On this page:
- Download exemption 16
- What this exemption allows you to do
- Eligibility requirements
- How to apply
- Got a question?
- Related legislation
- Superseded
In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.
What this exemption allows you to do
Exemption 16 allows traditional inhabitants to perform duties and functions of a master on a traditional inhabitant fishing boat without the required certificate of competency. The vessel can only be used for fishing when operating under this exemption.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for exemption 16, you must:
- be a traditional inhabitant of the area where you’ll fish
- hold either:
- Coxswain grade 2 near coastal certificate, or
- a recreational boat licence, and
- at a minimum a Certificate I, issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework, which includes these courses:
- SFIVOP204 — Operate and maintain outboard motors*, or
- MARC037 — Operate inboard and outboard motors*, and
- MARSS00008 — Shipboard Safety Skill Set or equivalent units from the MAR maritime training package*.
- hold a Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP)**.
- hold a current first aid certificate - HLTAID0011 (Provide first aid).
*AMSA may accept other training courses as proof that you meet the eligibility criteria. Contact us to find out.
** Visit the Office of Maritime Communications to find out how to apply for a SROCP.
How to apply
You do not need to apply to use this exemption.
You will need to present copies of documents that prove your eligibility to authorities if requested. Most of these documents should already be kept in your safety management system.
To prove that you are a traditional inhabitant under this exemption, keep a copy of one of these documents on board:
- Traditional inhabitant boat licence, or
- completed AMSA’s Identity Declaration – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons (Form 162).
Got a question?
Ask us anything about the traditional inhabitant fishing exemption.
Here to help (Mela iya bla elp)
When you ask a question, we will put you in touch with an AMSA staff member who is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crew and vessel operators. Our staff are based in regional areas like Cairns and Thursday Island.
Artwork: Baydham by Badu Island (Torres Strait) artist Michael Nona.
Want to speak to someone instead?
Contact the AMSA Connect contact centre on 1800 627 484 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm AEDT (excluding national public holidays).
Related legislation
Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency—national law)
Superseded
Refer to superseded, repealed and expired marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.