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What is a certificate of operation (CoO)?
A certificate of operation sets out the conditions under which a domestic commercial vessel—or fleet of vessels—must operate, including:
- the vessels used in the operation
- how and where the vessels can operate
- other conditions we consider necessary due to the nature of either a vessel or an operation.
It is a condition of the certificate of operation that the vessel must have a safety management system that complies with the requirements in Marine Order 504.
Certificates of operation need to be renewed every five years.
A CoO is not transferable
A certificate of operation is held by the vessel's owner or operator and cannot be transferred.
A certificate of operation is separate from vessel permissions such as a certificate of survey, which can be transferred.
If you're buying a vessel, you will need to apply for a certificate of operation or add the vessel to your certificate if you already have one. Learn more about buying, selling or transferring a vessel.
Crewing determination for larger vessels
If you operate or intend to operate a vessel that is ≥ 80 metres or ≥ 3000 GT or ≥ 3000 kW, you must apply for an appropriate crewing determination as part of your application for a certificate of operation. Find out more about how to apply for a crewing determination.
AMSA checks
We may check that you are meeting the conditions of your certificate of operation at any time. If we believe that you are not meeting the conditions of your certificate of operation, we may suspend or revoke your certificate.
Exemptions from needing a CoO
Vessels used for certain kinds of operations may be exempt from the requirement to have a CoO or from certain conditions on a CoO.
Check the types of operations that may be exempt:
- specific types of vessels and operations
- recreational use
- temporary operations
- emergency services
- unpowered barges
An existing vessel may operate with the crewing requirements that applied to the vessel on 30 June 2013 but must otherwise comply with the current operational requirements in Marine Order 504.
CoO forms
- To get a certificate of operation or make changes to your operation use AMSA form 504.
- To renew your certificate of operation, if you can provide a copy of the current certificate and do not want to make any changes, submit an application to renew a certificate of operation (AMSA form 553).
- You can also request a replacement copy online.
Unsure? Get help
If you're not sure what you need to do, contact AMSA Connect for help.
Regulations
The rules about certificates of operation are contained in:
- Schedule 1 of the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessels) National Law Act 2012
- Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements – national law)