On this page:
- Download exemption 04
- 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- Superseded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.
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Superseded
Refer to superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.