Industry Consultation – AMSA releases proposed changes to survey rules
Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey – national law) 2018 (MO503) outlines certificate of survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs).
The Australian maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is seeking industry comments on the proposed changes which are set out here, by Monday, 20 April 2026.
Key proposed changes to existing requirements:
- Clarify who is responsible for notifying AMSA of a change in vessel ownership
AMSA is proposing to require that the person receiving a vessel (e.g. a buyer) must notify AMSA of a change in vessel ownership instead of the person handing over the vessel (e.g. a seller). This change ensures that the person who is now responsible for the vessel informs AMSA of the change in ownership.
- Clarify when certain existing vessels become transitional vessels
Applies to existing vessels obtaining a certificate of survey for the first time.
AMSA is proposing to clarify that existing vessels that are issued a certificate of survey for the first time will become a transitional vessel and must meet the relevant transitional standards. This only applies to existing vessels that previously did not have a certificate of survey due to operating under an exemption.
- New Vessels
Allow a new vessel that is less than 35m in length to meet the construction, engineering or anchoring standards in either the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) or class rules.
AMSA is proposing that new vessels less than 35m can choose to comply with either the construction, engineering or anchoring standards in the NSCV or class rules if design approval was completed by an RO.
- Transitional vessels
Include the use of Clause 3.12 of USL Code 5F (1989).
AMSA is proposing to change the transitional standards for arrangement, accommodation and personal safety to include the use of Clause 3.12 of USL Code 5F (1989). This change includes escape provisions that are not covered in the NSCV Part C1.
- New vessels
Require new vessels entering service for the first time, or new vessels that have made a Schedule 1 change to meet the watertight & weathertight integrity standards in the NSCV Part C2.
AMSA is proposing to make it mandatory for applicable vessels to comply with the NSCV Part C2 for watertight and weathertight integrity standards. Currently, new vessels can meet either the NSCV Part C2 or the USL Code.
- ‘Sister vessel’ arrangements
Clarify ‘sister’ vessel’ as a vessel built to the same design as another vessel. These vessels can use the original vessel’s plan approval for a certificate of survey application instead of having to apply for a full plan approval. This makes it easier to obtain a certificate of survey for a sister vessel. AMSA is proposing that the definition of sister vessel be clarified to better explain when vessels may access this arrangement.
- Reduce the requirements when updating certain existing vessel components and equipment.
This proposed change will enable existing vessel owners to make improvements without triggering transitional requirements for the whole vessel. Owners still need to ensure the updated components and equipment meet current standards comply with a reduced set of transitional standards for other aspects of the vessel.
AMSA is proposing to reduce the transitional standards that apply to a vessel when there is a change to any of the following aspects:
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- battery type or capacity
- fixed fire system
- gas system
- electrical power and generators.
- Align survey timeframes with the 5 year survey cycle
This will apply to vessels relying on a previous certificate of survey to determine the standards or survey requirements that apply.
AMSA is proposing to change the timeframe from 2 years to 5 years for the maximum length of time. A new vessel can re-enter survey while still using the standards that applied to the vessel it last held a certificate of survey when applying for a renewal before a vessel with an expired certificate of survey is required to undergo an initial survey before a certificate of survey can be issued.
AMSA is also proposing to introduce a maximum five year period during which a previously permitted type of operation may be reinstated without being treated as a Schedule 1 change. These changes will align with the 5 year survey cycle.
- Increase the maximum period a certificate of survey may be suspended
AMSA is proposing to increase the maximum duration a vessel can have its certificate of survey suspended for, from 6 months to 24 months. This change aligns Marine Order 503 with the suspension periods in other marine orders.
- Allow more time to conduct periodic surveys for vessels undergoing their periodic survey
AMSA is proposing to increase the timeframe in which certain vessels have to undergo a periodic survey. The change will apply to medium-risk vessels and allow a ‘Year 3 periodic survey’ to be completed in the 15 months before, or 3 months after it is due. This change will give these operators more flexibility to complete a periodic survey.
- Allow certificate of survey to be varied to reduce the number of people allowed on board
Apply to vessels seeking to reduce the number of people they are permitted to carry.
AMSA is proposing to allow a certificate of survey holder to seek a variation when reducing the number of people they are permitted to carry on board. This will reduce the costs for survey holders because they’ll no longer need to submit a full renewal application when making this change.
Note: Minimum and appropriate crewing requirements under Marine Order 504 will still apply.
- Clarify the conditions where AMSA may revoke a certificate of survey
This focus is on vessels involved in marine incidents or vessels that are no longer domestic commercial vessels.
AMSA is proposing to clarify that AMSA may revoke a certificate of survey if a vessel is involved in a serious incident, such as sinking or being significantly damaged. This change will ensure vessels are suitably repaired and re-certified before restarting operations after a serious incident.
AMSA is also proposing to clarify that AMSA can revoke a certificate of survey if a vessel stops operating as a domestic commercial vessel. This could be because a vessel:
- has been decommissioned
- has become a regulated Australian vessel
- has become a foreign-flagged vessel.
This change will reduce the potential for confusion about the status of the vessel and ensure that we have accurate data on the domestic commercial vessel fleet.
- Require vessel owners to notify AMSA if an insurance claim is made on a damaged vessel
A new requirement applying to vessels that have been damaged and an insurance claim made.
AMSA is proposing to require a vessel’s owner to notify AMSA if they make an insurance claim on a vessel that has been damaged. This ensures AMSA is aware of vessels that have been significantly damaged and that may need to be reassessed before resuming operations.
- Remove the hull material from the definition of ‘modifier’ on vessels with a hull at least 15 years old
AMSA is proposing to stop using hull material as a criteria for deciding if an older vessel needs more frequent surveys. Age is the most significant factor for determining a vessel’s risk and all vessels with a hull at least 15 years old will be required to undergo more frequent survey.
- Allow AMSA to make determinations and approvals on AMSA’s initiative
AMSA is proposing to enable AMSA to make determinations or approvals in specified circumstances without the need for an application. This will reduce administrative burden and allow vessels to use correct standards or approvals without delay.
Where to from here?
AMSA is seeking industry comments. Comments close at midnight on 20 April 2026.
Please go to ‘Proposed changes to certificate of survey requirements | Australian Maritime Safety Authority’ to view to proposed changes.
To see existing rules go to: Marine order 503 – Certificates of survey – national law | Australian Maritime Safety Authority
How to submit feedback
- Make a submission online using the form below
- Contact AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484 – a Customer Service Officer will take your feedback verbally over the phone
- Send an email to [email protected].
Respond in Have your Say section ‘Have your say on proposed changes to certificate of survey requirements | Australian Maritime Safety Authority’
Send WAFIC your comments for inclusion in an industry submission with Seafood Industry Australia. [email protected]