Voluntary Suspension: A practical option when you’re not surveying

If you are planning to take a break from marine survey work, you may wish to request a voluntary suspension of your accreditation. This option allows you to temporarily pause your responsibilities without cancelling your accreditation.

What does voluntary suspension mean?

During a period of suspension, you are not permitted to perform surveys. However, you are not required to maintain professional indemnity insurance while suspended. Your accreditation remains on record with the National Regulator; however, the expiry date of your current accreditation period will not be extended.

How long can I suspend my accreditation for?

A voluntary suspension may be granted for any period up to the expiry date of your current accreditation. If you intend to remain accredited beyond that date, you must apply to renew your accreditation prior to its expiry — regardless of whether the suspension is still in effect.

How do I apply?

Complete the Application to Surrender or Suspend Accreditation (AMSA899) form and submit it via email to: DCVSurvey@amsa.gov.au. No application fee applies.

Returning to survey work

To reinstate your accreditation, notify us of your intended return date, provide evidence of current professional indemnity insurance, and complete the Notification of a Change to Accreditation (AMSA740) form. Reinstatement is a straightforward process.

Voluntary suspension is a flexible option if you are taking leave, pursuing further study, or changing roles. If you require further information or guidance, please contact the Accreditation Team via email to: DCVSurvey@amsa.gov.au.

Survey process for Exemption 2 (Ex02) Division 5 vessels applying for a certificate of survey.

A non-survey Exemption 2 (Ex02) Division 5 vessel must undergo an initial survey when applying for a certificate of survey. However, depending on the extent of supporting documentation, an alternate survey process may provide a pathway to certification.

Considerations for accredited marine surveyors.

When assisting an applicant and proposing an alternative survey process, accredited marine surveyors should note the following:

• Original survey documentation is necessary for approval of most alternate survey processes. If the original design approval and survey documentation is not held by the vessel’s owner, they will need to lodge an application for release of initial survey documentation with the relevant state authority or directly with AMSA depending on the age of the vessel and where it was operating. More information on records requests can be found in the “National system state transitions” section of the Domestic Commercial Vessels webpage. 
• Even if a vessel has not been modified, is intended to continue operating in the same service category, and carries the same number of persons, it is necessary for an accredited marine surveyor with category- (a) accreditation to review the vessel’s design and survey documentation - including any conditions or exemptions that may have previously applied. The surveyor must recommend the vessel as meeting the standards set out in Schedule 2 of Marine Order 503. Previous certification is not evidence of compliance with Schedule 2 on its own, and accredited surveyor(s) are responsible for identifying and correct any oversights or deficiencies that may affect the vessel’s ongoing compliance.

Where there is clear evidence that an initial survey was previously conducted to the NSCV or the applicable transitional standards in MO503 Schedule 2 (e.g., approved drawings, design approval letters, certificates of compliance for design and survey, initial survey reports), AMSA may accept:

• a reduced plan approval submission, and
• a requirement for the vessel to undergo a 10-year renewal survey for certain aspects rather than full initial construction surveys.

In all cases, AMSA requires evidence of:

• a fixed fire detection and extinguishing system compliant with NSCV Part C4
• functional residual current devices (RCD)
• electrical insulation test report (for vessels with an LV electrical system); and
• full NSCV C7A compliant safety equipment

Additionally, commissioning activities must address the following:

• Lightship measurement: A lightship declaration is not acceptable for initial surveys. For further guidance, see Survey Matters – December 2024
• Updated stability assessment in accordance with MO 503 Schedule 2, Table 1
• A commissioning survey.

Note: Safety, communication, and navigation equipment must comply with NSCV Parts 7A, 7B, and 7C.

Survey code update in MARS: Survey flexibility rollout

A new survey code “CHOICE” is being introduced into the MARS system to streamline the year 2 and 3 survey flexibility mechanisms introduced in the recent SAGM Part 2 amendments, previously discussed in Survey Matters – September 2024.

The new “CHOICE” code is claimed in the same manner as other codes. Once the code is entered into the claim assessment window, the user is then given the option to select whether the survey will be conducted in water or out of water.

Figure 1 - Screen shot of the survey claim activity with a choice code

Once selected and claimed a surveyor will see their selected activity in the dashboard as they normally would.

Survey reminder letters will be updated and simplified as a part of this update.

For more information, refer to SAGM Part 2 clause 4.4 and Table 8 on the AMSA website or contact dcvsurvey@amsa.gov.au.

Bringing Mooring lines into focus: A shared responsibility across the DCV sector

Mooring lines are a critical component of maritime safety on all Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCVs) - from small open boats to large Class 1 passenger vessels. Despite their prevalence and importance, mooring lines are frequently found in poor condition, often well beyond their serviceable life due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, abrasion, saltwater corrosion, and general wear and tear.

Example of Mooring lines in poor condition

A Preventable Incident: Lessons from 2024

An incident in 2024 involving a 24-metre Class 1 charter vessel underscores the need for renewed focus. A mooring rope, reportedly in service for over 15 years, failed during passenger embarkation. The snap-back effect of the failing line caused injury to a person on the wharf. Investigations revealed the line had severely deteriorated due to long-term exposure and had not been inspected or replaced—a clear, preventable failure.

The Regulatory Context

While neither the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) nor the Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code provides specific requirements on mooring lines, their upkeep falls under General Safety Duties (GSD) in the National Law:

National Law Act 2012 – Part 3 (General Safety Duties)

Division 1—Duties of Owners

Section 12: Duty of owners of domestic commercial vessels to ensure safety of vessels, marine safety equipment and operations

• An owner of a domestic commercial vessel must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure the safety of:
  • the vessel; and
  • marine safety equipment that relates to the vessel; and
  • the operation of the vessel.

Mooring lines are undeniably part of this mandate, given their direct role in securing the vessel and ensuring safety at the wharf.

Recommendations for accredited marine surveyors

To support a safer operating environment, surveyors are urged to treat mooring lines with the same scrutiny applied to other critical safety equipment.

1. Surveyor Inspections

• Visually inspect mooring lines during periodic and renewal surveys.
• Look for signs of UV degradation, excessive stiffness, fraying, or broken strands.
• Where degradation is noted, recommend to the owner and/or master a more detailed inspection or possible replacement.

2. Promote Shared Operational Responsibility

• Encourage communication with vessel owners, masters, and crew about their daily responsibilities under MO504.

(Schedule 1 Operation requirements. 10. Maintenance of vessel and equipment)

• Stress the importance of routine line checks, correct stowage, and timely replacement.

3. Lifecycle Management of Mooring Lines

• Recommend record-keeping practices to track installation dates, exposure history, and any repairs or replacements.
• Such documentation can help demonstrate compliance with GSD obligations during vessel audits or during investigations.

The safety of mooring lines is not just a technical matter—it’s a shared operational responsibility. Surveyors, owners, and crews are encouraged to work together to ensure these vital components are fit for purpose. By embedding mooring line checks into standard survey and maintenance routines, the sector can help prevent avoidable incidents and uphold a core principle of maritime safety: preparedness through vigilance.

New report examines domestic commercial vessel (DCV) trends.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released its latest report, Domestic New Build Trends 2023–2024, offering a detailed snapshot of new build activity across the 2023–24 financial year.

Developed as part of AMSA’s commitment to transparent, evidence-based regulation under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012, the report provides clear, data-driven insights into the economic drivers and growth of the domestic fleet.

It recognises and celebrates the contributions of Australian shipbuilders, designers, and surveyors, acknowledging their central role in delivering a modern and innovative fleet, and highlights the vital contribution of domestic commercial vessels (DCV) to the national economy.

Looking ahead, the report also explores emerging areas of economic activity that are expected to shape future fleet growth.

The full report is available on the AMSA website.

Invitation to comment - ISO 12215 for vessels up to 24m GES.

• AMSA invites accredited surveyors to comment on the draft Generic Equivalent Solution (GES) that proposes to permit the use of ISO 12215-5 for certain vessels up to 24m in length. The draft is available to review using the link below.
• Draft ISO 12215 GES PDF268.72 KB
• In the last issue of Survey Matters – March 2025 we informed you that AMSA was assessing whether ISO12215-5 could be approved as a Generic Equivalent Solution (GES) for vessels up to 24 m. This assessment is now complete.
• AMSA has concluded that, subject to certain conditions listed in the draft, ISO 12215 is at least as effective as compliance with the deemed to satisfy solution.
• We welcome your feedback to help us refine the draft or identify any issues we may not have addressed. Please send any feedback comments, suggestions or any questions to dcvsurvey@amsa.gov.au with the email subject ‘Feedback on Draft ISO 12215 GES’.
• Please send your emails before 11 July 2025.

Verifying electrical cable compliance with NSCV C5B

NSCV C5B Chapter 7 and 8 requires compliance with AS/NZS 3004.2 for electrical wiring on DCV’s.

AS/NZS 3004.2, section 6 requires that all fixed wiring installations on domestic commercial vessels comply with the cable selection requirements set out in AS/NZS 5000.1. or AS 60092.350. 

AS/NZS 5000.1 defines construction and performance standards for insulated power cables used in fixed wiring. These cables are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, including exposure to moisture, vibration, mechanical stress, and temperature extremes.

Non-compliant cables such as automotive wiring or unmarked imports are readily available in the Australian market and surveyors should be vigilant against their use. These cables do not meet the requirements called up within AS/NZS 3004.2 and as such, do not meet the standards for DCV’s.

To avoid costly rectification work, surveyors undertaking initial surveys should seek evidence of compliance with AS/NZS5000.1 or AS 60092.350 (e.g. cable markings, manufacturer specifications & testing certificates).

Ensuring electrical cables meet the standards is fundamental to meeting the electrical safety requirements under National Law and provides a level of quality control that improves long-term safety of vessels and their occupants.

Reporting Novel Items

The National Law – Marine Surveyors Accreditation Manual Part 2 and the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Regulations 2013 place several requirements on surveyors under the accredited marine surveyor scheme.

One item that is easily overlooked is Section 2.8 (1)(b) and correspondingly section 33 in the Regulations. This mandates the requirement to report any item that is complex, novel and not covered by a standard or code mentioned in section 32 of the Regulations to AMSA.

What does this mean in practice for a surveyor when they are onboard or performing a plan appraisal? If during the surveys the surveyor becomes aware of an item or design aspect that is not directly covered by the standards or other regulation (such as state WH&S laws or codes of practice) the matter must be reported to AMSA. The easiest and most effective way to do this is an email to DCVSurvey@amsa.gov.au.

The requirement to report novel aspects is a condition of accreditation. A failure to report a novel aspect is a contravention of the conditions of accreditation under Section 43 & 44 of the regulations and may lead to fines, suspension or revocation of accreditation in egregious cases.

AMSA has a policy statement for the assessment and certification of novel vessels. This document also includes a non-exhaustive list of vessel types that would be considered novel.

With the drive to decarbonisation and the speed of development of new technologies and their application into the DCV space, an increasing number of novel vessels are expected in the DCV fleet. AMSA is presently working on a revised novel vessel policy statement to provide more regulatory options.

As the various technological options coalesce around discrete solutions, AMSA will seek to develop the NSCV to address them. This will effectively render these vessels as no longer novel. The move to electrification and use of Lithium batteries is one example of this. Such vessels are not considered novel provided the battery capacity is below 30kWh.

It is an exciting time for the development of new technology in the marine industry. AMSA looks forward to working with industry to enable these new technologies to be safely deployed in the Australian commercial marine sector. To achieve this, however, we need to be made aware of their existence through the reporting obligations outlined in regulation.

Survey Matters suggestions

• AMSA wants to make sure Survey Matters is relevant and useful for accredited marine surveyors, boat builders, class societies, and others involved in the survey of domestic commercial vessels.
• We encourage our readers to submit subject requests or ideas to DCVSurvey@amsa.gov.au for articles that would be of assistance to industry in future publications.