Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)

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Domestic commercial vessels

When operating in the marine environment, there are compliance requirements you must meet. These include safety requirements, regular vessel surveys, permits and certificates of operation.
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What is a domestic commercial vessel?

Find out if your vessel is a domestic commercial vessel. From 1 July 2018, we will provide services to the domestic commercial vessel industry. Read about the services that will be impacted by the transition, and find out if this change will affect you.

  • Is it a domestic commercial vessel?

    In Australia, domestic commercial vessels are regulated under the Marine Safety (Domestic...
    Read more
    [1]
  • Domestic commercial vessel requirements

    There are a number of certificates and permits you need if you are operating a domestic commercial...
    Read more
    [2]
  • About the national system

    We are responsible for the safety of vessels and the seafarers who are operating in the domestic...
    Read more
    [3]
  • Vessel classes and service categories

    Your compliance requirements will be affected by the service category of your vessel.
    Read more
    [4]
  • Unique vessel identifiers

    A unique identifier—also sometimes called a unique vessel identifier—is like a number plate for...
    Read more
    [5]
  • Obtain and display a unique vessel identifier

    Find out how you obtain your unique vessel identifier and how to display it correctly.
    Read more
    [6]
  • You have a domestic commercial vessel—what you need to do to operate it

    Before you begin operating your vessel, you must follow our requirements.
    Read more
    [7]
  • National Regulator Information Portal

    If you are a registered user or appointed delegate of the National Regulator Information Portal (...
    Read more
    [8]

Operations

Certificates of operation and other permits are needed to operate a domestic commercial vessel. Find out which ones you need based on the size, type and function of your vessel.

  • Certificates of operation

    If you own or operate a domestic commercial vessel in Australia, you are required to obtain a...
    Read more
    [9]
  • Transfer of certificate for a domestic commercial vessel

    What you need to do if you want to transfer a certificate or approval.
    Read more
    [10]
  • Transferring ownership of a domestic commercial vessel

    What to do for transferring ownership of a domestic commercial vessel.
    Read more
    [11]
  • Online platforms promoting overnight accommodation on vessels

    If you have a boat, you may be considering hiring it out for overnight accommodation via an online...
    Read more
    [12]
  • Vessels owned by community groups and clubs

    Vessels owned and operated by community groups or clubs may or may not be domestic commercial...
    Read more
    [13]
  • Guidance Notice - Small unmanned autonomous vessels

    Small unmanned autonomous vessels operating in C, D, or E waters.
    Read more
    [14]
  • Tender, dory and auxiliary vessels

    Find out about the special arrangements for vessels which meet the definition of ‘tender’ under the...
    Read more
    [15]
  • Autonomous vessels in Australia

    There is increasing use of remotely operated and autonomous technology in Australia and worldwide...
    Read more
    [16]
  • Boat-share arrangements and domestic commercial vessels

    Find out if the vessel you own or operate under a boat-share agreement is a domestic commercial...
    Read more
    [17]
  • Unpowered barges guidance notice

    This notice is intended to provide general guidance on the risks associated with the operation of...
    Read more
    [18]
  • Unpowered barges

    Understand the regulatory requirements under schedule 1 of the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial...
    Read more
    [19]
  • Temporary crewing permits

    You may be able to operate temporarily below the minimum crewing requirements that apply to the...
    Read more
    [20]

Operational safety

There are a number of safety requirements that domestic commercial vessels must have onboard. Find out how to make sure your vessel meets these standards.

  • Safety management systems

    A safety management system (also referred to as an SMS) is a systematic approach to managing safety.
    Read more
    [21]
  • How to develop a safety management system

    Safety management systems involve people, vessels and procedures.
    Read more
    [22]
  • Guidelines for a safety management system

    A guide for domestic commercial vessels to develop their safety management system for class 1, 2, 3...
    Read more
    [23]
  • Fishing vessel stability

    It is important to keep your vessel stable to prevent it from capsizing and to protect the lives...
    Read more
    [24]
  • Hook-up response for trawlers

    One of the most dangerous situations you can experience on a trawler is getting hooked-up. If you’...
    Read more
    [25]
  • Collisions between vessels and marine fauna

    Look out for marine fauna and report any collisions.
    Read more
    [26]
  • Safe access to moored domestic commercial vessels

    It is the responsibility of the master of the vessel to ensure safety for people boarding a moored...
    Read more
    [27]
  • Fishing for safety video

    A video explaining how to develop a safety management system.
    Read more
    [28]
  • Residual current devices

    Residual current devices minimise the risk of a person receiving an electric shock or being...
    Read more
    [29]
  • General safety duties for domestic commercial vessels

    A guide for domestic commercial vessels
    Read more
    [30]
  • Changes to passenger safety regulations—your questions answered

    We have read and answered your questions about the new requirements for domestic commercial vessels...
    Read more
    [31]
  • Risk management in the national system

    A practical guide to creating and maintaining an effective risk management system.
    Read more
    [32]
  • Index of safety alerts

    Get access to the AMSA safety alerts for domestic commercial vessels.
    Read more
    [33]
  • Parasailing safety guidance

    We have released some safety guidance for commercial parasailing operators. Parasailing vessels...
    Read more
    [34]
  • Passenger safety on domestic commercial vessels

    Marine order 504
    Read more
    [35]
  • Guidelines for simplified risk assessments for small domestic commercial vessel operations

    These guidelines aim to assist small1 DCV operations to undertake a risk assessment as part of the...
    Read more
    [36]
  • Dory vessel safety

    Operators and crew of these types of operations face unique safety challenges and risk.
    Read more
    [37]
  • Crewing guidance for domestic commercial vessels

    Guidance on crewing of domestic commercial vessels as per Schedule 1 Clause 6—Resources and...
    Read more
    [38]
  • Appropriate crewing evaluation—template

    Use this appropriate crewing evaluation template to record your crewing assessment and appropriate...
    Read more
    [39]
  • Managing crew fatigue

    Managing fatigue is everybody’s responsibility, both morally and legally. This guidance will help...
    Read more
    [40]
  • Safety equipment trial report

    We conducted a trial of specific safety equipment in conjunction with the Karumba based commercial...
    Read more
    [41]

Surveys

Your domestic commercial vessel may be subject to regular surveys. Find out whether you need a certificate of survey, how often your vessel needs to be surveyed, and how to find an accredited surveyor.

  • Overview of the new survey regime

    All domestic commercial vessels are required to have a national law certificate of survey—unless an...
    Read more
    [42]
  • My Boat

    Use the My Boat online system to understand and comply with safety requirements, legislation and...
    Read more
    [43]
  • The new survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels

    Overview of the new survey requirements.
    Read more
    [44]
  • Certificates of survey

    Generally, vessels are required to have a certificate of survey to operate as a commercial vessel...
    Read more
    [45]
  • Load line certificates

    Some vessels are required to have a load line certificate.
    Read more
    [46]
  • Extension to survey date

    If special circumstances mean that you require an extension of time for your vessel's periodic...
    Read more
    [47]
  • List of commercial vessels with a vessel permission

    Download a list of DCVs that hold a certificate of survey or exemption here.
    Read more
    [48]
  • Non-survey vessel approval or exemption

    Some vessels do not have to be surveyed. Depending on the type of vessel, you may need to apply for...
    Read more
    [49]
  • Equivalent means of compliance

    If you have an alternative way of meeting your safety requirements, you can make an equivalent...
    Read more
    [50]
  • Find an accredited marine surveyor

    Accredited government and private surveyors, and recognised organisations who are qualified to...
    Read more
    [51]
  • Class C restricted operations approval

    All domestic commercial vessels must have a certificate of survey unless exempt.
    Read more
    [52]
  • General and specific exemptions

    There are other vessel permits or exemptions you may be eligible for under the national law.
    Read more
    [53]
  • Survey frequency for domestic commercial vessels

    From 1 July 2018, new survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels apply. This includes...
    Read more
    [54]
  • Periodic and Exemption 40—certificate of survey process

    How to renew your Periodic and Exemption 40 certificate of survey.
    Read more
    [55]
  • Removal of certificate holder name from certificates—COS, EX02 and EX40

    We are no longer publishing the name of the certificate holder on a certificate of survey or...
    Read more
    [56]
  • Survey modifiers

    Survey modifiers are high risk operations and vessel attributes that change the survey and other...
    Read more
    [57]
  • Initial certificate of survey applications

    This page outlines the types of survey reports and details an AMSA assessor looks for when...
    Read more
    [58]
  • Renewals—certificate of survey and/or load line certificate process

    How to renew your certificate of survey and/or load line certificate.
    Read more
    [59]
  • MARS guidance and procedures

    These documents will guide you through submitting survey reports and recommendations for domestic...
    Read more
    [60]
  • Survey standards for domestic commercial vessels in-survey

    All domestic commercial vessels under the national law are required to meet design, construction,...
    Read more
    [61]

Inspections

We inspect domestic commercial vessels to ensure the safety of people, vessels, and the environment.

  • Domestic commercial vessel inspections

    We inspect domestic commercial vessels to ensure crew, vessel, and operational safety.
    Read more
    [62]
  • Focused inspection campaign—float-free EPIRBs

    We will undertake a focused inspection campaign (FIC) on float-free EPIRB requirements on domestic...
    Read more
    [63]
  • Focused inspection campaign—DCV passenger vessel safety

    Advice to vessel owners and masters for the focused inspection campaign on passenger vessel safety...
    Read more
    [64]

Compliance

Our staff monitor compliance with staff from marine safety, fisheries, parks, and police agencies where we have compliance partner arrangements in place.

  • National Compliance Plan 2020–2021

    Our compliance approach includes a range of flexible and targeted measures for domestic commercial...
    Read more
    [65]
  • Education and monitoring

    Our education and monitoring approach for domestic commercial vessels focuses on a range of...
    Read more
    [66]
  • Infringement notices

    There are 48 infringements listed in the national law that can apply to vessel owners, masters,...
    Read more
    [67]
  • Paying an infringement penalty

    If you have been issued with an infringement notice, you have 28 days to pay the infringement...
    Read more
    [68]
  • Work health and safety on domestic commercial vessels

    People working in the maritime industry should be familiar with the work health and safety...
    Read more
    [69]
  • Investigation of domestic commercial vessel marine incidents

    We collect and analyse information from reported marine incidents to improve safety across the...
    Read more
    [70]

Marine surveyors manual

What the marine surveyors accreditation scheme is, how to apply, and how to conduct surveys once you are an accredited surveyor.

  • About the Marine Surveyor Manual

    From 1 July 2018, surveys required under Marine Order 503, Marine Order 507, and Exemption 40 must...
    Read more
    [71]
  • MARS user guide 2021—submitting domestic commercial vessel survey reports to AMSA

    This user guide sets out the process for the submission of surveys reports and recommendations to...
    Read more
    [72]
  • Marine Surveyors Manual—parts 1 and 2

    The National Law—Marine Surveyors Accreditation Guidance Manual 2014, as amended in June 2018 has...
    Read more
    [73]
  • Administrative forms for marine surveyors

    Use these forms to apply for and manage your accreditation as a marine surveyor.
    Read more
    [74]
  • Forms for conducting a survey

    If you are an accredited surveyor, find the forms you will need while conducting and reporting on a...
    Read more
    [75]
  • Instructions to surveyors

    Instructions for accredited surveyors to conduct surveys and inspections of domestic commercial...
    Read more
    [76]
  • MARS user guide video—Claiming a survey

    A video tutorial on claiming a survey in the MARS system, for the use of marine surveyors in...
    Read more
    [77]
  • MARS user guide video—Submitting a shaft survey report

    A video tutorial on submitting a shaft survey report in the MARS system, for the use of marine...
    Read more
    [78]

National system state transitions

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

  • Queensland—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

    Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead...
    Read more
    [79]
  • Tasmania—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

    Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead...
    Read more
    [80]
  • New South Wales—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

    Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead...
    Read more
    [81]
  • Victoria—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

    Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead...
    Read more
    [82]
  • South Australia—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

    Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead...
    Read more
    [83]
  • Northern Territory—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

    Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead...
    Read more
    [84]
  • Western Australia—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

    Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead...
    Read more
    [85]

Source URL: https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels

Links
[1] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/it-domestic-commercial-vessel
[2] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/domestic-commercial-vessel-requirements
[3] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/about-national-system
[4] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/vessel-classes-and-service-categories
[5] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/unique-vessel-identifiers
[6] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/obtain-and-display-unique-vessel-identifier
[7] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/you-have-domestic-commercial-vessel-what-you-need-do
[8] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/national-regulator-information-portal
[9] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/certificates-operation
[10] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/transfer-certificate-domestic-commercial-vessel
[11] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/transferring-ownership-domestic-commercial-vessel
[12] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/online-platforms-promoting-overnight-accommodation
[13] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/vessels-owned-community-groups-and-clubs
[14] https://www.amsa.gov.au/guidance-notice-small-unmanned-autonomous-vessels
[15] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/tender-dory-and-auxiliary-vessels
[16] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/autonomous-vessels-australia
[17] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/boat-share-arrangements-and-domestic-commercial
[18] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/unpowered-barges-guidance-notice
[19] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/unpowered-barges
[20] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/temporary-crewing-permits
[21] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/safety-management-systems
[22] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/how-develop-safety-management-system
[23] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/safety-management-systems/guidelines-safety-management
[24] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/domestic-commercial-vessel-requirements/fishing-vessel
[25] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/hook-response-trawlers
[26] https://www.amsa.gov.au/collisions-between-vessels-and-marine-fauna
[27] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/safe-access-moored-domestic-commercial-vessels
[28] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/safety-management-systems/fishing-safety-video
[29] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/residual-current-devices
[30] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/general-safety-duties-domestic-commercial-vessels
[31] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/changes-passenger-safety-regulations-your-questions
[32] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/risk-management-national-system
[33] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/index-safety-alerts
[34] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessel-annual-incident-report-january-december-2020-0
[35] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/passenger-safety-domestic-commercial-vessels
[36] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/safety-management-systems/guidelines-simplified-risk
[37] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/dory-vessel-safety
[38] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/crewing-guidance-domestic-commercial-vessels
[39] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/appropriate-crewing-evaluation-template
[40] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/managing-crew-fatigue
[41] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/safety-equipment-trial-report
[42] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/overview-new-survey-regime
[43] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/my-boat
[44] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/new-survey-requirements-domestic-commercial-vessels
[45] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/certificates-survey
[46] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/load-line-certificates
[47] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/extension-survey-date
[48] https://www.amsa.gov.au/list-commercial-vessels-vessel-permission
[49] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/non-survey-vessel-approval-or-exemption
[50] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/equivalent-means-compliance
[51] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/find-accredited-marine-surveyor
[52] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/class-c-restricted-operations-approval
[53] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/general-and-specific-exemptions
[54] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/survey-frequency-domestic-commercial-vessels
[55] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/periodic-and-exemption-40-certificate-survey-process
[56] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/removal-certificate-holder-name-certificates-cos-ex02
[57] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/survey-modifiers
[58] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/initial-certificate-survey-applications
[59] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/renewals-certificate-survey-andor-load-line
[60] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/mars-guidance-and-procedures
[61] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/survey-standards-domestic-commercial-vessels-survey
[62] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/domestic-commercial-vessel-inspections
[63] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/focused-inspection-campaign-float-free-epirbs
[64] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/focused-inspection-campaign-dcv-passenger-vessel
[65] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/national-compliance-plan-2020-2021
[66] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/education-and-monitoring
[67] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/infringement-notices
[68] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/paying-infringement-penalty
[69] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/work-health-and-safety-domestic-commercial-vessels
[70] https://www.amsa.gov.au/about/corporate-publications/compliance-and-enforcement-policy/investigation-domestic-commercial
[71] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/about-marine-surveyor-manual
[72] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/mars-user-guide-2021-submitting-domestic-commercial
[73] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/marine-surveyors-manual-parts-1-and-2
[74] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/administrative-forms-marine-surveyors
[75] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/forms-conducting-survey
[76] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/instructions-surveyors
[77] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/mars-user-guide-video-claiming-survey
[78] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/mars-user-guide-video-submitting-shaft-survey-report
[79] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/queensland-changes-domestic-commercial-vessel-services
[80] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/tasmania-changes-domestic-commercial-vessel-services
[81] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/new-south-wales-changes-domestic-commercial-vessel
[82] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/victoria-changes-domestic-commercial-vessel-services
[83] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/south-australia-changes-domestic-commercial-vessel
[84] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/northern-territory-changes-domestic-commercial-vessel
[85] https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/western-australia-changes-domestic-commercial-vessel