Exemption 10 - Marine Safety (Operation of fishing vessels)

This exemption allows eligible people to work as a master on a commercial fishing vessel in parts of Queensland without the required certificate of competency.

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In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.

Latest changes

An updated version of exemption 10 came into effect on 1 July 2025.  

We reissued the previous version with no policy changes.  

You do not need to apply to use this exemption.  

If you previously used this exemption, review the updated exemption to ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria. 

What this exemption allows you to do

Exemption 10 allows you to perform the functions and duties of a master of a domestic commercial fishing vessel operating in parts of Queensland without the required certificate of competency. 

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for Exemption 10, the vessel and master must meet the following criteria.

Vessel

The vessel must be either:

  • a fishing vessel less than 15m long, operating in the fishing ship operational area as defined in Schedule 11 to the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2004 (Qld) in force on 30 June 2013
  • a tender boat operating as authorised under the Fisheries Act 1994 (Qld) as a fishing vessel.

Master

You must hold one of the following:

  • Coxswain grade 1 near coastal certificate of competency  
  • Recreational marine driver licence - if operating a tender boat as a fishing vessel. 

How to apply

You do not need to apply to use this exemption.

You will need to present copies of documents that prove your eligibility to authorities if requested. These documents should be kept in your safety management system. 

Related legislation and standards

Superseded

Refer to superseded, repealed and expired marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption. 

Author

Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Last updated: 7 July 2025