Find out which services have moved to us from your local marine safety authority.

Victoria—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below. 

Certificates of competency

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV)AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications are submitted by post to TSV.
  • Reminders are sent three months before expiry of the existing certificate.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to us when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV)AMSA—from 1 July
  • All applications are submitted to TSV for processing.
  • A copy of their safety management system, that is compliant with NSCV Part E is required.
  • TSV does not charge for certificates of operation.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV)AMSA—from 1 July

Initial survey

  • Applicants submit the application to build to the TSV Melbourne office.
  • Copies of accredited surveyor recommendation is required.
  • Fees are paid.

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to us at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • TSV sends reminders 60 days before survey is due.
  • Copies of accredited surveyor recommendation is required.
  • Fees are paid.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non-survey vessels

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV)AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applicants apply through TSV.
  • The process for a non-survey vessel is the same as for Certificates of operation and Certificates of survey however the applicant does not receive a certificate.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemptions and equivalent means of compliance

Transport Safety Victoria (TSV)AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications for general exemptions are made through TSV.
  • TSV do not charge for exemptions.
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post.
  • In some cases, exemptions have been extended until 2020. Read the list of exemptions.

Maritime Safety Victoria, as a branch of Transport Safety Victoria, will continue in its role as the marine safety regulator in relation to matters that include local waterways management, local knowledge certification, pilotage and harbour master licensing, as well as the regulation of recreational boating activity.

MSV will also continue to undertake investigations into breaches of National Law through the provision of compliance and enforcement services as part of an agreement with AMSA, and in the regulation of safety duty holders such as port operators, pilotage service providers and towage providers through the application of Victorian marine safety law.

Requesting records lodged in Victoria

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) are accessed. AMSA and TSV have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records:

How to request records in Victoria
How do I request records submitted to TSV after 1 July 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664.
How do I request records submitted to TSV before 1 July 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to TSV. They will advise of any fees associated with document retrieval. More information can be found on the TSV website.
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013? If your request spans records submitted before and after 1 July 2013, please make requests for records submitted before 1 July 2013 to TSV and records submitted after 1 July 2013 to AMSA using the process outlined above.

Tasmania—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below.

Certificates of competency

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Application are submitted at MAST shopfronts.
  • Applications for sea time assessment can be done as part of the application for a CoC or as a stand-alone application.
  • Applications can be sent at the start of the seafarers training course and completed by the end of the course.
  • Reminder are sent by MAST three months before the certificate expires.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are lodged at the MAST Hobart office.
  • MAST will not be issuing any further reminder notices for 2018.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)AMSA—from 1 July 2018

Initial survey

  • Applications are submitted to MAST before construction starts so that MAST can issue the unique vessel identifier.

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • MAST sends reminders three months in advance of the expiry for the certificate.
  • Certificates of survey are valid for five years but are reissued annually together with a summary of periodic survey status.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non-survey vessels

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are made through MAST.
  • Detailed photos are required to be submitted as part of the supporting documents.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemptions and equivalent means of compliance

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications for general exemptions are made through MAST.
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post
  • In some cases, exemptions have been extended until 2020. Read the list of exemptions.

Marine and Safety Tasmania will continue to be responsible for:

  • waterways management
  • application of the collision regulations within state waters
  • ports and pilotage
  • recreational vessel registration and licencing
  • safe operation of all vessels in Tasmanian waters.

MAST will also continue to be involved in incident investigations.

Requesting records lodged in Tasmania

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to Marine and Safety Tasmania (MaST) are accessed. AMSA and MaST have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records:

How to request records in Tasmania
How do I request records submitted to MaST?Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664.

 

South Australia—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below. 

Certificates of competency

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.
  • Final assessments are conducted by DPTI Examiners, predominantly in metro Adelaide.
  • DPTI issues reminder notices for renewal or revalidation of certificates two months prior to their expiry.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.
  • Reminder notices are not sent by DPTI.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018

Initial survey

  • All vessel inspection services are booked with Private Accredited Marine Surveyors.
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • DPTI issues reminder notices two months before the vessel inspection is due.
  • All vessel inspection services are booked with Private Accredited Marine Surveyors.
  • Certificates are valid for five years unless the vessel is recognised under grandfathering arrangements.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non-survey vessels

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.
  • A unique grandfathering arrangement exists for restricted 3C and 3D fishing vessels which are less than 7.5 metres in length.
    Note—Exemption 40 is similar, however the safety equipment requirements differ slightly.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemptions and equivalent means of compliance

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post.
  • In some cases, exemptions have been extended until 2020. Read the list of exemptions.

Requesting records lodged in South Australia

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) are accessed. AMSA and DPTI have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records.

How to request records in South Australia
How do I request records submitted to DPTI after 1 July 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to DPTI who will advise you of any fees associated with document retrieval. More information can be found on the DPTI website.Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664.
How do I request records submitted to DPTI before 1 July 2013?  
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013?   

Queensland—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below.

Certificates of competency

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications and proof of identity checks are completed at any MSQ office.
  • Fees for the final assessment are paid directly to MSQ when the booking the final assessment.
  • Applications for temporary service (Exemption 08) and temporary crewing (Exemption 09) can be applied for and issued locally at an MSQ office.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are submitted to MSQ.
  • No renewals fall due until 2021.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)AMSA—from 1 July 2018

Initial survey

  • Domestic commercial vessel surveys are booked through private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which are paid directly to MSQ at the time of application.

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • The survey is conducted by an AMSA accredited marine surveyor.
  • MSQ do not conduct renewals for a Certificate of survey—a new certificate is required.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non survey vessels

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
Applicants can apply for non-survey scheme approval during the build of the vessel or once the vessel is ready for sea trial in conjunction with a certificate of operation.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemptions and equivalent means of compliance

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post.
  • In some cases,  list of exemptions.

Maritime Safety Queensland will continue to provide you with marine safety services for local waterways management, environmental management, pilotage, navigation aids, ports, harbours and mooring management as well as all recreational boating services.

Requesting records lodged in Queensland

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) are accessed. AMSA and MSQ have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records.

How to request records in Queensland
How do I request records submitted to MSQ after 1 July 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664
How do I request records submitted to MSQ before 1 July 2013?Requests for records created before 1 July 2013 should be made through the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). You can find more information on the TMR website.
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013? If your request spans records submitted before and after 1 July 2013, you may submit your request to AMSA using the process outlined above. 

If you are requesting records for the purpose of an AMSA application, please email amsaconnect@amsa.gov.au 

Northern Territory—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below.

Certificates of competency

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications are lodged the DIPL Darwin office.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications are lodged the DIPL Darwin office.
  • DIPL is not able to send renewal notices.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) AMSA—from 1 July

Initial survey

  • Applications are lodged the DIPL Darwin office.

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Surveys are conducted by DIPL marine surveyors or by private accredited surveyors.
  • Certificate of survey is valid for one year.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non-survey vessels

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL)AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applicants must submit detailed photos and information outlining what the boat will be fitted with, what it will be used for and what safety equipment it will carry.
  • DIPL Surveyors often help provide information and advice on how to meet the requirements for being a non-surveyed vessel.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemption and equivalent means of compliance

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL)AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications for general exemptions are made through DIPL.
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • Exemption 13 and 13a are issued based on a practical on-site assessment (fee charged).
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post.
  • In some cases, exemptions have been extended until 2020. Read the list of exemptions.

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics will continue to provide you with marine safety services for local waterways management, environmental management, pilotage, navigation aids, ports, harbours and mooring management as well as all recreational boating services.

Requesting records lodged in the Northern Territory

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) are accessed. AMSA and DIPL have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records.

How to request records in the Northern Territory
How do I request records submitted to DIPL after 1 July 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664.
How do I request records submitted to DIPL before 1 July 2013?As above.
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013? As above.

 

New South Wales—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below.

Certificates of competency

Transport for NSW AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Completed application forms can be lodged at any of the NSW Service Centre locations.
  • 50% of the application payment is made up front with the remaining 50% paid upon booking the oral examination.
  • Apply for sea time assessment.
  • Reminder notices sent 90 days before expiry.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Transport for NSW AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Submit the application to TfNSW office of your choosing.
  • Certificates of operation and Certificates of survey are issued as one certificate.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Transport for NSWAMSA—from 1 July 2018

Initial survey

  • Application to build is sent to the TfNSW office in Rozelle for processing

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey

  • Before the survey is due.
  • A reminder will be sent 90 days before the certificate expires.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non-survey vessels

Transport for NSWAMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • TfNSW process non-survey applications with the Certificate of operation (or unique vessel identifier for vessels exempt from a Certificate of operation).
  • Applications are processed in the Rozelle office but can be lodged at any NSW service centre.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemption and equivalent means of compliance

Transport for NSWAMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications for general exemptions are made through TfNSW.
  • TfNSW does not charge for exemptions 04, 07, 24, 40 if the application is part of the initial survey application.
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post.
  • In some cases, exemptions have been extended until 2020. Read the list of exemptions.

Transprt for NSW will continue to provide you with marine safety services for local waterways management, environmental management, pilotage, navigation aids, ports, harbours and mooring management as well as all recreational boating services.

From 1 July 2018, TfNSW still process coastal bar licences* for applicants with national certificates of competencies needing to cross a coastal bar in New South Wales.

*Coastal bar licences were previously known as bar endorsements.

Requesting records lodged in New South Wales

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to TfNSW are accessed. AMSA and TfNSW have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records.

How to request records in New South Wales
How do I request records submitted to TfNSW after 1 July 2013?More information can be found by emailing DCVrecords@transport.nsw.gov.au
How do I request records submitted to TfNSW before 1 July 2013?As above. 
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013? As above. 
Request records from NSW MaritimeNSW Maritime will provide seafarers with information available in their archives. If your request is for historical information (prior to July 2013) that is held in NSW Maritime archives, contact seafarer@transport.nsw.gov.au and a NSW Maritime officer will respond to the enquiry. This includes certificate of competency records from that period. For any enquiries for certificates of competency after June 2018 you should contact AMSA at 1800 627 484. 

Western Australia—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below. 

Certificates of competency

Department of transport (DoT)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications should be lodged through the DoT shopfront.
  • DoT issue renewal reminders three months before renewal date.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Department of transport (DoT)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications for the issue of five yearly Certificates of Operation are processed by DoT.
  • Applications can be submitted before they have been fully completed.
  • DoT do not issue reminder notices.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Department of transport (DoT)AMSA—from 1 July 2018

Initial survey

  • Assessment of applications for initial survey of domestic commercial vessels submitted by private accredited marine surveyors on behalf of owners are processed through Fremantle office.
  • Submit the application to build to the DoT (for the issue of a unique vessel identifier).

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • The assessment of survey submissions from private accredited marine surveyors for endorsement or renewal survey of five yearly Certificates of Survey for domestic commercial vessels are provided by DoT.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non survey vessels

Department of transport (DoT)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Detailed photos and information outlining what the boat will be fitted with, what it will be used for and what safety equipment it will carry—submitted to MSA.
  • Ongoing applicants for non-survey approval that are still open at 1 June 2018 will be notified that their application will be transferred to AMSA or, if their application is deemed too old, will have their application timed out.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemptions and equivalent means of compliance

Department of transport (DoT)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications for general exemptions are made through DoT 
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA be transferred to AMSA or, if their application is deemed too old, will have their application timed out
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post 
  • In some cases, exemptions have been extended until 2020. Read the list of exemptions.

The Department of Transport will continue to provide you with marine safety services for local waterways management, environmental management, pilotage, navigation aids, ports, harbours and mooring management as well as all recreational boating services.

Requesting records lodged in Western Australia

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to Department of Transport (DoT) Western Australia are accessed. AMSA and DoT have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records.

How to request records in Western Australia
How do I request records submitted to DoT after 1 January 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664.
How do I request records submitted to DoT before 1 January 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to DoT. DoT will advise of any fees associated with document retrieval. More information can be found on the DoT website.
What if my records span both before and after 1 January 2013?If your request spans records submitted before and after 1 July 2013, you may submit your request to AMSA using the process outlined above.