Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese today announced streamlined licensing requirements for marine engineers working on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

From 1 March 2009, marine engineers who hold an Engineer Class 1, Engineer Class 2 or Watchkeeper (Engineer) certificate issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will no longer be required to hold a separate refrigerant handling licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC).

The Ministers said the removal of the duplicate licence requirement was possible because of the compatibility of the training and assessment provided to Marine Engineers with the requirements for the full refrigeration and air conditioning licence issued by the ARC, which issues licences under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995.

Minister Albanese said the change was a positive outcome for marine engineers.

“This is another concrete example of the Rudd Government’s commitment to removing unnecessary regulation. AMSA’s training and assessment program is sufficiently comprehensive that qualified marine engineers will only be required to hold one certificate to satisfy their obligations under the relevant Acts.

“Since coming to government we have taken the opportunity to remove excessive regulation in order to aid business productivity. This is one further step in helping enhance the competitiveness of the Australian maritime sector while at the same time ensuring the environment is not compromised”.

Minister Garrett said the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and AMSA were currently finalising details of the revised scheme.

“The Government’s licensing scheme for handling and trading in refrigerant has been successfully administered by the ARC for three years. While it is essential that no refrigerant is emitted to the atmosphere, it is also important to consider the burden of regulation for businesses.

“The revised licensing scheme for AMSA-certified marine engineers will ensure that the industry is able to operate in the most efficient, effective and environmentally-friendly way”.

Industry will be advised as further details are finalised.