Read a summary of results from the consultation on Marine order 16 (MO16) and Marine order 19 (MO19) and download a copy of the full report.
About the changes
MO16 gives effect to the International Convention on Load Lines. It sets out requirements for:
- vessel certification as proof of survey and compliance with the convention
- vessel load line markings
- determining when a vessel is considered overloaded.
MO19 implements the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships. It deals with vessel certification as proof of compliance.
The proposed changes to MO16 and MO19 were drafted in consultation with key stakeholders to:
- clarify that when an Australian recreational vessel operating as a commercial yacht becomes a regulated Australian vessel (RAV), it is subject to the International Convention on Load Lines and MO16 applies to it
- give AMSA or a recognised organisation (RO) the power to issue International Tonnage Certificates to eligible Australian-flagged recreational vessels
- allow domestic commercial vessel (DCV) owners to apply for an International Tonnage Certificate
- make updates to both marine orders for consistency with other contemporary marine orders.
Overall result
The updated marine orders will come into effect on 1 September 2025.
Consultation period
18 February to 31 March 2025
Feedback
AMSA did not receive any submissions during the public consultation period.
The draft marine orders were finalised with minor editorial changes based on further internal review.
Download report
Read a copy of the full report in PDF.
Find out more
Last updated: 1 September 2025