Commercial fisher

Stay up-to-date with compliance requirements and safety best practice for Australian commercial fishing vessels.

Commercial fisher wearing a lifejacket and safety gear hosing the deck

Keep your operation compliant

Certificates

Renew your certificate of competency (CoC)
Renew every 5 years.

Certificate of medical fitness for near coastal seafarers (form 1850)
When you renew your CoC, you’ll need to submit this form.

Renew a certificate of operation (CoO) (form 553)
Renew the CoO for your vessel every 5 years.

When is a general purpose hand certificate required? (PDF,115KB)
Check this if you employ crew who don’t have a ticket yet.

Equipment lists

Safety management system

Safety management system (SMS) requirements
Check you're meeting the requirements that came into effect on 1 June 2025.

Is your vessel eligible for a simplified SMS?
Vessels less than 7.5m long may be eligible.

Navigation and watchkeeping
Make sure your crew have the right qualifications.

Vessel stability
Requirements and safety best practice for fishing vessels.

Fatigue management
How to manage the risk of fatigue on your vessel.

Lifejackets on fishing vessels
Examples from Australian fisheries to help you develop a procedure for lifejacket wear.

Checklist: Solo operators (PDF,149KB)
A checklist to help you reduce the risks of working alone, and come home safe.

Environment

Pollution from fishing vessels
Make sure you're complying with oil and garbage pollution laws. 

Safety lessons

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Last updated: 4 March 2026