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In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029.
Latest changes
An updated version of exemption 15 came into effect on 1 July 2025.
You do not need to apply to use this exemption, unless:
- you need to operate in ‘other waters’ or areas outside the Great Barrier Reef Region, Torres Strait Zone, smooth waters or partially smooth waters, and/or
- you need non-employees to be able to master the vessel.
Find out how to apply.
What this exemption allows you to do
Exemption 15 allows people to perform functions and duties of a master on a domestic commercial vessel up to 7.5m long used for scientific or educational activities without a certificate of competency.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for exemption 15, the vessel and master must meet all of the following criteria.
Vessel
- Owned by scientific research or educational organisation.
- Less than or equal to 7.5m in length.
- Other than the master, the vessel carries only employees of the vessel’s owner and special personnel.
Master
- At least 16 years old.
- An employee of the vessel’s owner (a scientific or educational organisation) or a member of a group approved by AMSA for the specified operation.
- Holds any required state recreational boating licence for the waters where operating, and complies with the conditions of the licence.
Areas of operation
Scientific research or educational activities can be conducted only in:
- the Great Barrier Reef Region
- the Torres Strait zone
- smooth or partially smooth waters
- ‘other waters’ approved by AMSA.
How to apply
You do not need to apply to use this exemption unless:
- you need to operate in ‘other waters’ or areas outside the Great Barrier Reef Region, Torres Strait Zone, smooth waters or partially smooth waters, and/or
- you need non-employees to be able to master the vessel.
If you need to operate in other waters
To apply, use AMSA form 758. You’ll need to submit the application with:
- a detailed description of the proposed operation and the geographical area(s) in which it will take place.
- a risk assessment specific to operating under this exemption, including how risks in the proposed area will be controlled.
Note: We will only approve applications where the proposed ‘other waters’ have equal or lower environmental risks than those permitted by the exemption.
If you need non-employees to master the vessel
To apply, use AMSA form 758. You’ll need to submit the application with:
- details of the person or type of person the exemption applies to, the duration of the exemption and the types of operations to be carried out
- a risk assessment specific to the exemption
- a documented process outlining how the person/people will be inducted on the vessel and made familiar with the safety management system (SMS).
Apply now
Carry proof on board
You will need to present a copy of your approval (if relevant) or copies of documents that prove your eligibility to authorities if requested. These documents should be kept in your safety management system.
Related legislation and standards
Superseded versions
Refer to superseded, repealed and expired marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.
