Exemption 17 - Marine Safety (Great Barrier Reef Region and Torres Strait zone)

This exemption allows people to work as a master or chief mate on a vessel operating in the Great Barrier Reef or Torres Strait Zone or from a Queensland island without the required certificate.

On this page:

 

Download EX17 - Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Zone PDF359.1 KB

In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.

Latest changes

An updated version of exemption 17 came into effect on 1 July 2025.  

You do not need to apply to use this exemption.  

Current exemption holders: Review the updated exemption to ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria.

The updated exemption includes minor editorial changes that do not change the way the exemption operates.  

What this exemption allows you to do  

Exemption 17 allows you to perform master or chief mate duties without the certificate of competency (CoC) that's usually required.

The vessel must still be operated within the operational area specified on the certificate of operation.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for exemption 17, you must meet the requirements relevant to your area of operation.

Great Barrier Reef Region and Torres Strait zone  

You can perform the duties of a master or chief mate if you hold the required certificate of competency for the vessel class and service category outlined in the table below.

Vessel class and service categoryVessel lengthDuties that can be performed Certificate of competency you can hold
1C
2C
3C
<80 mMasterMaster <35 m NC* or
Master <45 m NC
1C
2C
3C
<80 mChief mateMaster <24 m NC

DCVs in service category 1D, 1E, 2D and 2E that are permanently based at an anchored pontoon that is in service category Class 1E. 

The vessel in sight of and is capable of communicating with the pontoon. 

Not applicableMaster
Coxswain Grade 1 NC or
Coxswain Grade 2 NC  

*Note: From 1 January 2023, people who hold a Master <35 m certificate are automatically able to do the job of a Master <45 m. This includes acting as chief mate or deck watchkeeper on a vessel <100m long in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).  

Map: See the area defined as the Torres Strait zone under this exemption.

Great Barrier Reef Region: pontoons only

Circumstances where you can perform the duties of a master or chief mate without the certificate of competency that’s usually required.

Vessel class and service categoryVessel lengthDuties that can be performedCertificate of competency you can hold
DCV that is a pontoon in service category 1E<80 mMasterMaster <35 m NC* or
Master <45 m NC
DCV that is a pontoon in service category 1E<80 mChief mateMaster <24 m NC

*Note: From 1 January 2023, people who hold a Master <35 m certificate are automatically able to do the job of a Master <45 m. This includes acting as chief mate or deck watchkeeper on a vessel <100m long in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

Queensland Island

Circumstances where you can perform the duties of a master without the certificate of competency that’s usually required.

Vessel class and service categoryVessel lengthDuties that can be performedCertificate of competency you can hold

DCVs in service category 1D, 1E, 2D or 2E operating from a Queensland island.

The vessel is in sight of, and is capable of communicating with, the island. 

Not applicableMasterCoxswain Grade 1 NC or
Coxswain Grade 2 NC 

See a list of all circumstances PDF128.69 KB where you can perform the duties of a master or chief mate without the certificate of competency that's usually required.

How to apply

You do not need to apply to us for this exemption.  

You will need to present copies of documents that prove your eligibility to authorities if requested. These documents should already be on board in your safety management system.

Related legislation

Superseded versions

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

Author

Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Last updated: 24 July 2025