Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)



Load line certificates

Some vessels are required to have a load line certificate.

Every domestic commercial vessel of 24 metre length and over is required to have a load line certificate unless it is:

When and how do I apply for a new load line certificate?

You need to apply for a new load line certificate if your vessel is required to have one and:

Select the ‘New’ button below for more information and instructions.

What do I need to do once I have a load line certificate?

Every vessel with a load line certificate needs to be surveyed every time the certificate is renewed. Some vessels also need to be surveyed periodically during the life of the certificate. You will receive a schedule of required surveys with your certificate.

You must make sure that you comply with the conditions of your certificate. These include:

It is an offence to operate a vessel in breach of a condition on its load line certificate.

When and how do I renew my load line certificate?

Load line certificates are normally valid for five years. We will send you a reminder notice 90 days before your certificate expires. You will need to renew the certificate before it expires. If you have not renewed your certificate when it expires, you must stop operating until the certificate is renewed or you receive approval to operate temporarily under Exemption 7 Marine Safety (Temporary operations).

Select the ‘Renew’ button below for more information about how to renew your certificate of survey.

Select the ‘New’ button below if you are renewing your certificate and need to change anything on your certificate to avoid paying multiple application fees.

How do I change details on an existing load line certificate?

Select the ‘Vary’ button below if you want to:

If you want to update the owner details (for example if you have changed name or address), you can do this without submitting an application by calling AMSA Connect.

Select the ‘New’ button below if you want to:

Who can survey my vessel?

Your vessel can be surveyed by an accredited marine surveyor who is accredited in category c Initial survey – load line – assignment for an initial survey or n Periodic survey – load line for a periodic survey. A vessel can also be surveyed by a recognised organisation.

What do I do if I can’t get my vessel surveyed by the due date?

You can apply to extend the time needed to complete a periodic survey.

You can also apply to extend the time needed to complete the out of water component of a renewal survey.

What if I sell my vessel?

The certificate can be transferred to the new owner. Select the ‘Vary’ button below.

Can I request a replacement certificate?

You can request a replacement copy of your certificate online.

Can I cancel my load line certificate or put it on hold?

You can apply to suspend your certificate. This will not extend the duration of the certificate. Select the ‘Suspend’ button below for information.

You can also apply to have your certificate revoked. Note that if you are selling your vessel, a vary application is likely to be more appropriate. Once the certificate is revoked it cannot be reinstated and you or the subsequent owner will have to apply for a new one. If you want to request that your certificate be revoked, select the ‘Revoke’ button below for information.

Note: We can suspend a load line certificate on our own initiative. We must do this if we are satisfied that the suspension is necessary for the purpose of:

We can revoke a load line certificate on our own initiative. We must do this if:

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What type of application do you want to make?

New certificate

What do I need to do?

To apply to gain a new load line certificate

Apply online or by post

If you are required to have a certificate of survey, you can apply for one at the same time using the same form.

Have your vessel details handy.

Attach supporting documentation, including:

  • a copy of any changes made to your existing load line certificate (if applicable)
  • confirmation of the organisation name and the ACN and/or ABN (eg ASIC extract, trust deed etc) if you are applying as an organisation
  • evidence of a change of name for an individual.
Submit the survey reports

You will receive a letter from us telling you which surveys are required for the application to be processed.

This will likely include plan approval, construction and commissioning phase surveys.

Contact an accredited marine surveyor or recognised organisation to have your surveys completed.

Complete an application form

Complete an Application for a certificate of survey and/or a load line certificate for a domestic commercial vessel form 521 to gain your load line certificate.

Pay the fee

Fees apply for this type of application. See our fees page for more information.

Next steps

A letter will be sent to you with the outcome of your application.

Contacting us

If you have questions about the status of your application or the outcome, please contact AMSA Connect.

Renew certificate

What do I need to do?

To apply to renew a load line certificate

Apply online or by post

Attach the required supporting documentation, including (if applicable):

  • a copy of your existing load line certificate
  • if you are applying as an organisation, confirmation of the organisation name (if applicable), ACN and ABN (eg ASIC extract, trust deed etc)
  • proof of change of name for an individual
Submit the survey reports

You will receive a letter from us advising you what surveys are required.

Contact an accredited marine surveyor or recognised organisation to have your surveys completed.

Complete an application form

Complete an Application for a renewal of a certificate of survey and/or load line form 576 to renew your load line certificate.

Pay the fee

Fees apply for this type of application. See our fees page for more information.

Next steps

A letter will be sent to you with the outcome of your application.

Contacting us

If you have questions about the status of your application or the outcome, please contact AMSA Connect.

Vary certificate

What do I need to do?

To apply to vary an existing load line certificate

Complete an application

Complete an Application to vary a vessel certificate or approval form 566 to vary a vessel certificate or approval.

Apply online or by post

Attach supporting documentation

Attach the required supporting documentation including (if applicable):

  • a copy of your existing load line certificate
  • if you are applying as an organisation, confirmation of the organisation name (if applicable), ACN and ABN (eg ASIC extract, trust deed etc)
  • proof of change of name for an individual
Pay the fee

Fees apply for this type of application. See our fees page for more information.

Next steps

A letter will be sent to you with the outcome of your application.

Contacting us

If you have questions about the status of your application or the outcome, please contact AMSA Connect.

Suspend or revoke certificate

What do I need to do?

To apply to suspend or revoke an existing certificate of survey

Complete an application

Complete an Application to suspend or revoke a certificate or approval form 600 to suspend or revoke a vessel certificate or approval.

Apply online or by post.

Pay the fee

Fees apply for this type of application. See our fees page for more information.

Next steps

A letter will be sent to you with the outcome of your application.

Contacting us

If you have questions about the status of your application or the outcome, please contact AMSA Connect.