AUSTRALIAN BUILDER'S PLATES

KPS Maritime is Australia’s largest independent supplier of Australian Builder’s Plates (ABP).

Backed by 30 years’ experience as a marine surveyor, we certify and issue high-quality photo-anodised, UV resistant aluminium ABPs.

If you have built, modified, or imported a boat then you may need our help to secure an Australian Builder’s Plate.

Or if you’re a boat owner seeking to upgrade your engine or get your vessel re-rated for a larger capacity, our expert team can advise whether these changes are achievable within operational and safety limits and issue your new ABP.

Get started today! Fill in the form and upload photos for your obligation free response and our team will be in contact within 48 hours.

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WHAT IS AN ABP?

Measuring approximately 8.5cm by 14.5cm, an Australian Builder’s Plate or ABP is a plaque that provides essential information about a recreational vessel’s capability and capacity.

It provides key details such as:

  • Person capacity
  • Maximum loading
  • Outboard engine rating and weight
  • Buoyancy performance (for boats less than 6m)

Here at KPS Maritime we certify and supply ABPs to both dealerships and individual boat owners. Start your application here.

DID YOU KNOW?

If your boat was built, modified or imported after September 2006 then you are legally required to have a compliant ABP fitted. Vessels over 15 metres require additional stability checks which are subject to quotation.

- 5 STEPS TO GET YOUR -

AUSTRALIAN BUILDER'S PLATE

- ONE -

Complete online application form

Receive an obligation-free response within 48 hours. Start your online application here.

- TWO -

Assessment & advice

Our experienced marine surveyor will review the vessel details, run calculations & advise you of your options.

- THREE -

Australian Builder’s Plate issued

ABPs are certified and produced weekly. They are shipped within 4-8 days of payment.

- FOUR -

Re-rating Statement

We will also email you a re-rating statement PDF outlining the revised powering and carrying capacities. This may be required by your insurer.

- FIVE -

Affix ABP plaque at home

The self-adhesive plaque is easy to install on your boat. Our team will also contact you for photographic proof, too.

It costs nothing to make an application. You will only be invoiced once we have determined if a new ABP can be issued.

WHY YOU NEED AN AUSTRALIAN BUILDER'S PLATE

The requirement to fit Australian Builder’s Plates (ABP) came into force in September 2006 and if your boat was built, modified, or imported after September 2006 then you are required to have a compliant ABP fitted.

If your boat was built prior to September 2006, you may already have an ABP, Builder’s plaque or label containing some or all of the required information. Importantly though, if you modify the boat and information changes then you also need to have a new ABP fitted.

APPLY HERE

ABP FOR CUSTOM WATERCRAFT

If the vessel is custom built or has been modified from the original design it may also need to be inspected and a performance trial could be required. In this case, additional fees and charges may apply.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I apply for an Australian Builder’s Plate?

KPS Maritime make it easy to ensure your boat is compliant. Start your online application here. It costs nothing to enquire. If we can help, we will advise you of what can be done.

Do I need an Australian Builder’s Plate?

Yes, Australian Builder’s Plates are a national regulation and compliance requirement for powered watercraft. If your boat was built, modified or imported after 2006 it must have an ABP. Vessels built prior to this may have a different plaque that contains similar info. But if an older vessel (built pre-2006) is modified, a new ABP must be fitted.

How do I attach my ABP?

KPS Maritime issued ABP’s are self-adhesive and easy to fit at home.

How long will my ABP last?

KPS Maritime ABP’s will last the lifetime of the boat. The highest quality available on the market, our Australian Builder’s Plates are made from photo-anodised, UV resistant aluminium.