On this page
- Latest changes
- What the exemption allows
- Eligibility requirements
- Permitted activities
- Fees and payments
- Crewing, training and assessment requirements
- Multi-agency crewing
- How to apply
- Download the exemption
In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030
Latest changes
An updated exemption 24 came into effect on 1 July 2025 PDF240.84 KB.
The revised exemption covers:
- consistent crew competency requirements for all volunteer emergency services
- easier crew-sharing between emergency service organisations
- updated guidelines for activities conducted under the exemption
- additional training for larger vessels
- flexible arrangements for trainers and assessors
- reduced radio competency requirements
From 1 July, Exemption 24 will only relate to crew competency requirements. Emergency service vessels are subject to the same requirements as other domestic commercial vessels. They must be fit for purpose and appropriately certified for their operations.
You do not need to apply to use this exemption.
If you are an emergency service organisation not covered by the exemption and you need different crew competency requirements, you can apply for a specific exemption. Use form AMSA 547 to apply.
Find out more about what changed and why in our guide to exemption 24 PDF192.06 KB and consultation feedback report.
What the exemption allows
Exemption 24 permits eligible volunteer emergency services to crew their vessels using trained volunteers without holding the certificate of competency that's usually required.
This exemption only relates to crew competency. Emergency service vessels must still meet the same requirements as other domestic commercial vessels, including:
- having a valid permission, certification or approval for the vessel, and any operations and activities (such as a non-survey vessel approval, Class C restricted operations vessel approval or a certificate of survey)
- being listed on a certificate of operation (unless exempt)
- operating under a safety management system (SMS) that meets the requirements of Marine Order 504
- displaying a unique vessel identifier (UVI) (unless exempt).
You do not need to apply to use this exemption
Eligibility requirements
To use this exemption, both the crew and organisation must be eligible.
Master and crew
Under exemption 24, masters and crew do not need a certificate of competency if they:
- are undertaking permitted activities (described below)
- meet competency requirements
- are either:
- a worker (staff or volunteer) of an eligible organisation such as a volunteer marine rescue organisation (VMR), state emergency service (SES) or a volunteer fire service organisation
- a volunteer of other emergency service organisations.
Eligible organisations
The exemption applies to eligible master and crew working on vessels operated by:
- emergency service organisations (ESOs)
- volunteer marine rescue organisations (VMRs)
- fire service organisations (FSOs)
Emergency service organisations:
- are established to provide emergency response, management or disaster relief
- have responsibilities assigned by a state, territory or the Australian Government during emergencies
Examples: SES or surf lifesaving organisations.
Volunteer marine rescue organisations:
- focus on marine rescue, public safety or search activities
- have responsibilities assigned by a state, territory or the Australian Government during emergencies
Fire service organisations:
- prevent or suppress fires
- protect people and property from fire-related danger or harm
Find full definitions of eligible organisations in the exemption.
Permitted activities
Under this exemption, vessels can:
- conduct search and rescue
- emergency or disaster response activities
- fire-fighting
- mitigate threats to public safety
- other related incidental activities
Other incidental activities may include:
- transporting individuals and/or equipment to and from incidents
- training volunteers or employees
- promoting public awareness
- pollution incident support
Excluded activities
Examples of activities not covered under the exemption include:
- charter activities such as scheduled (non-urgent) medical transfers
- towing outside a search and rescue event
- recreational boat licence training
- other commercial activities
Operational judgment
You may need to decide on a case-by-case basis if an operation or activity is permitted. Example scenarios include:
- unexpected events that are likely to become an emergency without emergency services intervention
- emergency towing to a practical safe haven
- remote area medical transfers where commercial services are not available.
Fees and payments
Under this exemption, organisations:
- cannot charge fees or seek payment for any services or activities conducted under the exemption. This excludes government funding arrangements.
- may accept unsolicited donations, including after a rescue.
Commercial activities are not permitted under exemption 24
If your organisation conducts commercial activities, you must comply with the full National Law requirements, including crew competency requirements, while undertaking these activities.
Crewing, training and assessment requirements
To operate under exemption 24, all masters and crew must meet minimum standards, training and assessment requirements for their role. A training record for all masters and crew must be kept.
Crewing requirements
To be a master or crew member under this exemption, a person must:
- be at least 16 years old
- meet medical and eyesight standards
- inform the operator of any relevant long term or permanent medical conditions that could impact their duties
- meet their organisation’s internal training and recordkeeping requirements
- only carry out duties or functions if they have met the relevant competency, training and assessment requirements for their role.
Existing certifications and qualifications
People certified by a VMR before 1 July 2018 can continue carrying out duties under that approval.
Masters or crew with a valid National Law certificate of competency can operate within the limits of their certification.
Training requirements by role
| Role or function | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Master a vessel operating in inland waters or personal watercraft (PWC) |
OR
|
Crew or deckhand Not required for crew in inland waters or on PWCs Less than 500kW inboard engine |
|
Master up to 3nm from shore or sheltered waters Less than 12m long Less than 500kW inboard engine (no limit on outboard) |
|
Master beyond 3nm (up to 30nm or 50nm in QLD Great Barrier Reef region or Torres Strait Zone) Less than 24m long Less than 500kW inboard engine (no limit on outboard) |
*MAR units Survival at sea using survival craft and Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion and auxiliary systems are only required if applicable. |
| Master 12–24m vessels (from 1 July 2026) |
*This is due to increased complexity of the machinery, ancillary and auxiliary equipment. Details in the exemption. |
MAR training packages
Accredited courses must be delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO).
Non-accredited courses must be delivered by a validated trainer or a supporting trainer under direction.
A validated trainer must:
- meet RTO trainer requirements (for example hold relevant credentials such as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment).
A supporting trainer must:
- have relevant maritime experience or vocational competencies
- deliver training under the direction of a validated trainer.
A validated trainer must oversee and guide training when it's delivered under direction. They ensure the quality of training provided and that it meets the training package requirements.
Assessment
All masters and crew must pass an assessment by a validated assessor confirming competence to undertake their duties (apart from those operating a PWC or in inland waters who instead need to complete the relevant in-house training).
Validated assessors must:
- be a validated trainer, or
- hold a current assessor skill set - TAESS00019, TAESS00011, TAESS00001 (or successor).
A supporting assessor who has relevant maritime experience or vocational competencies can gather evidence for assessment under validated trainer direction.
Only validated assessors can make the final assessment judgement.
Multi-agency crewing
You can crew a vessel using volunteers from other eligible organisations under the exemption.
The vessel owner must ensure all crew meet the training and assessment requirements.
The vessel owner must also ensure all masters and crew receive proper induction, safety and emergency training. This is part of the vessel’s safety management system as per Marine Order 504.
How to apply
You do not need to apply to use this exemption.
Download the exemption
For previous versions of exemption 24, go to superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions.