CHANGES to Marine Order 91 later this month will allow for use of electronic oil record books and exemption of UNSP barges from certain survey requirements.

The reissued AMSA Marine Order 91 (marine pollution prevention – oil) is taking effect from 24 February 2025.

The current MO91 came into force on 1 April 2018, setting out requirements for the prevention of oil pollution for regulated Australian vessels, domestic commercial vessels and recreational vessels. It outlines certificate requirements, reporting requirements and operational requirements for transfer of oil between vessels.

The review of MO91 implements amendments adopted by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, providing for the use of electronic record books in lieu of hardcopy records, which took effect globally on 1 October 2020.

The review also reflects amendments providing for the issuance of an exemption certificate to UNSP (unmanned non-self-propelled) barges relating to the IOPP Certificate, in recognition of the reduced environmental risk of UNSP barges which do not carry, hold or have machinery that require oil.

The UNSP barge amendment came into force internationally on 1 November 2022.

AMSA began public consultation on a review of Marine Order 91 last year, receiving two confidential submissions in support of the proposed changes.

When changes take effect on the 24th, operators will have the option to use electronic record books in place of hard copy record books.

“This option is available for all vessels required to use the Oil Record Book (oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above and every ship of 400 gross tonnage and above), including relevant domestic commercial vessels,” AMSA said in an industry notice.

“Use of an electronic oil record book must be approved by a recognised organisation or AMSA.”

And UNSP barges may receive an exemption from certain survey and certification requirements relating to the IOPP Certificate.

“An IOPP Exemption Certificate may also be issued for a UNSP barge for up to five years, after a confirmation survey has been conducted,” AMSA said.

The current version of MO91 (as of 14 February 2025) is available via the Federal Register of Legislation.