ability of one or more of the port users to compete with other
port users.
(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent a private port operator treating port
users differently to the extent the different treatment is:
(a) due to a refusal of a kind mentioned in section 124(5)(a); or
(b) reasonably justified because of the different circumstances,
relating to access to the prescribed service, applicable to the
port operator or any of the port users; or
(c) expressly required or permitted by the operator's access
policy.
(2A) In addition, subsection (1) does not prevent a private pilotage
provider treating port users differently to the extent the different
treatment is reasonably justified because of the different
circumstances, relating to access to the prescribed service,
applicable to the provider or any of the port users.
(3) To avoid doubt:
(a) this section does not operate to prevent a private port operator
or private pilotage provider from applying a different charge to
different port users for the provision of the same prescribed
service; and
(b) subsections (2) and (2A) do not authorise a private port
operator or private pilotage provider to engage in conduct for
the purpose of preventing or hindering a port user's access to
the prescribed service.
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Division 2 Access regulation
Ports Management Act 2015 94
126 Enforcement of obligations
(1) This section applies if, on the application of a person, a court of
competent jurisdiction is satisfied that a private port operator or
private pilotage provider has engaged, is engaging, or proposes to
engage in conduct constituting a contravention of section 124(1)
or 125(1).
(2) The court may make all or any of the following orders:
(a) an order granting an injunction, on terms the court considers
appropriate:
(i) restraining the private port operator or private pilotage
provider from engaging in the conduct; or
(ii) if the conduct involves failing to do something – requiring
the private port operator or private pilotage provider to
do the thing;
(b) an order directing the private port operator or private pilotage
provider to compensate a person for loss or damage suffered
by the person because of the contravention;
(c) another order the court considers appropriate.
(3) If the court has power under subsection (2)(a) to make an order
against a private port operator or private pilotage provider, it may
make any other order (including granting an injunction) it considers
appropriate against any other person involved in the contravention
concerned.
127 Access policy
(1) A private port operator commits an offence if:
(a) the operator fails to prepare a draft access policy in
accordance with this section; or
(b) the operator fails to give the operator's initial draft access
policy to the Regulator by the date specified in, or calculated
in accordance with, the regulations; or
(c) the operator fails to give a new draft access policy to the
Regulator before its existing access policy nominally expires
under subsection (10).
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
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Ports Management Act 2015 95
(2) An access policy:
(a) must be in accordance with any requirements prescribed by
regulation; and
(b) must contain any matter required by the Minister under
section 129; and
(c) may consist of more than one document.
(2A) After preparing a draft access policy, other than an amended policy
prepared under subsection (5) or (6), a private port operator must:
(a) consult with port users on the draft policy; and
(b) prepare a written summary of the comments received during
the consultations; and
(c) when giving the draft policy to the Regulator, also give the
Regulator a copy of the summary.
(3) After receiving a draft access policy, the Regulator must give the
private port operator written notice of one of the following:
(a) that the Regulator approves the draft policy;
(b) that the Regulator does not approve the draft policy because it
does not meet the requirements of subsection (2) and that the
private port operator must amend the draft policy, as directed
by the Regulator, so it meets those requirements.
(3A) Notice under subsection (3) must be given:
(a) within 60 days after the Regulator receives the draft access
policy; or
(b) if, during that 60 day period, the Regulator gives the private
port operator written notice that it needs more time to consider
the draft access policy – within 120 days after the Regulator
receives the policy.
(4) The Regulator must approve a draft access policy that meets the
requirements of subsection (2).
(5) A private port operator who receives a notice mentioned in
subsection (3)(b) must, within 30 days after the date of the notice,
resubmit the draft access policy, amended as directed, to the
Regulator, for approval under this section.
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Division 2 Access regulation
Ports Management Act 2015 96
(6) A private port operator may amend a draft access policy that has
not been approved and give it to the Regulator.
(7) Subsections (3) to (5) apply to an amended draft access policy in
the same way that they apply to the initial draft.
(8) If the Regulator fails to act in accordance with subsection (3) within
the period allowed under subsection (3A), the draft access policy is
taken to have been approved by the Regulator on the expiration of
that period.
(9) On being approved, the policy is the access policy of the private
port operator for this Division until it is replaced with a new access
policy prepared by the operator and approved by the Regulator.
(10) An access policy nominally expires on:
(a) the day that is 5 years after the day on which it was approved
by the Regulator; or
(b) if the policy states that it nominally expires on an earlier date –
the earlier date.
(12) A private port operator must comply with its access policy.
(13) To avoid doubt, a private port operator must continue to comply
with its access policy, even if it has nominally expired under
subsection (10), until it is replaced with a new access policy
prepared by the operator and approved by the Regulator.
128 Guidelines
(1) The Regulator must, in accordance with the regulations, issue
guidelines about the prescribed matters in relation to reports
relating to access policies under section 130.
(1A) The regulations may include among the prescribed matters any
matter about which the Regulator considers that guidelines should
be issued with a view to assisting the Regulator in determining
whether a private port operator is complying with its access policy.
(2) The guidelines must be published in the Gazette and made
available for inspection free of charge at the office of the Regulator.
129 Content required by Minister
The Minister may, by Gazette notice, require that an access policy
deal with a matter specified in the notice.
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Ports Management Act 2015 97
130 Reporting
(1) A private port operator must, no later than 30 September in each
year, make an annual report to the Regulator on any material
instance of non-compliance with the operator's access policy that
occurred during the immediately preceding financial year.
(2) In addition, a private port operator must make any other report on a
material instance of non-compliance with its access policy that is
required by regulation.
(3) A report under subsection (1) or (2) must be prepared in
accordance with any guidelines issued under section 128.
131 Information required by Regulator
(1) The Regulator may, by written notice given to a private port
operator, at any time require the private port operator to give, within
the period specified in the notice, information of a kind so specified
on:
(a) any matter arising out of a report under section 130(1) or (2);
or
(b) the private port operator's compliance with section 124(1)
or 125(1).
(1A) The Regulator may, by written notice given to a private pilotage
provider, at any time require the provider to give, within the period
specified in the notice, information of a kind so specified on the
provider's compliance with section 124(1) or 125(1).
(2) A notice given under subsection (1) or (1A) is taken to be a notice
given under section 25(1) of the Utilities Commission Act 2000.
Division 3 Price determinations
132 Determinations by Regulator
(1) The Regulator is authorised to make a determination under
section 20(1)(a) of the Utilities Commission Act 2000 relating to the
charges fixed by a private port operator or private pilotage provider
in relation to the provision of prescribed services (a price
determination).
(2) A price determination must be consistent with:
(a) the regulations; and
(b) the access and pricing principles specified in section 133.
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Ports Management Act 2015 98
(2A) The regulations may require the Regulator:
(a) to send a copy of a draft price determination to specified
persons, invite submissions on the draft from those persons
and consider any submissions received; and
(b) to send a copy of a price determination to specified persons
and publish the determination on the Regulator's website.
(3) A price determination may require a private port operator or private
pilotage provider to whom it applies to publish at a specified time
information of a specified kind relating to specified prices.
(4) A price determination cannot have effect for a period of more than
3 years.
(4A) A price determination must specify its expiry date.
(5) The Regulator must give written notice to the Minister and a private
port operator or private pilotage provider as soon as practicable
after becoming aware that the operator or provider has fixed, or
proposes to fix, a charge that the Regulator considers to be
inconsistent with a price determination.
133 Access and pricing principles
The access and pricing principles for this Part are as follows:
(a) the price of access to a prescribed service should be set so as
to:
(i) generate expected revenue from the service that is at
least sufficient to meet the efficient costs of providing
access to it; and
(ii) include a return on investment commensurate with the
regulatory and commercial risks involved;
(b) price structures should:
(i) allow multi-part pricing and price discrimination when it
aids efficiency; and
(ii) not allow a vertically integrated provider of access to
services to set terms and conditions that discriminate in
favour of its downstream operations, except to the extent
that the cost of providing access to others is higher;
(c) access pricing regimes should provide incentives to reduce
costs or otherwise improve productivity.
-- 106 of 127 --
Part 11 Port access and pricing
Division 3 Price determinations
Ports Management Act 2015 99
134 Regulations
(1) Regulations may be made that specify a form of price regulation for
prescribed services.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the form specified may include any,
or a combination, of the following:
(a) monitoring the price levels of a specified prescribed service;
(b) requiring private port operators or private pilotage providers to
comply with pricing policies or principles;
(c) fixing the price of a prescribed service or the rate of increase
or decrease in such a price;
(d) fixing a maximum price for a specified prescribed service;
(e) fixing a maximum revenue in relation to a specified prescribed
service;
(f) applying an average price cap to a basket of prescribed
services;
(g) revenue yield control;
(h) any other form of economic regulation used by an
independent regulatory body.
(3) However, regulations may only be made under this section that
change the form of price regulation for prescribed services then
applying if the Minister certifies in writing to the Administrator that:
(a) the draft regulations are consistent with a written
recommendation for that change made to the Minister by the
Regulator following a process of public consultation on the
proposed change engaged in by the Regulator, including
consultation with private port operators and private pilotage
providers likely to be affected by the proposed change; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the likely cost of the proposed
changed form of price regulation will not outweigh the benefits
of applying it.
(4) Regulations under this section must not be inconsistent with the
access and pricing principles specified in section 133.
-- 107 of 127 --
Part 11 Port access and pricing
Division 4 General matters
Ports Management Act 2015 100
(5) In this section:
independent regulatory body means a body established under an
Act of the Territory, the Commonwealth, a State or another Territory
that:
(a) is not subject to direction or control by a Minister of that
jurisdiction; and
(b) has a function relating to the regulation of access to a service,
or the economic regulation of services, provided by a facility.
135 Relationship with Utilities Commission Act 2000
If there is an inconsistency between a provision of this Division and
a provision of the Utilities Commission Act 2000, the provision of
this Division prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.
Division 4 General matters
136 Power of Regulator to require information
(1) The Regulator may require a private port operator or private
pilotage provider to give the Regulator information or documents
relating to a particular charge fixed by the operator or provider.
(2) A requirement may only be made under subsection (1) by written
notice given to the private port operator or private pilotage provider.
(3) The notice must:
(a) specify the information or documents, or kind of information or
documents, to which it applies; and
(ab) state that the information and documents provided must be
certified as accurate by the Chief Executive Officer of, or
another specified officer of, the private port operator or private
pilotage provider; and
(b) state the time and manner (which must be reasonable) for the
provision of that information or those documents.
(4) The Regulator may only give a notice under subsection (1) if
satisfied that:
(a) the provision of the information or documents is reasonably
necessary for achieving the object of this Part; and
-- 108 of 127 --
Part 11 Port access and pricing
Division 4 General matters
Ports Management Act 2015 101
(b) the likely cost to the private port operator or private pilotage
provider of complying with the requirement is not
disproportionate to the benefit that provision of the information
or documents will provide for achieving that object.
(5) A private port operator or private pilotage provider required to give
information or documents by a notice under subsection (1) must do
so within the time and in the manner stated in the notice.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(6) An offence against subsection (5) is an offence of strict liability.
(7) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (5) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(8) It is not a reasonable excuse that compliance would breach a duty
of confidentiality.
137 Confidentiality of information
(1) A private port operator or private pilotage provider may, when
giving information in response to a notice under section 131(1)
or 136(1), claim that the information is confidential if it appears to
the operator or provider that disclosure of the information:
(a) could adversely affect the competitive position of the operator
or provider or any other person; or
(b) would result in the operator or provider being in breach of a
duty of confidentiality owed to another person.
(2) A claim that information is confidential must be accompanied by a
detailed statement of the reasons in support of the claim and is not
duly made unless accompanied by such a statement.
(3) The Regulator must take all reasonable steps to prevent the
disclosure of information that is claimed to be confidential unless
the disclosure is authorised by this section.
(4) The disclosure of information that is claimed to be confidential is
authorised if:
(a) the disclosure is for the purposes of the administration of this
Part and to a person engaged in that administration; or
(b) the disclosure is made with the consent of the person who
gave the information and, if disclosure could adversely affect
the competitive position of another person, that other person;
or
-- 109 of 127 --
Part 12 Step-in rights
Ports Management Act 2015 102
(c) the disclosure is authorised or required under any other law of
the Territory; or
(d) the disclosure is authorised or required by a court; or
(e) the disclosure is, in the opinion of the Regulator, in the public
interest and the Regulator is of the opinion that the public
benefit in disclosing the information outweighs any detriment
that might be suffered by a person as a result of the
disclosure.
(5) In addition, the disclosure of information that is claimed to be
confidential is authorised if the Regulator is of the opinion that there
are insufficient grounds for the claim.
(6) However, the Regulator, before disclosing information as
mentioned in subsection (5), must give the person who made the
claim of confidentiality written notice of the proposed disclosure and
the reasons for it.
(7) A disclosure of information authorised by this section does not
constitute a breach of any duty of confidentiality (either by the
person making the disclosure or by the private port operator or
private pilotage provider).
Part 12 Step-in rights
138 Definition
In this Part:
relevant function means any of the following functions of the port
operator of a designated port:
(a) functions under Part 5, Divisions 2 and 3;
(b) functions in relation to the movement, handling or storage of
dangerous goods under this Act;
(c) functions in relation to the closure of waters of the port under
section 50;
(d) functions in relation to pilotage under Part 8, Division 3;
(e) functions in relation to marine navigational aids under Part 9.
-- 110 of 127 --
Part 12 Step-in rights
Ports Management Act 2015 103
139 Nature of step-in rights
(1) A step-in right is the right of the regional harbourmaster for a
designated port:
(a) to direct, orally or in writing, the port operator of the port to
exercise a relevant function in the manner, and within the
period, specified in the direction; and
(b) if the port operator fails to comply with the direction without a
reasonable excuse – to exercise the relevant function that the
port operator failed to exercise.
(2) For subsection (1)(a), the regional harbourmaster must confirm in
writing as soon as practicable a direction that is given orally.
(3) For subsection (1)(b), the regional harbourmaster may exercise the
relevant function as if the regional harbourmaster were the port
operator of the designated port.
(4) To enable the regional harbourmaster to exercise the relevant
function, the regional harbourmaster, accompanied by any
assistants the regional harbourmaster requires, may:
(a) enter any land or premises occupied by the port operator; and
(b) gain access to, and operate, any computer or other equipment
or facilities on the premises; and
(c) require any person who is on the premises:
(i) to provide access to, or to operate, any computer or
other equipment or facilities; and
(ii) to give any other assistance that the regional
harbourmaster reasonably requires.
(5) The regional harbourmaster may require a port management officer
for the designated port to exercise, in the manner required by the
regional harbourmaster, any function the officer has under this or
any other Act.
(6) If a port management officer fails to comply with a requirement
under subsection (5), the regional harbourmaster may exercise the
function as if the regional harbourmaster were the port
management officer.
(7) The regional harbourmaster may exercise a relevant function
irrespective of whether the port operator has been charged with, or
found guilty, of an offence against section 141(1).
-- 111 of 127 --
Part 12 Step-in rights
Ports Management Act 2015 104
140 When step-in rights may be exercised
The regional harbourmaster for a designated port may exercise
step-in rights only if of the opinion that it is necessary to do so:
(a) because of an emergency; or
(b) in order to avert or minimise a threat of:
(i) actual or potential death, or serious injury, to any person;
or
(ii) actual or potential loss of, or serious damage to,
property; or
(iii) actual or potential harm to the environment.
141 Port operator must comply with direction
(1) A port operator of a designated port commits an offence if:
(a) the regional harbourmaster gives a direction to the port
operator under section 139(1)(a); and
(b) the port operator fails to comply with the direction.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
(4) A port operator does not contravene the marine legislation merely
by complying with the direction.
142 Protection for port operator
(1) The port operator of a designated port, a port management officer
of the port or any other employee, officer or agent of the port
operator, is not personally liable for anything done or omitted to be
done by them in good faith:
(a) for the purpose of complying with a direction given by, or a
requirement of, the regional harbourmaster under section 139;
or
(b) in the reasonable belief that the act or omission was for the
purpose of complying with a direction or requirement
mentioned in paragraph (a).
-- 112 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 1 Jurisdiction of Tribunal
Ports Management Act 2015 105
(2) Any liability resulting from an act or omission that, but for
subsection (1) would attach to the port operator, port management
officer or other person, attaches instead to the Territory.
143 Port operator liable for costs
(1) The port operator of a designated port is liable to pay all costs
incurred by the regional harbourmaster for the port in exercising a
step-in right under section 139.
(2) An amount that the port operator is liable to pay under
subsection (1) for costs may be recovered as a debt due and
payable to the Territory.
(3) Any such amount is additional to any penalty imposed for an
offence against section 141(1).
144 Failure to comply with requirement
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is required to do anything under section 139(4)(c);
and
(b) the person fails to comply with the requirement.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) A port management officer commits an offence if:
(a) the officer is required to do anything under section 139(5); and
(b) the officer fails to comply with the requirement.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subsection (1) or (2) is an offence of strict
liability.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) or (2) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 1 Jurisdiction of Tribunal
145 Reviewable decisions
(1) A reviewable decision is a decision specified in Schedule 1.
-- 113 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 2 Liability
Ports Management Act 2015 106
(2) An affected person, for a reviewable decision, is a person
specified in Schedule 1 opposite the decision.
(3) An affected person for a reviewable decision may apply to the
Tribunal for a review of the decision.
Division 2 Liability
146 Protection from liability
(1) This section applies to:
(a) the Territory; and
(b) the Minister; and
(c) a regional harbourmaster; and
(d) an Agency; and
(e) the Competent Authority; and
(f) a person acting, within the scope of their employment or
engagement, on behalf of the Territory, the Minister, a regional
harbourmaster, an Agency or the Competent Authority; and
(g) a port operator of a designated port, or a person acting on
behalf of such an operator, in doing or omitting to do anything
for the purpose of enforcing compliance with a port notice; and
(h) a port operator of a designated port, or a person acting on
behalf of such an operator, in doing or omitting to do anything
for the purposes of Part 5, Division 2 or 3; and
(i) a police officer.
(2) An entity to which this section applies is not civilly or criminally
liable for an act done or omitted to be done by the entity in good
faith in the exercise of a function under this Act.
(3) Subsection (2) does not affect any liability the Territory would, apart
from that subsection, have for the act or omission.
(3A) This section has effect subject to Part VIIA of the Police
Administration Act 1978.
(4) In this section:
exercise, of a function, includes the purported exercise of the
function.
-- 114 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 2 Liability
Ports Management Act 2015 107
147 Liability of owner and master
(1) The owner of a vessel is liable for loss or damage caused by the
vessel within a designated port with or without proof of negligence
or intent.
(2) The master of a vessel, with proof of negligence or intent, is jointly
and severally liable with the owner for loss or damage caused by
the vessel within a designated port.
148 Effect of things done under Act
(1) This section applies to the following:
(a) the enactment, commencement or operation of this Act or the
making, commencement or operation of any statutory
instrument made under this Act (including a statutory
instrument that amends this Act);
(b) the amendment, repeal or modification by this Act of any law
of the Territory;
(c) any alteration resulting from this Act to any rules applicable to
the management or operation of a designated port (including
any notices, directions or orders issued or given, or policies
adopted, by the Darwin Port Corporation under the Darwin
Port Corporation Act 1983 before its repeal);
(d) the doing, or omitting to do, of any other act, matter or thing
under, or for, this Act or any statutory instrument made under
this Act.
(2) The acts, matters or things to which this section applies:
(a) are not to be regarded as placing any person in breach of
contract or confidence or as otherwise making any person
guilty of a civil wrong; and
(b) are not to be regarded as placing any person in breach of, or
as constituting a default under:
(i) any law of the Territory; or
(ii) any provision in any agreement, arrangement or
understanding including, but not limited to, any provision
prohibiting, restricting or regulating the assignment or
transfer of any property or the disclosure of any
information; and
-- 115 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 3 Land within designated port
Ports Management Act 2015 108
(c) are not to be regarded as fulfilling any condition that allows a
person to exercise a right or remedy in respect of, or to
terminate, any agreement or obligation; and
(d) are not to be regarded as giving rise to any remedy for a party
to a contract or an instrument or as causing or permitting the
termination of any contract or instrument because of a change
in the beneficial or legal ownership of any property, right or
liability; and
(e) are not to be regarded as causing any contract or instrument
to be void or otherwise unenforceable; and
(f) are not to be regarded as frustrating any contract; and
(g) do not release any surety or other obligee wholly or in part
from any obligation.
Division 3 Land within designated port
149 Exemption from local government rates etc.
(1) This section applies to land owned by a public sector entity within a
designated port.
(2) The land is exempt from local government rates.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to charges for works
carried out or goods or services provided by a local government
council in relation to the land.
(4) However, if the land is leased or licensed to the port operator of the
designated port:
(a) subsection (2) does not apply in relation to local government
rates in relation to the land for the period for which it is leased
or licensed; and
(b) any local government rates in relation to the land for that
period:
(i) are not payable by the public sector entity; and
(ii) are payable instead by the port operator.
(5) In this section:
leased includes subleased and concurrently leased and subleased.
licenced includes sublicenced.
-- 116 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 4 Offences
Ports Management Act 2015 109
local government rates means any rates, charges or taxes under
the Local Government Act 2019 or Northern Territory Rates
Act 1971.
Division 4 Offences
150 Obstruction of officers
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person obstructs another person; and
(b) the other person is a port management officer or port
enforcement officer; and
(c) the person knows the officer is acting in an official capacity.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
12 months.
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1)(b).
(3) In this section:
obstruct includes hinder and resist.
151 Misleading information
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person gives information to another person; and
(b) the other person is authorised by this Act to require the
provision of that information; and
(c) the person knows the information is misleading; and
(d) the person knows the other person is acting in an official
capacity.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person gives a document to another person; and
(b) the other person is authorised by this Act to require the
provision of that document; and
-- 117 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 5 Darwin Marine Supply Base
Ports Management Act 2015 110
(c) the person knows the document contains misleading
information; and
(d) the person knows the other person is acting in an official
capacity.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(3) Strict liability applies to subsections (1)(b) and (2)(b).
(4) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person, when giving the
document:
(a) draws the misleading aspect of the document to the other
person's attention; and
(b) to the extent to which the person can reasonably do so – gives
the other person the information necessary to remedy the
misleading aspect of the document.
(5) In this section:
misleading information means information that is misleading in a
material particular or because of the omission of a material
particular.
152 Prosecutions under Act
Proceedings for an offence against this Act must be commenced
within:
(a) 2 years after the commission of the alleged offence; or
(b) 1 year after the day on which the alleged offence was first
discovered.
Division 5 Darwin Marine Supply Base
153 Port operator may not perform certain functions
(1) While the DMSB agreement is in force, the port operator of the Port
of Darwin may not exercise the following functions in relation to
offshore industry supply services:
(a) providing, maintaining, operating or controlling services or
facilities for:
(i) the berthing, mooring, loading or unloading of vessels; or
-- 118 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 5 Darwin Marine Supply Base
Ports Management Act 2015 111
(ii) the storage of goods at, or transport of goods to and
from, a place where they are to be loaded on or
unloaded from a vessel; or
(iii) the reception, handling, packing or unpacking or repair
of containers; or
(iv) the employment of stevedores or other persons within
the Port of Darwin;
(b) acquiring, erecting, maintaining or operating:
(i) warehouses, storehouses, bins or tanks for the reception
and holding of fuel (whether solid or liquid) or liquids; or
(ii) yards for the holding of animals.
(2) Despite subsection (1), the port operator may perform the functions
mentioned in that subsection in relation to offshore industry supply
services if:
(a) the DMSB operator is unable to provide those services
because:
(i) there is a major incident; or
(ii) there has been a delay of 24 hours or more in
accommodating an offshore industry support vessel at a
wharf at the DMSB; or
(b) the DMSB operator requests the port operator to perform one
or more of the functions on a temporary basis; or
(c) the offshore industry supplies in relation to which the port
operator performs the function are only ancillary to a general
cargo.
(3) In this section:
DMSB (which is an acronym for Darwin Marine Supply Base)
means the area of land and facilities provided by the Territory to the
DMSB operator for the provision of offshore industry supply
services.
DMSB agreement means the agreement relating to the operation
of the DMSB entered into by the Territory and the DMSB operator,
as amended and in force from time to time.
-- 119 of 127 --
Part 13 Miscellaneous matters
Division 5A Delegation
Ports Management Act 2015 112
DMSB operator means the person or group of persons responsible
under the DMSB agreement for operating the DMSB and:
(a) if the operator is a person – includes the successors and
assignees of the person; and
(b) if the operator is a group of persons – includes a member of
the group and the successors and assignees of the group and
of a member of the group; and
(c) includes a contractor or other person acting for or on behalf of
the DMSB operator.
major incident means an occurrence that prevents, or significantly
disrupts, the operation of the DMSB.
offshore industry means offshore oil and gas facilities, drilling
platforms, pipe-laying vessels and other construction support
vessels for the offshore oil and gas exploration, production and
processing industries.
offshore industry supplies means goods carried to offshore
industry by offshore industry support vessels.
offshore industry supply services means the following services
but does not include non-wharf face activities such as pilotage and
mooring:
(a) the services of transhipping personnel or offshore industry
supplies to or from offshore industry;
(b) servicing or supporting offshore industry support vessels;
(c) handling general cargo if that cargo is ancillary to offshore
industry supplies.
offshore industry support vessel includes offshore support
vessels, anchor handling tug supply vessels and similar support
vessels involved in offshore industry.
Division 5A Delegation
153A Delegation by Minister
The Minister may delegate any of the Minister's powers and
functions under this Act to a person.
-- 120 of 127 --
Part 14 Repeals and transitional matters
Division 2 Transitional matters for Ports Management Act 2015
Ports Management Act 2015 113
Division 6 Forms
154 Approved forms
The Minister may approve forms for this Act.
Division 7 Regulations
155 Regulations
(1) The Administrator may make regulations under this Act.
(2) A regulation may:
(a) prescribe fees payable under this Act; or
(b) provide for an offence against a regulation to be an offence of
strict or absolute liability; or
(c) provide for moorings within a designated port, including the
materials permitted to create moorings and the location and
use of moorings.
Part 14 Repeals and transitional matters
Division 2 Transitional matters for Ports Management
Act 2015
158 Definition
In this Division:
commencement means the commencement of Part 15, Division 2.
159 Port safety plan for Port of Darwin
(1) This section applies to a port safety plan approved under
section 20A of the Darwin Port Corporation Act 1983 that is in force
immediately before the commencement.
(2) On and from the commencement, the plan is taken to be a port
safety plan for the Port of Darwin approved by the regional
harbourmaster for that port under Part 5, Division 1.
-- 121 of 127 --
Part 14 Repeals and transitional matters
Division 2 Transitional matters for Ports Management Act 2015
Ports Management Act 2015 114
160 Stevedore licences
(1) This section applies to a licence to carry on a business of a
stevedore within the Port of Darwin issued under Part 3, Division 2
of the Darwin Port Corporation Act 1983 that is in force immediately
before the commencement.
(2) On and from the commencement, the licence is taken to be a
licence issued under Part 6 and continues in force for the balance
of the duration for which it was issued and subject to the conditions
to which it was subject immediately before the commencement.
161 Monitoring of port notices for Port of Darwin
Despite section 62(1):
(a) the first date by which the port operator of the Port of Darwin
must comply with section 62(1) is 31 March 2016; and
(b) the details to be given under paragraph (a) are of reportable
matters occurring in the period starting on the date on which
the port operator became the port operator of the Port of
Darwin and ending on 31 December 2015.
162 Pilotage
(1) This section applies to a pilotage licence or pilotage exemption
certificate issued under section 171 of the Marine Act 1981 that is in
force immediately before the commencement.
(2) On and from the commencement, the licence or certificate is taken
to be a pilotage licence or pilotage exemption certificate issued
under Part 8, Division 4 and continues in force for the balance of
the term for which it was issued and subject to the conditions to
which it was subject immediately before the commencement.
163 Technical and safety standards for Port of Darwin
(1) This section applies to technical and safety standards for pilotage
and the provision of pilotage services in relation to the Port of
Darwin made under section 26A(1) of the Darwin Port Corporation
Act 1983 that are in force immediately before the commencement.
(2) On and from the commencement, the standards are taken to be
technical and safety standards for pilotage and the provision of
pilotage services in the Port of Darwin made under section 67.
-- 122 of 127 --
Part 14 Repeals and transitional matters
Division 3 Transitional matters for Ports Legislation Amendment Act 2020
Ports Management Act 2015 115
Division 3 Transitional matters for Ports Legislation
Amendment Act 2020
164 Definitions
In this Division:
commencement means the commencement of Part 2 of the Ports
Legislation Amendment Act 2020.
former Act means this Act, as in force immediately before the
commencement.
165 Directions
(1) This section applies in relation to a direction given under section 38,
41, 42, 43 or 44 of the former Act before the commencement.
(2) The former Act continues to apply in relation to the direction, as if
the Ports Legislation Amendment Act 2020 had not commenced.
166 Access policies
(1) This section applies to an access policy approved under the former
Act that was the access policy of a private port operator
immediately before the commencement.
(2) On the commencement, the access policy is taken to be an access
policy approved under section 127 that:
(a) states that it nominally expires on 30 June 2022; and
(b) is in accordance with the requirements prescribed by
regulation.
-- 123 of 127 --
Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions
Ports Management Act 2015 116
Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions
section 145
Reviewable decision Affected person
A decision by the regional harbourmaster
for a designated port to withhold an
approval under section 53(1) or impose a
condition on such an approval
The person seeking to do
the thing mentioned in
section 53(1)(a), (b) or (c)
A decision by the Minister to refuse an
application under section 54(1)
The applicant
A decision by the Minister under
section 55(1) to suspend or cancel a
licence under Part 6
The licence holder
A decision of a pilotage authority of a kind
mentioned in section 84(1)
The person to whom the
decision relates
A decision by the Minister under
section 89(1) to terminate, or suspend for a
specified period, the appointment of a
person as a pilotage services provider
The pilotage services
provider
A decision by the Minister under
section 89(3) to vary a condition of the
appointment of a person as a pilotage
services provider
The pilotage services
provider
-- 124 of 127 --
ENDNOTES
Ports Management Act 2015 117
ENDNOTES
1 KEY
Key to abbreviations
amd = amended od = order
app = appendix om = omitted
bl = by-law pt = Part
ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule
cl = clause rem = remainder
div = Division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired rep = repealed
f = forms s = section
Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule
hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision
ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation
lt = long title sub = substituted
nc = not commenced
2 LIST OF LEGISLATION
Ports Management Act 2015 (Act No. 11, 2015)
Assent date 22 May 2015
Commenced pt 14, div 1: nc (rep by Act No. 33, 2019 before comm); pt 15,
div 2: 1 July 2015; rem: 9 June 2015 (Gaz S57, 9 June 2015,
p 2)
Ports Management (Repeals and Related and Consequential Amendments) Act 2015
(Act No. 12, 2015)
Assent date 22 May 2015
Commenced pt 4 (other than ss 52 and 54 to 56): 9 June 2015; ss 52 and
54 to 56: nc (Act rep by Act No. 20, 2020, before comm);
rem: 1 July 2015 (Gaz S57, 9 June 2015, p 2)
Statute Law Revision and Repeals Act 2019 (Act No. 33, 2019)
Assent date 6 November 2019
Commenced pts 2 and 3: 11 December 2019 (Gaz G50,
11 December 2019, p 2); rem: 7 November 2019 (s 2)
Local Government Act 2019 (Act No. 39, 2019)
Assent date 13 December 2019
Commenced pt 8.6: 1 July 2022; rem: 1 July 2021 (Gaz S27,
30 June 2021)
Amending Legislation
Statute Law Revision Act 2020 (Act No. 26, 2020)
Assent date 19 November 2020
Commenced 20 November 2020 (s 2)
Local Government Amendment Act 2021 (Act No. 15, 2021)
Assent date 25 May 2021
Commenced 26 May 2021 (s 2)
-- 125 of 127 --
ENDNOTES
Ports Management Act 2015 118
Ports Legislation Amendment Act 2020 (Act No. 20, 2020)
Assent date 1 July 2020
Commenced 30 July 2020 (Gaz G30, 29 July 2020, p 1)
Transport Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (Act No. 1, 2022)
Assent date 1 March 2022
Commenced 4 May 2022 (Gaz S20, 29 April 2022)
3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS
General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table
of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation
Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) to: ss 1, 3, 49, 63, 81, 86, 99, 107,
119, 131, 132, 135, 148, 149, 159, 160, 162 and 163.
4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS
s 3 amd No. 12, 2015, s 44; No. 20, 2020, s 4
s 20A ins No. 20, 2020, s 5
s 32 amd No. 20, 2020, s 6
s 38 amd No. 20, 2020, s 7
s 39 sub No. 20, 2020, s 8
s 40 amd No. 20, 2020, s 9
pt 5
div 3 hdg sub No. 20, 2020, s 10
ss 40A – 40B ins No. 20, 2020, s 10
s 40C ins No. 1, 2022, s 20
ss 41 – 43 sub No. 20, 2020, s 10
s 44 sub No. 20, 2020, s 10
amd No. 1, 2022, s 21
s 44A ins No. 20, 2020, s 10
amd No. 1, 2022, s 22
ss 44B – 44C ins No. 20, 2020, s 10
s 50 amd No. 20, 2020, s 11
s 51 amd No. 20, 2020, s 12
s 52 amd No. 20, 2020, s 13
pt 5
div 6 hdg amd No. 20, 2020, s 14
s 53 amd No. 12, 2015, s 45; No. 20, 2020, s 15
s 59 amd No. 20, 2020, s 16
s 62 amd No. 20, 2020, s 17
s 63 amd No. 20, 2020, s 18
s 64 amd No. 20, 2020, s 19
s 67 amd No. 20, 2020, s 20
s 73 amd No. 20, 2020, s 21
s 76 amd No. 12, 2015, s 46
s 87 amd No. 12, 2015, s 47
s 96 amd No. 12, 2015, s 48
s 101 amd No. 20, 2020, s 42
s 104 amd No. 20, 2020, s 42
s 108 amd No. 12, 2015, s 49
s 118 sub No. 20, 2020, s 22
s 119 amd No. 20, 2020, s 23
s 121 amd No. 20, 2020, s 24
s 123 amd No. 20, 2020, s 25
-- 126 of 127 --
ENDNOTES
Ports Management Act 2015 119
s 124 amd No. 20, 2020, s 26
s 125 amd No. 20, 2020, s 27
s 126 amd No. 20, 2020, s 28
s 127 amd No. 20, 2020, s 29
s 128 amd No. 12, 2015, s 50
s 131 amd No. 20, 2020, s 30
s 132 amd No. 12, 2015, s 51; No. 20, 2020, s 31
s 134 amd No. 20, 2020, s 32
s 136 amd No. 20, 2020, s 33
s 137 amd No. 20, 2020, s 34
s 143 amd No. 20, 2020, s 42
s 146 amd No. 20, 2020, s 35
s 148 amd No. 20, 2020, s 36
s 149 amd No. 20, 2020, s 37; No. 39, 2019, s 370
pt 13
div 5A hdg ins No. 20, 2020, s 38
s 153A ins No. 20, 2020, s 38
s 155 amd No. 12, 2015, s 53; No. 20, 2020, s 39
s 156 exp No. 11, 2015, s 156(3)
pt 14
div 1 hdg rep No. 33, 2019, s 52
s 157 rep No. 33, 2019, s 52
pt 14
div 3 hdg ins No. 20, 2020, s 40
ss 164 – 166 exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
ins No. 20, 2020, s 40
pt 15 hdg exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
pt 15
div 1 hdg exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
pt 15
div 2 hdg exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
pt 15
div 2
sdiv 1 hdg exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
ss 167 – 172 exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
pt 15
div 2
sdiv 2 hdg exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
ss 173 – 196 exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
pt 15
div 3 hdg exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
s 197 exp No. 11, 2015, s 197
sch 1 amd No. 12, 2015, s 57; No. 20, 2020, s 41
sch 2 rep No. 33, 2019, s 52
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