The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has advised that 16 National Law general exemptions have been reissued for a period of three to five years.
Some of these exemptions will have updated requirements, which may impact domestic commercial vessel (DCV) owners and operators, so you need to check the new requirements.
- Exemptions that require a new application
The following exemptions require a new application for approval. Current exemption approval holders will need to review the application requirements and follow the key dates listed below.
- Exemption 14 (Sea rangers) Exemption 2020– reapply now
- Exemption 15 (Scientific research and educational activities) – reapply now
- Exemption 31 (Expired pre-USL Code certificates) – apply and obtain approval by 31 January 2026
- Exemption 36 (Steam-powered vessels)– apply before expiry on approval letter
Exemption webpages will be updated and affected approval holders will be contacted by either phone, email or post.
- Exemptions for final reissue
Exemption 39 (Lifejacket lights) has been reissued for a further three years and will now expire on 30 June 2028.
This exemption will not be reissued after 30 June 2028. After this time, operators using the exemption will need to comply with the requirement in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels Part C7A to have lifejackets fitted with a light. Lifejacket lights improve the visibility and detection of people in the water at times of poor visibility, including during daylight hours.
- Exemptions being extended with no reapplication required
DCV owners, operators, masters and crew using the following exemptions are not required to reapply. but are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the conditions and ensure continued compliance under the reissued exemptions.
- Exemption 01 (Vessel identifiers)
- Exemption 03 (Certificates of Operation)
- Exemption 04 (Recreational use)
- Exemption 06 (Periodic survey, equipment certification and compass adjustment)
- Exemption 10 (Operation of fishing vessels)
- Exemption 16 (Traditional fishing)
- Exemption 17 (Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Zone)
- Exemption 22 (Bareboats)
- Exemption 23 (Masters or crew without certificates)
- Exemption 40 (Class C restricted operations)
- Exemption 41 (Unpowered barges)
This information will also be promoted via AMSA’s web news, the AMSA update newsletter and social media.
For more information please email [email protected].