National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV)

Read about the application and objectives of the NSCV, how vessels are categorised, how length, draft and tonnage are calculated, as well as definitions of terms used across the standards.

A domestic commercial vessel must be built to undertake its intended operation safely. This includes its construction, stability, machinery, electrical and fire safety and LPG systems. Find out more.

A domestic commercial vessel must carry the right equipment to operate safely. This includes marine safety equipment, communications and navigation equipment, and anchoring systems.

Special vessels include fast craft, hire and drive vessels, and special purpose vessels. These vessels have their own unique risks and safety standards for operation.

We may consider a vessel a 'novel vessel' if it does not have the shape, form, function or propulsion of most vessels of a similar kind. Find out more and read AMSA’s policy for pathways for their certification.

Some vessels with lower-risk operations don’t need to hold a certificate of survey. These non-survey vessels have a separate standard for design, construction, and equipment. Find out about those standards.

From time-to-time we update the standards to ensure they remain up-to-date. Have your say on upcoming proposed changes, read about past changes and access previous editions of the standards.