Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)
On this page
In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030
An updated exemption 24 came into effect on 1 July 2025 PDF240.84 KB.
The revised exemption covers:
From 1 July, Exemption 24 will only relate to crew competency requirements. Emergency service vessels are subject to the same requirements as other domestic commercial vessels. They must be fit for purpose and appropriately certified for their operations.
You do not need to apply to use this exemption.
If you are an emergency service organisation not covered by the exemption and you need different crew competency requirements, you can apply for a specific exemption. Use form AMSA 547 to apply.
Find out more about what changed and why in our guide to exemption 24 PDF192.06 KB and consultation feedback report.
Exemption 24 permits eligible volunteer emergency services to crew their vessels using trained volunteers without holding the certificate of competency that's usually required.
This exemption only relates to crew competency. Emergency service vessels must still meet the same requirements as other domestic commercial vessels, including:
You do not need to apply to use this exemption
To use this exemption, both the crew and organisation must be eligible.
Under exemption 24, masters and crew do not need a certificate of competency if they:
The exemption applies to eligible master and crew working on vessels operated by:
Emergency service organisations:
Examples: SES or surf lifesaving organisations.
Volunteer marine rescue organisations:
Fire service organisations:
Find full definitions of eligible organisations in the exemption.
Under this exemption, vessels can:
Other incidental activities may include:
Examples of activities not covered under the exemption include:
You may need to decide on a case-by-case basis if an operation or activity is permitted. Example scenarios include:
Under this exemption, organisations:
Commercial activities are not permitted under exemption 24
If your organisation conducts commercial activities, you must comply with the full National Law requirements, including crew competency requirements, while undertaking these activities.
To operate under exemption 24, all masters and crew must meet minimum standards, training and assessment requirements for their role. A training record for all masters and crew must be kept.
To be a master or crew member under this exemption, a person must:
Existing certifications and qualifications
People certified by a VMR before 1 July 2018 can continue carrying out duties under that approval.
Masters or crew with a valid National Law certificate of competency can operate within the limits of their certification.
| Role or function | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Master a vessel operating in inland waters or personal watercraft (PWC) |
OR
|
Crew or deckhand Not required for crew in inland waters or on PWCs Less than 500kW inboard engine |
|
Master up to 3nm from shore or sheltered waters Less than 12m long Less than 500kW inboard engine (no limit on outboard) |
|
Master beyond 3nm (up to 30nm or 50nm in QLD Great Barrier Reef region or Torres Strait Zone) Less than 24m long Less than 500kW inboard engine (no limit on outboard) |
*MAR units Survival at sea using survival craft and Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion and auxiliary systems are only required if applicable. |
| Master 12–24m vessels (from 1 July 2026) |
*This is due to increased complexity of the machinery, ancillary and auxiliary equipment. Details in the exemption. |
Accredited courses must be delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO).
Non-accredited courses must be delivered by a validated trainer or a supporting trainer under direction.
A validated trainer must:
A supporting trainer must:
A validated trainer must oversee and guide training when it's delivered under direction. They ensure the quality of training provided and that it meets the training package requirements.
All masters and crew must pass an assessment by a validated assessor confirming competence to undertake their duties (apart from those operating a PWC or in inland waters who instead need to complete the relevant in-house training).
Validated assessors must:
A supporting assessor who has relevant maritime experience or vocational competencies can gather evidence for assessment under validated trainer direction.
Only validated assessors can make the final assessment judgement.
You can crew a vessel using volunteers from other eligible organisations under the exemption.
The vessel owner must ensure all crew meet the training and assessment requirements.
The vessel owner must also ensure all masters and crew receive proper induction, safety and emergency training. This is part of the vessel’s safety management system as per Marine Order 504.
You do not need to apply to use this exemption.
For previous versions of exemption 24, go to superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions.