Exemption 03 - Marine Safety (Certificates of operation)

An updated version of exemption 03 came into effect on 1 July 2025.  

We reissued the previous version with these minor policy and editorial changes to reflect the updated Marine Order 504 - Certificates of Operation.

You do not need to apply to use this exemption.

Current exemption holders: Review the updated exemption to ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria.   

Note: A vessel that meets the eligibility criteria and conditions of this exemption can operate with a simplified SMS if eligible. 

Download EX03 - Certificates of operation PDF237.19 KB

Eligible vessels are detailed in Schedule 1. If your vessel is one of the following, it may be eligible:  

• tenders (including auxiliaries) 
• Class 2 or 3 vessels that  
  • are less than 7.5m long,
  • operate in sheltered waters only, and
  • do not carry passengers
• human powered vessels
• sailing vessels
• personal watercraft
• dragon boats
• bait gathering vessels

Please refer to the exemption to determine if your vessel meets the criteria in Schedule 1. All domestic commercial vessels are required to have a certificate of operation unless exempt.

What this exemption will allow you to do

You will not need to apply for approval for this exemption as long as you comply with the conditions mentioned in Schedule 1. 

Exemption 03 exempts certain kinds of vessels and vessel operations from the requirement to have a certificate of operation, provided vessels comply with the conditions set out in Schedule 1 of this exemption.

However, a vessel does not need to comply with the conditions set out in Schedule 1 if:

• we have given written approval for a vessel to operate in a way that does not comply with the condition 
• the specified period of time is no more than 90 days
• further conditions on the approval are complied with.

Conditions attached to a certificate of operation

Certain kinds of vessels that are required to have a certificate of operation may be exempt from the conditions on the certificate, provided the vessel complies with the conditions set out in Schedule 2 of this exemption. 

Legislation and standards

• Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation - national law)
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels 
• Exemption 04—Marine safety (Recreational use) exemption
• Exemption 07—Marine safety (Temporary operations) exemption

Superseded

Refer to superseded, repealed and expired marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.