If you own a vessel in Australia and use it for any commercial, government or research activity, you will need to meet these requirements.
| Requirement | What it is | Which vessels need it |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of survey (CoS) | A physical certificate issued by AMSA that proves that your vessel is safe and seaworthy, and has the right safety equipment on board. | All vessels except those that qualify for non-survey approval (exemption 02 or exemption 40). |
| Certificate of operation (CoO) | A physical certificate issued by AMSA that describes the vessels used in your operation, how and where they operate, and other conditions. | All vessels except those that qualify for a CoO exemption. |
| Safety management system | A document created by you that describes how you run your operation safely. | All vessels. |
| Unique vessel identifier | Like a number plate for your vessel. AMSA issues this when you when you get a CoS or non-survey approval. | All vessels. |
Crew working on the vessel will also need to meet qualifications requirements.
Access the My Boat system for guidance on how keep your vessel compliant.
Last updated: 22 June 2026