AMSA has introduced new exemptions to provide a simplified process for certain vessels to obtain a certificate of survey and operate as domestic commercial vessels (DCVs), including vessels with minor non-conformances or vessels built to Navigation Act 2012 (Navigation Act) requirements. These new exemptions commenced on 1 March 2025.
An update on these exemptions was included in the March RSC regulatory program update paper but the direct links to the in-force exemptions were not available at that time. These are now provided below.
The exemptions cover the following scenarios are:
Updates to Exemption 07 – Marine Safety (Temporary operations) Exemption 2024 (EX07)
- A vessel with minor non-conformances that has been identified during an initial or renewal survey, but which is safe to operate in the circumstances.
- An existing vessel that has ‘triggered’ the transitional vessel provisions in Marine Order 503 (MO503), but is not yet compliant with the transitional standards in MO503. The vessel must be safe to operate in the specific circumstances.
NEW Exemption 49 – Marine Safety (Domestic commercial vessels — compliance with international standards) Exemption 2024 (EX49)
- A vessel built to Navigation Act requirements, such as a regulated Australian vessel (RAV) that is transitioning to be a DCV.
The updates to EX07 enable transitional and non-transitional vessels to continue to operate up to a maximum period of 12 months, while undertaking work to rectify non-conformances with the applicable standards in MO503. The exemption is only available where a surveyor has conducted an initial or renewal survey and considers that any non-conformance will not jeopardise the safety of the vessel or any person on board the vessel. An approval is required from AMSA and a surveyor must provide a survey report that meets the criteria in the exemption. For more information, please see sections 6 and 7, Division 2, of the updated EX07 here.
The new EX49 introduces a simplified process for vessels built to Navigation Act requirements to operate as DCVs, provided the vessel continues to meet the technical standards as required for a RAV. Operators do not need approval for this exemption but will need to meet the eligibility conditions and apply for a certificate of survey. For more information, please see the new EX49 here.
Source: Boating Industry Association Ltd
