On this page:
Who pays it?
Unless exempt, the marine navigation levy (MNL) is payable by any sea-going vessel that calls at an Australian port and is:
- a commercial vessel
- 24 metres or more in length.
The levy operates on a self-service basis - owners and operators calculate their own liability and pay the levy directly.
If you are required to pay the MNL, you must also pay the marine navigation (regulatory functions) levy (RFL). The protection of the sea levy (PSL) will also apply to the vessel.
Exempt vessels
A vessel does not have to pay the MNL if it is exempt under the Marine Navigation Levy Collection Regulations 2018.
Exempt vessels include:
- recreational vessels (as defined in the Navigation Act 2012)
- a vessel carrying only ballast, that is not a tug, and is in an Australian port only for a purpose other than loading cargo or taking passengers
- a vessel visiting an Australian port only to:
- load fuel, provisions or water to complete a voyage
- complete crew changes, or
- carry out repairs
- a vessel used only for fishing or attending on a fishing vessel
- a vessel used only for a charitable purpose.
When do you have to pay?
You must pay the MNL:
- For a vessel that trades solely between Australian ports: each quarter.
- For vessels entering Australian ports from overseas: on the day the vessel arrives in an Australian port, and each quarter it continues to operate in Australian waters.
The MNL should be paid at the same time as the RFL and PSL.
We do not issue invoices for levies
Vessel owners and operators are responsible for ensuring levy payments are up to date.
You can check your levy expiry date, calculate any amounts due and make payment on the levy payment portal.
Go to the levy payment portal
You will receive a receipt (valid for 3 months) when the MNL is paid.
How much is the MNL?
The MNL is calculated based on the vessel’s net tonnage and movements.
For a detailed explanation of the MNL calculation method, refer to the levy ready reckoner PDF372.04 KB.
Check the levy amount due using our levy calculator.
Find out more about the MNL
The cost of operating and maintaining aids to navigations as a service to ships in the commercial shipping industry is recovered through the MNL.
For more information, refer to:
You can also contact the AMSA Levy team:
- Phone: +61 2 6279 5801
- Email: levyqueries@amsa.gov.au