AMSA pings illegal boat charter operator

A MELBOURNE charter vessel operator has been fined thousands of dollars by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority after it was detected operating public services without a number of regulatory requirements.

Prestige Rentals Pty Ltd was prosecuted for serious offences under the Marine Safety National Law - Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV), resulting in fines totalling $30,000.

The offences included operating the vessel Lady Royal with paying passengers on board without a certificate of survey or certificate of operation, operating with no unique identifier, and permitting a person to operate a DCV without the required certification.

AMSA manager enforcement and inspector support, David Marsh, said this was a clear example of how irresponsible behaviour in operating boat charters could be dangerous.

"Operators of illegal boat charters or ‘black charters’ are risking passengers’ lives when they do not meet the required safety standards set by AMSA.

“A vessel must be the subject of a certificate of survey and certificate of operation, have in place a safety management system that addresses the safe operation of the vessel, including emergency procedures and a passenger monitoring plans, to be legally operating as a charter vessel.

“In the case of the Lady Royal, the operator permitted an unqualified master to be in charge of the vessel with paying passengers, compounding the element of serious risk,” Mr Marsh said.

AMSA identified the Lady Royal as a ‘vessel of interest’ during a patrol in December 2024 and followed it back into the Yarra River in Melbourne, boarding it when it berthed at Docklands.

“We strongly advise that you ask if a vessel is appropriately certified to operate and if it has a safety management system in place before you charter it for a recreational activity or a work function.

“It’s not worth risking the safety of your family, friends and others on board unlicensed and unsafe charter vessels,” Mr Marsh concluded.

Information about DCV safety requirements can be found here.

All references to Lady Royal have been expunged from the Prestige website, DCN found. The company operates Australia-wide, also offering yachts, luxury cars, motorbikes, ski boats, wedding cars, drive days and on-water events.

It currently lists four vessels available in Melbourne and Geelong: Queen Royal, Royal Prestige, Prestige Lady and Pearl, which also operated under the Prestige Harbour Cruises banner. An associated company is Melbourne Boat Hire.