Do you want to take paying passengers on tours or between islands?
If so, your boat is a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) and must be approved by AMSA.
All vessel owners need to do a risk assessment to work out what medical and first aid equipment to carry. Class 1, 2 and 3 survey vessels have minimum medical and first aid equipment they are required to carry.
From 1 June 2025, all domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operators, including hire and drive operators (Class 4), must have a drug and alcohol policy as part of their safety management system (SMS).
This user guide sets out the process for the submission of surveys reports and recommendations to AMSA relating to DCV which are applying for, or hold, a Certificate of Survey, a Load Line Certificate, or an Exemption 40 approval.
If you own or operate a domestic commercial vessel, there are a number of practicalities you will need to consider, including keeping your vessel and crew trained, safe and compliant.