Exemption 22 - Marine Safety (Bareboats)

This exemption allows people to operate a bareboat without the required certificate of competency.

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In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028.

An updated version of exemption 22 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 22 allows people holding a Coxswain grade 1 near coastal (NC) certificate of competency to engage in bareboat operations without the certificate of competency that’s usually required.  

It does not exempt an operator from any other aspects of the national law, including minimum crewing requirements.  

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for exemption 22, you must:

  • hold a valid Coxswain grade 1 NC certificate of competency
  • be involved in bareboat operations.  

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. These documents should already be kept in your safety management system.

Definitions

Bareboat

A bareboat is a vessel that’s:

  • a Class 4D or 4C vessel
  • less than 15 m in length
  • used as a hire and drive vessel.

Bareboat operation

A bareboat operation includes any of the following activities within a designated bareboat operational area: 

  • operating the bareboat’s service vessel
  • delivering the bareboat.

Bareboat operational area

This term refers to specific areas where bareboat operations are permitted and limited by the marine safety agency of a state or the Northern Territory. 

Related legislation and standards

Superseded

Refer to superseded, repealed and expired marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption. 

Last updated: 14 July 2025