Australian requirements depend on vessel use, jurisdiction, length, construction date, voyage and the system being altered.
Recreational vessels
State and territory maritime agencies manage most recreational registration, licensing and operational requirements. A repower may require registration details to be updated. Altering maximum power, weight or buoyancy assumptions can affect compliance information such as an Australian Builders Plate where one applies. Check with the authority for the vessel’s registration and operating waters.
Domestic commercial vessels
AMSA administers the national system for domestic commercial vessel safety. Machinery, electrical systems and fire safety may need to satisfy relevant parts of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels, survey requirements and the vessel’s safety management system. A recreational installation should not be assumed acceptable for commercial operation.
For applicable domestic commercial vessels, AMSA states that marine diesel engines above 130 kW are subject to NOx requirements and require prescribed evidence, with specified alternative evidence available under an exemption in some cases.
Electrical and technical standards
AS/NZS 3004.2 covers electrical installations in boats up to 50 m within its scope. Other Australian Standards, ISO small-craft standards, class rules and manufacturer instructions may apply to fuel, exhaust, fire, machinery and construction. Standards are revised, so confirm the current edition and legal adoption rather than relying on an old checklist.
Electrical licensing is state or territory based. Low-voltage AC work and some other tasks must be completed or certified by appropriately licensed people. Insurers, surveyors, marinas and finance providers may impose additional evidence requirements.
This page is an orientation, not legal advice. Start with AMSA regulations and standards, the relevant state or territory maritime authority and the current technical standards.