Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey – national law) 2018 (MO503) outlines when a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) needs a certificate of survey, and related survey requirements. These requirements help ensure that commercial vessels operating in Australia are safe and seaworthy.
As part of AMSA’s ongoing review of the survey framework, we are asking for feedback on some proposed changes to MO503. Most of these changes are administrative. They aim to:
- improve clarity
- reduce red tape in some areas, and
- make the marine order more practical, and easier to use.
We have also identified ways to better support new and emerging vessel technologies. This includes changes to clarify how we treat 'novel vessels' under the survey framework.
Changes and draft order
- Proposed changes
- Draft Marine Order
- Have your say
Key dates
2026
- 23 February 2026 - Consultation opens
- 20 April 2026 - Consultation closes
- TBC - Consultation feedback report
2027
- 1 February 2027 - Proposed commencement of revised marine order
What changes are we seeking feedback on?
The key proposed changes include:
- clarifying requirements for novel vessels
- clarifying the standards for vessels that choose to be surveyed by a recognised organisation
- clarifying the triggers for transitional vessel standards and timing for renewal surveys
- implementing the new NSCV Part C2 (Watertight and weathertight integrity), and removing the older standards in the USL Code
- clarifying and streamlining a number of other standards and survey requirements
- improving the readability and clarity of the marine order.
See proposed changes
Who the changes affect
The changes affect:
- accredited marine surveyors who will need to understand and implement the new requirements
- owners and operators of DCVs who will need to be aware of changes to survey standards and renewal timings
- naval architects, boat builders and others that are involved with the design and construction of DCVs who will need to be aware of changes to existing requirements.