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Register of changes

Read about the changes we have made to the NSCV since 2020.

To read the current editions, see the National Standard for Commercial Vessels page.

To read the superseded editions of the NSCV, see the Superseded standards for commercial vessels page.

1 January 2023

Standard Edition number Notes
NSCV C2 - Watertight and Weathertight Integrity Edition 1.0

This Section of the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) was developed after a review of these Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code Sections: 

  • 5C Watertight subdivision of passenger vessels 
  • 5D Watertight subdivision of Class 2 and Class 3 vessels and 
  • 7 Load lines. 

This was the final USL Code design and construction standard to be modernised and replaced by the NSCV. 

Until 1 January 2025 it is voluntary for new vessels to comply with NSCV C2.  See GES 2022/1 (PDF 210.13 KB).

Until 1 January 2025 we will allow vessels to comply with either NSCV section C2 or the USL Code sections 5C, 5D and 7 (see link below). 

From 1 January 2025, vessels that enter commercial use for the first time must comply with NSCV C2.
NSCV Part B - General requirements Edition 2.4 These standards were updated because of the NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No 1, 2022. We made minor editorial amendments to eight NSCVs to address the revocation of NSCV Part D. Read the full list of changes: NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No1 2022 (PDF 241.31 KB)
NSCV C6B - Buoyancy and stability after flooding   Edition 1.4
NSCV C6C - Stability tests and stability information   Edition 2.4
NSCV C7A - Safety Edition 3.9
NSCV C7B - Communications equipment Edition 1.6
NSCV C7C - Navigation equipment Edition 1.4
NSCV F1A - General requirements for fast craft Edition 1.3
NSCV F1C - Category F2 fast craft Edition 1.5

1 April 2022

Standard Edition number Notes
NSCV C3 - Construction Edition 1.3

These standards were updated because of the Omnibus amendments instrument No 1, 2021. We made minor editorial amendments to six NSCVs to address minor issues in nature raised by industry. 

Read the full list of changes: NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No1 2021 (PDF 518.45 KB)
NSCV C6B - Buoyancy and stability after flooding Edition 1.3
NSCV C6C - Stability tests and stability information Edition 2.3
NSCV C7D - Anchoring Edition 1.4
NSCV F2 - Leisure Craft Edition 2.7
NSCV Part G - Non survey vessels Edition 2.5

1 January 2021

Standard Edition number Notes
NSCV C7B – Communications equipment Edition 1.5

AMSA amended this sub-section to include alternative arrangements for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) on small vessels <7.5m operating in open waters (offshore operations (B waters) or restricted offshore operations (C waters)).

Consequential changes were also made to NSCV Section F2 (Leisure craft) and NSCV Part G (Non-survey vessels).

1 January 2020

Standard Edition number Notes
NSCV C5B - Electrical Edition 3.0

A full review to reflect the new AMSA requirement for vessels to comply with their state or territory electrical regulator’s requirements as applicable. 

Be aware that people performing electrical work on low and high voltage systems must meet state and territory electrical licencing requirements. Contact your local electrical safety or WHS regulator for details.

Last updated: 

Friday 13 October 2023