Exemption 16 - Marine Safety (Traditional fishing)

On this page:

• Download exemption 16
• Latest changes
• What this exemption allows you to do
• Eligibility requirements
• How to apply
• Related legislation
• Superseded

Download EX16 - Traditional fishing PDF318.28 KB

In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.

Latest changes

An updated version of exemption 16 came into effect on 1 July 2025.  

We reissued the previous version with no policy changes.  

You do not need to apply to use this exemption.  

If you previously used this exemption, review the updated exemption to ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria. 

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:

1. be a traditional inhabitant of the area where you’ll fish
2. 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*.
3. hold a Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP)**.  
4. hold a current first aid certificate - HLTAID0011 (Provide first aid).

Notes

*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).  

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Superseded

Refer to superseded, repealed and expired marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.