Wreck Removal Certificate Fee

Summary#

This is a proposed regulation called the Wreck Removal Convention Certificate Fee Regulations from the Department of Transport. It would set a fee of $98 for issuing a Wreck Removal Convention certificate and is open for comments for 30 days after publication (October 10, 2020), with a likely comment deadline of November 9, 2020; if made, it would take effect on April 1, 2021.

What it does#

• Sets a single fee of $98 payable to the Minister for issuing a certificate under subsection 25(1) of the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.
• Requires the fee to be paid when an application for the certificate is submitted.
• The proposal says the rules would come into force on April 1, 2021 if approved.
• This is a proposed regulation. The public can submit comments within 30 days after publication (October 10, 2020). Comments were to be sent to Caitlin O’Boyle at the Department of Transport (contact details were provided in the notice).

Who's affected#

• People or businesses that apply for a Wreck Removal Convention certificate — typically ship owners, operators or their agents.
• It is unclear from the notice whether other groups (for example, insurers, ports, or salvage companies) would be directly affected.

Why it matters#

• Anyone who needs a Wreck Removal Convention certificate will have to pay $98 when they apply.
• For ship operators, this is a small, predictable administrative cost tied to a certificate required under federal law.
• Because this was a proposed regulation, the government invited feedback before it could become final.