I have pulled out some of the more interesting parts that would likely pertain to our craft. I am not at all sure just who must comply with this standard, but likely to get insurance (Club Marine advised me of this on the phone).
Edit:
NMSC also has a relationship with Standards Australa to assist in the maintenance of the AS1799 series of standards covering aspects of the safe design and construction of small recreational boats. Compliance with any Australian Standard is not mandatory unless the standard is specifically referenced in a regulatory instrument. Compliance with certain elements of AS1799 provides one of several different options to meet legal obligations under the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats and the National Standard for Commercial Vessels; but in general, the AS1799 suite of standards simply provides informative guidance about good safety practice.From:
http://www.nmsc.gov.au/recreational_boating/index.php?MID=26&COMID=1&CID=26Excerpts from the standard at:
http://www.nmsc.gov.au/media/pages_media_files/files/AS1799%20Small%20Craft%20-%20Part%2012-General%20Requirements%20for%20Power%20Boats.pdf1.1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out requirements for maximum load, persons and power capacities, and
for reserve buoyancy, stability, fire protection, testing of power boats and other safety
aspects for craft up to 15 m in overall length used as recreational boats. It does not apply to
boats used for commercial purposes or exclusively for racing, nor to canoes, kayaks,
inflatable boats, rigid inflatable boats, yachts or auxiliary yachts.
1.4.1.1 Australian Builders Plate
Boats shall be fitted with an Australian Builders Plate in accordance with the National
Standard for the Australian Builders Plate for Recreational Boats. The maximum power,
load and persons capacity shown on the plate shall not be greater than that determined in
accordance with this Standard.
1.4.2 Hull identification
A unique craft identification number (CIN) complying with AS 4393 shall be permanently
and legibly marked on the hull. (I think this is like a Rego and is different to the HIN, which Queensland Transport gave me to put on the hull somewhere in woplaces, one hidden and one not)
2.1.2 Outboard installations
The maximum load capacity for boats up to and including 6 m in length shall be calculated
in kilograms, and shall be determined by calculating or measuring the cubic capacity below
the static float plane, converting this volume to the mass of water it would displace,
subtracting the mass of the boat, including the filled mass of any installed fuel tanks, and
allowing 1 kg of load capacity for each 5 kg of remaining displacement.
NOTE: A suitable method of calculation is given in Paragraph A2 of Appendix A.
For boats with a maximum power capacity not greater than 1.5 kW, an allowance of 1 kg of
load capacity for each 3 kg of remaining displacement may be used.
2.1.3 Inboard installations
The maximum load capacity for boats up to and including 6 m in length shall be calculated
in kilograms, and shall be determined by calculating or measuring the cubic capacity of the
boat below the static float plane, converting this volume to the mass of water it would
displace, subtracting the mass of the boat, excluding the mass of the engine, fuel tank and
fuel, allowing 1 kg of boat load capacity for each 5 kg of remaining displacement, and
finally subtracting the mass of the engine, fuel tank and fuel to obtain the maximum load
capacity.
NOTE: A suitable method of calculation is given in Paragraph A3 of Appendix A.
2.2 MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY FOR PROTECTED WATERS
2.2.1 General
The maximum persons capacity provides a quick guide to the number of adults that can be
safely carried when operating in protected waters. It is derived using an average value for
the mass of a passenger and the allowance for the mass of ancillary equipment and personal
gear on board.
2.2.2 Outboard installations
The maximum persons capacity (C) for boats up to 6 m in length shall be stated as the
number of average adults and shall be determined by the following method:
(a) Take the maximum load capacity and subtract the assumed mass of the largest
outboard motor (including controls) for which the boat is rated including the mass of
batteries, obtained from Table 2.1. For boats without installed fuel tanks, also
subtract the mass of the portable fuel tank and fuel as shown in Column 4 of
Table 2.1.
(b) Divide the result by 90 kg, and take the lower whole number, thus obtaining the
maximum number of average size adults.
2.2.3 Inboard installations
The maximum persons capacity (C) shall be determined by taking the maximum load
capacity, dividing by 90 kg and taking the lower whole number, thus obtaining the
maximum number of average size adults.
2.4 PROVISION OF SEATING AND STANDING POSITIONS
A seating or standing position for use while the boat is under way shall be provided for
each person based on the maximum persons capacity. Standing positions shall be at least
450 mm wide and shall be provided with sturdy handholds appropriate to the conditions
likely to be experienced based on the speed and operational area of the boat (see
Clause 3.11.4). Seating positions shall be on the basis of 475 mm of seating width per
person.
2.5 SWAMPED FLOTATION
2.5.1 Minimum swamped flotation
All boats, except those over 6 m in length that are fully enclosed and meet the requirements
of Clause 2.5.5, shall be provided at least with basic flotation when swamped in the form of
flotation material (closed-cell plastics or equivalent) or air chambers.
Basic flotation shall be demonstrated by a practical test or by calculation using a
hydrostatic program. For basic flotation, at least some portion of the hull shall remain
above water when the boat is swamped in a condition of maximum persons capacity (as
nominated on the Australian Builders Plate), when fitted with the largest motor for which
the boat is rated (for outboard engine boats), and with all ancillary equipment and gear in
their normal position.
2.5.4 Level flotation
In addition to meeting the requirements of Clause 2.5.1 for minimum swamped flotation,
boats less than 6 m in length should desirably be provided with level flotation. Where a
claim of level flotation is made, the boat shall pass all of the tests when tested in
accordance with Appendix C.
NOTE: A suitable method for estimating the amount of flotation material needed to provide level
flotation in open boats is given in Paragraph B4 of Appendix B. However, this needs to be
verified by a practical test in accordance with Appendix C.
2.6 MAXIMUM POWER CAPACITY
2.6.1 Determination of maximum power capacity (outboard installations)
The maximum power capacity of boats, other than pontoon boats, shall be stated in
kilowatts and shall be determined by the following method (see Table 2.2):
2.6.4 Determination of maximum power capacity (inboard and sterndrive
installations)
The maximum power capacity for inboard and sterndrive installations shall be determined
by test in accordance with Clause 5.2.3.
3.8 WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS
The windshield and windows shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) The windshield and windows shall be of safety glass or laminated safety glass
complying with AS/NZS 2080, or a material having at least equivalent safety
characteristics on fracture to those specified in AS/NZS 2080.
3.11.2 Bow eye
Each trailerable boat shall be fitted with a bow eye or other fitting suitable for use in towing
by other craft, or for attachment to the bow post of a trailer. The bow eye shall be able to
withstand a direct tensile load equivalent to twice the weight of the fully loaded boat. The
bow eye shall be located above the waterline and shall be through-fastened with bolts or
welded to the stem. Where such eyes are not accessible from within the boat in adverse
weather or because of raked stems or for other reasons, an additional towing point,
accessible from within the boat, shall be provided.
5.2.3 Maximum power capacity and general seaworthiness
Where the maximum power capacity is to be determined by test, the requirements in
Appendix F shall apply. The maximum power capacity determined by calculation in
accordance with Clauses 2.6.1 or 2.6.2 may be adjusted in accordance with Appendix F.
6.1 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
6.1.1 Selection
The type of fire extinguishers to be carried on a boat shall be appropriate to the type of fires
likely to be encountered.
NOTE: Guidance on the selection of suitable fire extinguishers is given in AS 2444, and in
Appendix G.
6.1.2 General
All boats that are powered by a motor should carry at least one extinguisher of rating not
less than 5B.
6.1.3 Large tanks
Boats that use petrol and have fuel tanks of capacity greater than 25 litres should carry at
least one extinguisher of rating not less than 20B.
6.3 INBOARD ENGINE COMPARTMENTS
On inboard boats where an automatic fire extinguishing system is not installed, provision
shall be made so that a portable fire extinguisher can be discharged into the engine space
while the engine cover remains closed.
7.1 GENERAL
Each boat shall be provided with an owners manual that adequately addresses the safety
issues set out in Clause 7.2. The level of detail should be appropriate to the size of the boat
and the level of equipment installed.