On this page:
- Download exemption 04
- Latest changes
- What this exemption allows you to do
- Conditions
- Exclusions
- How to apply
- Related legislation and standards
- Superseded
In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028.
Latest changes
An updated version of exemption 04 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.
What this exemption allows you to do
Exemption 04 allows a DCV to operate for recreational purposes without meeting the crewing requirements and operational area limitations required by the national law and a vessel’s certificate of operation.
Conditions
While operating under Exemption 04 you must:
- only use the vessel for recreational use and not use it at the same time in connection with a commercial, governmental or research activity
- comply with maximum load and passenger restrictions
- comply with local recreational vessel requirements, except those requiring the vessel to be registered as a recreational vessel or to meet Australian Builder’s Plate requirements
- record the risks of operating recreationally and how you will manage them in the safety management system
- secure or isolate any powered equipment, lifting equipment or other machinery that could pose a danger to passengers
- record any recreational use in the logbook.
Exemption 04 does not make your vessel a recreational vessel. DCV requirements other than crewing and operational area limitations still apply.
Exclusions
These activities aren’t covered by Exemption 04.
Chartering a vessel
Exemption 04 does not apply if someone charters a boat to you and you want to use it recreationally, because chartering a vessel is a commercial activity.
If the owner uses it recreationally - for example to take friends fishing - the owner may be able to operate under Exemption 04.
Relocating a vessel
Exemption 04 cannot be used to take a DCV overseas or to relocate it.
How to apply
You do not need to apply to us for this exemption.
Related legislation and standards
- Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements—national law)
- National Standard for Commercial Vessels
Superseded
Refer to superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.