If you’re thinking about buying a new boat, the Australian Builders Plate (ABP) takes the guesswork out of whether a boat meets your safety requirements.

As of this month, the Australian Builders Plate (ABP) will become a mandatory feature on all newly sold Pleasure Crafts in the Northern Territory.

Andrew Kirkman, Chief Executive, Department of Transport said “It makes it easy for consumers to see if a boat meets your safety requirements. This brings us in line with industry standards across Australia.”  

“Our beautiful harbour and extraordinary river systems provide some of the best fishing and recreational boating in the world, but we all need to follow safe boating practices too.”

An Australian Builders Plate (ABP) is a plaque that provides information on a boat’s capability and capacity, providing details on boating operations, maximum number of people and load allowed, engine rating and weight.

“The ABP plate must be fixed to the vessel by the builder, or by another authorised person.”

A sailing boat with or without an auxiliary engine is exempt from the requirement to have an ABP fitted.

Vessels subject to a Certificate of Survey, Personal Water Craft (PWC) and Inflatable boats must comply with different requirements.

The NT Water Police have the ability to issue Marine Infringement Notices for failure to comply with the marine regulations.

Find out what floats your boat at www.marinesafety.nt.gov.au or call 08 8924 7100. 

Media contact: Paola Ciarla 0429 363 870