On this page:
- Download exemption 36
- Latest changes
- What this exemption allows you to do
- Eligibility requirements
- How to apply
- Related legislation and standards
- Superseded
In force 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2030.
Latest changes
An updated version of exemption 36 came into effect on 1 July 2025.
We remade the previous version with no policy changes.
What this exemption allows you to do
Exemption 36 allows a person to perform the duties of chief engineer without a Marine engine driver (MED) grade 2 or 3 near coastal (NC) certificate of competency on either:
- a vessel that has steam as its main method of propulsion with propulsion power less than 750 kilowatts
- a specific vessel approved by AMSA that has steam as the main method of propulsion with propulsion power less than 750 kilowatts.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for exemption 36 you must comply with:
- Option 1 or 2, and
- Other requirements.
- Option 1: Proof of sea service and other required training on a steam vessel
You must:
- be at least 16 years old
- hold a statement of attainment from a registered training organisation, for the following units from the MAR Maritime Training Package:
- MARF028 Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel or equivalent
- MARF029 Meet work health and safety requirements or equivalent
- MARF060 Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment or equivalent.
- have completed at least 100 hours of sea service on vessels with steam as the main propulsion power undertaking duties as a general purpose hand or as an assistant to an engineer, an engine driver, a chief engineer or a second engineer
- meet the medical and eyesight requirements for a MED Grade 3 NC certificate of competency
- hold a Basic Boiler Licence or a licence to operate a standard boiler (VET Code MSMBLIC001 or equivalent) issued by a state or territory authority
- complete relevant task book requirements
- pass a final assessment.
- Option 2: Current steam certificate under the Navigation Act 2012
You must hold one of the following certificates:
- Engineer class 1 (Steam)
- Engineer class 2 (Steam)
- Engineer watchkeeper endorsed as chief engineer less than 3000 kilowatts near coastal (Steam).
- Other requirements
You must also:
- hold a valid first aid certificate (for a vessel carrying passengers)
- have completed MARF030 Survive at sea using survival craft or equivalent (for a vessel carrying a life raft or survival raft)
- tell us, in writing, of any long term or permanent medical condition that is likely to affect your ability to perform your duties
- undergo any medical examination we consider necessary to demonstrate whether you are able to perform the duties to which the exemption applies
- not perform any duties if we consider that an examination shows that you are no longer able to perform those duties*.
*Note: You may resume the duties if you pass a further medical examination.
We may ask you to comply with other conditions based on local conditions or ones that we consider necessary for marine safety.
How to apply
Option 1
To operate under Option 1, you will need to apply through AMSA form 758 and provide supporting documents to confirm you meet the eligibility criteria.
Option 2
You do not need to apply for approval to operate under Option 2.
Keep copies of these documents on board to prove you are eligible:
- relevant steam certificate
- copy of first aid certificate
- copy of statement of attainment for MARF030.
Present these documents to authorities if requested. We accept printed or electronic copies.
Related legislation and standards
Superseded
Refer to superseded, repealed and expired marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.