Peer-to-peer boat sharing one step closer

AMSA releases draft commercial vessel exemption for short-term boat stays.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released details of a proposed exemption to commercial vessel certifications for private boats being hired out for use as short-term accommodation.

The draft exemption, called EX27 Marine Safety (Short term marina accommodation) Exemption, will enable private boats which are not in commercial survey to be hired out to people wanting to stay on them without leaving the moorings.

The draft exemption includes a number of requirements for the boats such as having the correct safety equipment onboard as well as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors fitted. It also proposes limiting the exemption to vessels under 24 metres in length and will only apply to boats which are moored at commercial marinas.

This means that vessels kept on private jetties or swing moorings will not be covered by the exemption.

Darren Vaux, Australian director of Beds on Board, the boat sharing platform which debuted locally last year, welcomed the release of the draft exemption, saying it will help pave the way for boat sharing, which has been operating ‘below the radar’ in recent years, to proceed in a “clear and transparent way”.

“We have been working with AMSA and the industry for over a year to develop a sensible regulatory framework for this activity and we welcome the issue by AMSA of the draft exemption. This now provides the opportunity for the industry and boat owners alike to understand the framework and to have their say.”

Beds on Board currently lists thousands of boats around the world for short-term accommodation but, to date, this type of peer-to-peer sharing has not been permissible under Australian maritime law. Vaux said the success of sharing economy platforms such as Beds on Boards has opened up new opportunities for the marine industry, allowing boats owners to monetise their under-utilised assets to help offset some of their costs of ownership as well as providing another revenue stream for the host marinas.

“The success of the platform in the UK and Europe has seen guests staying on boats for alternative weekend breaks, events, business trips and to celebrate special occasions as well allowing prospective boat owners to 'try before you buy',” he said.

“All the latest boating industry research points to the need to embrace peer to peer platforms to engage with our customers of the future. Beds on Board provides the opportunity to open up the luxury boating and marina lifestyle to a wide range of new customers without the risks associated with navigation.”

Consultation on the proposed exemption, available here, is open until 26 June, 2018. Following the consultation period, the final exemption is expected to come into force later this year in time for the summer boating season.