Maritime Survey Australia recently had the privilege of completing a Periodic Vessel Survey on the Traditional Passenger Vessel Blackbird, a historically significant Class 1E timber vessel, built in 1926 in Lakes Entrance Victoria by H. Peel Boat builders.
Licensed to carry up to 30 passengers, she is beautifully maintained and currently works as a sightseeing charter vessel on the tidal section of the Maribyrnong river along the boundaries of the cities of Melbourne, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley & Hobsons Bay.
The Blackbird is operated by Blackbird cruises, the oldest registered ferry operator in Melbourne and owned by Capt. Peter Sommerville OAM KSJ and his son Warwick. Captain Somerville was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the commercial passenger boat industry, and to conservation in the Maribyrnong area.
With an overall length of 11 metres, and a breadth of 3.35 metres, the Blackbird is powered by a 30.9kw (42hp) Vetus M4.45, Vertical 4-stoke marine diesel engine which was built in Holland in August 2015 and placed in the Blackbird in April 2017. Another interesting feature is her Italian-built ZF 25 Vertical offset, direct mount marine transmission with a 2:1 ratio.
Contact www.blackbirdcruises.com.au to book your trip and explore the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers.
Do you have a vessel that is due for its survey in accordance with its survey certificates?
Contact Maritime Survey Australia today to discuss your project requirements.
Our Marine Surveyors are accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), members of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and members of the certifying authority of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS).
We believe we have the most competitive rates offering the best value to Victorian commercial vessel operators. The benefits of using Maritime Survey Australia ensure that the vessel operator has to engage with only one company. Unlike many of our competitors, our Surveyors are experienced Marine Engineers, Masters and Naval Architects accredited for ALL categories including periodic electrical and communication meaning you do not need to engage with a third party to complete the survey.
The survey is carried out accurately interpreting standards and guidelines, and applying rules and/or regulatory requirements.
The owner will be informed of any deficiencies discovered during the survey of a vessel that requires repair, replacement or action and will be recorded on a survey activity report, a copy of which will be given the owner or owner's representative at the time of the survey. We will remain impartial in all of our business dealings, and we will never conduct business in a manner which could place our business integrity or impartiality at risk or question.
