ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION

The Marine Transport Association (MTA) was formed in 1970 to represent the owners of restricted limits shipping. Large and small operators make up the membership and are active in passenger transport, charters, aquaculture and barging.

In 2001 the MTA formed an alliance with the Bus and Coach Association to share each other's expertise and resources. There are some obvious synergies, both Associations deal with the same central and regional government organisations, have similar issues dealing with passenger transport, operate in a regulatory environment, etc.

Funding for the Association comes principally from subscriptions, which vary according to the size of the member's fleet, the number of full time sea-going staff and the number of passengers the vessel is licensed to carry. Other funding comes from sponsorship, trade rebates, and seminars and conference. Associate members (i.e. suppliers to the industry) also provide a source of revenue through their subscriptions.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO BEING OF SERVICE TO YOU

WHAT THE MTA IS DOING

The MTA's principal role is to lobby central, regional and local government for policy outcomes that benefit its members. A few of the recent issues we have taken up on the industry's behalf are :

The Health and Safety in Employment Bill - A major piece of legislation with serious implications for the industry. The Association lobbied the Select Committee successfully to keep health and safety issues under the MSA's control rather than that of the Department of Labour.

Crewing levels - We've asked the MSA to provide a cost: benefit analysis of their decision to alter the minimum safe crewing levels and will continue to ensure that changes such as these are justified, reasonable and fair.

Pilotage - Ship owners are concerned about the additional costs this matter may impose on their operations, which could include the potential for pilots to abrogate their responsibilities should things go wrong.

Other issues - The MTA is active in other policy areas such as fatigue, drug and alcohol use at sea, ADH qualifications, ACC premiums, hydrographics and marine reserves.