Certificate of competency exemptions extended to 2020

If you operate under any of the following exemptions, you can continue to do so until 2020 if you are eligible and meet the conditions of the exemption:

• Exemption 10 (Operation of fishing vessels)
• Exemption 12 (Inland waters)
• Exemption 15 (Scientific research and educational activities)
• Exemption 16 Marine Safety (Traditional Fishing) 
• Exemption 17 (Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Zone)
• Exemption 18 (Sail)
• Exemption 23 (Masters without certificates)
• Exemption 26 (Expired certificates)
• Exemption 30 (Navigation Act seafarer qualifications)
• Exemption 33 (Sailing vessels with motor propulsion)
• Exemption 38 (Low-complexity duties)

The following exemptions require you to lodge an application and get permission before using them. If you have permission to operate under one of these exemptions until after 30 January 2018, you will continue to be exempt until 2020: 

• Exemption 13 (Wildlife or other sightseeing)
• Exemption 14 (Sea rangers)
• Exemption 20 (Special operations)
• Exemption 21 (Operator vehicular ferry-in-chains)
• Exemption 22 (Bareboats)
• Exemption 24 (Emergency service vessels)
• Exemption 25 (Old certificates of competency—local restrictions)
• Exemption 31 (Expired pre-USL Code certificates)
• Exemption 34 (Expired perpetual certificates)
• Exemption 36 (Steam-powered vessels)

Exemption 08 (Temporary service) requires you to lodge an application and get permission before using it. If you have permission to operate under this exemption until a certain date, you will need to reapply to continue using the exemption—before your permission expires.

Read our seafarer qualifications information for more about the application process and forms, or call AMSA Connect on 02 6279 5000. 

To apply for any of these exemptions contact your local marine safety agency, which may have application arrangements in place.