What this exemption will allow you to do 

Marine Order 54 (Torres Strait Draught Variation) – Exemption 2021 enables AMSA-licensed coastal pilots to pilot a vessel through Torres Strait with a maximum draught up to 12.5 metres. 

The exemption is subject to certain conditions, including that the vessel must have:  

• an active UKCM system transit plan for the whole time the vessel is within the Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system monitoring area 
• a complete hard copy of the activated UKCM system transit plan onboard for the intended transit 
• a fully functioning type-approved Class A Automatic Identification System (AIS) onboard. 

No changes have been made to the minimum distance required between the bottom of the vessel and the seabed for vessels transiting Torres Strait (as prescribed in Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014). 

Legislation and incorporated material

• Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014

Related information

• Under Keel Clearance Management 
• Under Keel Clearance Management in Torres Strait   

Superseded

Marine Order 54 (Torres Strait draught variation) – Exemption 2019 (No.3) PDF2.11 MB - In force 1 July 2019  
Marine Order 54 (UKCM system compulsory usage draught limit) – Exemption 2018 (No.5) PDF366.11 KB – In force 27 September 2018