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Ozone Protection
A new national refrigeration and air-conditioning licensing system came into force on 1 July 2005. It affects any person who buys, sells, stores or handles ozone depleting or synthetic greenhouse gas refrigerant – including those in the maritime sector.
Marine engineers and others in the maritime sector who handle refrigerants must comply with the laws by being licensed appropriately.
Companies or people who acquire, possess or dispose of these substances are required to hold a refrigerant trading authorisation that costs $320 for two years. Refrigerant cannot be purchased without a valid authorisation.
The Australian Government's Department of the Environment and Heritage is working with representatives of the maritime sector to develop a restricted refrigerant handling licence (maritime category) for work with refrigerants on vessels.
Application forms for refrigerant handling licences and authorisations can be downloaded from the Australian Refrigeration Council's web site www.arctick.org or by telephoning 1300 884 483 to request an application.
Updates on the development of a restricted licence (maritime) will be posted on this page from time to time.