What this declaration does
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has made a new declaration under occupational health and safety law for the maritime industry. The declaration relates to a prescribed ship operating around Norfolk Island.
The declaration came into force on 14 August 2026. It replaces the previous 2016 version of the same declaration, which is formally repealed by this new instrument.
What is not specified
The source document does not specify which vessel is prescribed, what operational changes are involved, or what new obligations the declaration imposes beyond replacing the earlier 2016 version.
Key actions
- Read the full declaration text at legislation.gov.au/F2026L01061 to confirm whether a vessel or maritime operations around Norfolk Island are affected by the new prescribed ship rules.
- For vessels covered by the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act operating routes near Norfolk Island, check whether existing OHS compliance documentation needs to be updated to reference the 2026 declaration instead of the 2016 version.
- Contact the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations for clarification on how this declaration applies to a specific vessel or operations.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.