Exemption 21 - Marine Safety (Operator vehicular ferry-in-chains)

Under the changes to MO505, individuals can no longer apply for the ferry-in-chains Exemption 21.

Exemption 21 expires on 30 June 2025 and will not be renewed.

Before the exemption expires, you will need to hold a ferry-in chains endorsement with a National Law certificate of competency.

To ensure the continuity of your operations, please take action at least 90 days before your exemption expires.

You can no longer apply for the ferry-in-chains Exemption 21.

To operate a ferry-in-chains you need to apply for the ferry-in-chains endorsement. This endorsement can be added to a new or existing certificate of competency.

If you hold a current ferry-in-chains exemption you can continue to operate under the exemption up to the expiry date outlined on the exemption document.

What this exemption allows current Exemption 21 holders to do

Exemption 21 lets existing holders perform the duties of master on a vehicular ferry-in-chains attached to the shore by cable without a certificate of competency.

Additional restrictions may have been imposed on operations depending on the condition of the waters the holder is operating in.

What happens when Exemption 21 expires

If you hold a current Exemption 21 you will need to obtain a certificate of competency with a ferry-in-chains endorsement before your issued exemption expires.

The simplest pathway to compliance if you have a current recreational licence is to:

apply for the Coxswain Grade 3 using AMSA form 426
fill out and submit the Coxswain grade 3 NC Declaration (AMSA form 1882) to show completion of the practical on- water tasks.

Please note the ferry-in-chains endorsement will only be available to individuals in physical possession of an AMSA-issued Coxswain Grade 3 certificate of competency card.

You may also obtain a vehicular ferry-in-chains endorsement with a current Coxswain Grade 1, 2 or 3 certificate, a Master (Inland waters) certificate, or a Master <24m certificate.