Print or save

Superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions

This page provides previous versions of general exemptions for reference. Some may have expired, been renewed, or been repealed. Links to the current version of exemptions that remain in force are also provided.

Show all / Hide all

Exemption 01 - Marine Safety (Vessel identifiers)

Exemption 01 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 02 - Marine Safety (Certificates of survey)

Exemption 02 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 03 - Marine Safety (Certificates of operation)

Exemption 03 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 04 - Marine Safety (Recreational use)

Exemption 04 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 05 -  Marine safety (tenders and auxiliary vessels) exemption

Exemption 05 is no longer in force.

Exemption 06 - Marine Safety (Periodic survey, equipment certification and compass adjustment)

Exemption 06 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 07 - Marine safety (Temporary operations) exemption

Exemption 07 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 08 - Marine safety (temporary service) exemption

Exemption 08 is no longer in force.

Exemption 09 - Marine Safety (temporary crewing)

Exemption 09 is no longer in force.

Exemption 10 - Marine Safety (Operation of fishing vessels)

Exemption 10 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 11 - Marine safety (heritage vessels) exemption

Exemption 11 is no longer in force.

Exemption 12 - Marine safety (inland waters) exemption

Exemption 12 is no longer in force.

Exemption 13 - Marine Safety (Wildlife or other sightseeing)

Exemption 13 expired on 30 June 2025.

Exemption 13 is no longer in force. If you previously held this exemption, you will need to hold a certificate of competency, such as a Coxswain Grade 3, or Coxswain Grade 2 - depending on your operations. You may be able to apply for a specific exemption (SPEX) if there are extraordinary reasons for not being able to comply with the applicable requirements.

Exemption 14 - Marine Safety (Sea rangers)

Exemption 14 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 15 - Marine Safety (Scientific research and educational activities)

Exemption 15 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 16 - Marine Safety (Traditional fishing)

Exemption 16 is in force. See the current version.

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

Exemption 17 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 18 - Marine Safety (Sail)

Exemption 18 expired on 30 June 2025.

Exemption 18 is no longer in force. If you previously held this exemption, you will need to hold a certificate of competency such as a Sailing Master Coastal NC or a Sailing Master Offshore NC. 

Exemption 19 - Marine safety (school vessels) exemption

Exemption 19 is no longer in force.

Exemption 20 - Marine safety (special operations) exemption

Exemption 20 is no longer in force.

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

Exemption 21 expired on 30 June 2025.

Exemption 21 is no longer in force. If you previously held this exemption, you will need to hold a ferry-in chains endorsement with a national law certificate of competency.

Exemption 22 - Marine Safety (Bareboats)

Exemption 22 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 23 - Marine Safety (Masters or crew without certificates)

Exemption 23 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 24 - Marine Safety (Emergency services vessels)

Exemption 24 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 25 - Marine Safety (Old certificates of competency - local restrictions)

Exemption 25 expired on 30 June 2025.

Exemption 25 is no longer in force. If you previously held this exemption, you will need a national law certificate of competency if you need to operate outside of the conditions on your old certificate.

You can obtain a national law certificate using your old certificate of competency. To learn how to do this, see guidance for holders of perpetual certificates and domestic certificates that expired more than 5 years ago. 

Exemption 26 - Marine safety (expired certificates) exemption

Exemption 26 is no longer in force.

Exemption 27 - Marine safety (bait gathering) exemption

Exemption 27 is no longer in force.

Exemption 28 - Marine safety (NSCV parts E and F) exemption

Exemption 28 is no longer in force.

Exemption 28 - Marine safety (safety management systems) exemption

Exemption 28 is no longer in force.

Exemption 29 - Marine safety (recording activities) exemption

Exemption 29 is no longer in force.

Exemption 30 - Marine safety (Navigation Act seafarer qualifications) exemption

Exemption 30 is no longer in force.

Exemption 31 - Marine Safety (Expired pre-USL Code certificates)

Exemption 31 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 32 - Marine safety (Jurien Bay harbour entrance) exemption

Exemption 32 is no longer in force.

Exemption 33 - Marine safety (Sailing vessels with motor propulsion)

Exemption 33 expired on 30 June 2025.

Exemption 33 is no longer in force. If you previously held this exemption, you will need to hold a certificate of competency such as a Sailing Master Coastal NC or a Sailing Master Offshore NC. If you are only performing the engineering role on a sailing vessel, you must hold a marine engine driver or sailing certificate of competency.

Exemption 34 - Marine safety (expired perpetual certificates) exemption

Exemption 34 is no longer in force.

Exemption 35 - Marine safety (flyboards) exemption

Exemption 35 is no longer in force.

Exemption 36 - Marine Safety (Steam-powered vessels)

Exemption 36 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 37 - Marine Safety (Dragon boats) exemption 

Exemption 37 is no longer in force.

Exemption 38 - Marine Safety (Low complexity duties) exemption

Exemption 38 is no longer in force.

Exemption 38 (Waters) - approval
Exemption 39 - Marine Safety (Lifejacket lights)

Exemption 39 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 40 - Marine Safety (Class C restricted operations)

Exemption 40 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 41 - Marine Safety (Unpowered barges)

Exemption 41 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 44 - (Domestic commercial vessels - EIAPP certificate)

Exemption 44 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 45 - (General Purpose Hand) exemption

Exemption 45 is no longer in force.

  • In force 1 January 2023–21 December 2023
Exemption 46 (Coxswain Grade 3) exemption

Exemption 46 is no longer in force.

Exemption 48 - Marine Safety (Houseboats)

Exemption 48 is in force. See the current version.

Exemption 49 – Marine Safety (Domestic commercial vessels – compliance with international standards)

Exemption 49 is in force. See the current version.

Torres Strait Zone—Schedule 1—Exemptions

 

Related information

Last updated: 13 July 2026

I am a...