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Load line certificates

Some vessels are required to have a load line certificate.

Every domestic commercial vessel of 24 metre length and over is required to have a load line certificate unless it is:

  • a fishing vessel
  • a vessel used only to carry passengers in smooth and partially smooth waters (operational areas D and E).
When and how do I apply for a new load line certificate?

You need to apply for a new load line certificate if your vessel is required to have one and:

  • the vessel has never held a load line certificate 
  • the vessel has not held a load line certificate in the last two years
  • you want to remove or change a condition on the current load line certificate
  • you want to alter or modify the vessel’s structure, arrangements, material or scantlings
  • you want to make any variation to your certificate when you renew it.

To apply for a new load line certificate:

  1. Complete the form - complete an application for a certificate of survey and/or a load line certificate (form 521) and select 'Apply for a new certificate'.

    Note - If you are required to have a certificate of survey as well, you can apply for one at the same time using the same form.
     
  2. Submit the survey reports - you will receive a letter from us telling you which surveys are required for the application to be processed. Contact an accredited marine surveyor or recognised organisation to have your surveys completed and uploaded into our system. We can't assess your application until we receive the vessel survey reports. 
What do I need to do once I have a load line certificate?

Every vessel with a load line certificate needs to be surveyed every time the certificate is renewed. Some vessels also need to be surveyed periodically during the life of the certificate. You will receive a schedule of required surveys with your certificate.

You must make sure that you comply with the conditions of your certificate. These include:

  • carriage on board of the conditions of assignment of load lines (form Load line conditions of assignment report form 555 or similar)
  • carriage on board of stability and loading information
  • maintenance of fittings and closing appliances
  • correct display of deck line and load line marks
  • periodic survey of the vessel
  • notifying us if the structure, closing arrangements, material or scantlings change and not operating until this has been approved.

It is an offence to operate a vessel in breach of a condition on its load line certificate.

When and how do I renew my load line certificate?

Load line certificates are normally valid for five years. We will send you a reminder notice six months before your certificate expires.  

If you have not renewed your certificate and completed the relevant renewal surveys when it expires, you must stop operating until the certificate is renewed or you receive approval to operate temporarily under Exemption 7 Marine Safety (Temporary operations).

To apply to renew your certificate:

  1. Complete the form - complete an application for a certificate of survey and/or a load line certificate for a domestic commercial vessel (form 521) and select 'Renew a certificate'.

    Note - if you need to renew a certificate of survey as well, you can apply to renew both at the same time using the same form.
     
  2. Submit survey reports - You will receive a letter from us telling you which surveys are required for the application to be processed. Contact an accredited marine surveyor or recognised organisation to have your surveys completed and uploaded into our system. We can't assess your application until we receive the vessel survey reports. 
How do I change details on an existing load line certificate or transfer it to a new owner?

You can make the following changes to an existing load line certificate:

  • alter or modify the details of the vessel  
  • transfer certificate to a new holder or update current holder details  
  • remove or change a condition(s) on the certificate
  • increase service category or increase the maximum persons allowed on board
  • lower or remove a service category, or change crew, passenger, or special personnel numbers without increasing passenger numbers or maximum persons allowed on board
  • update engine details
  • change the vessel name.

To apply to make a change your certificate:

If you would like to transfer the load line certificate to a new owner, as part of the application you will need to upload a photo of the vessel and documentation showing the current holder’s agreement to transfer (for example, bill of sale, contract of sale or statutory declaration). 

If you want to update the owner details (for example if you have a new phone number or changed address), you can do this without submitting an application by calling AMSA Connect. 

Who can survey my vessel?

Your vessel can be surveyed by an accredited marine surveyor who is accredited in category c Initial survey – load line – assignment for an initial survey or n Periodic survey – load line for a periodic survey. A vessel can also be surveyed by a recognised organisation.

What do I do if I can’t get my vessel surveyed by the due date?

You can apply to extend the time needed to complete a periodic survey.

You can also apply to extend the time needed to complete the out of water component of a renewal survey.

Can I get a replacement certificate?

You can request a replacement copy of your certificate online.

Can I cancel my load line certificate or put it on hold?

You can apply to revoke or suspend your certificate. 

Complete an Application for a certificate of survey and/or a load line certificate for a domestic commercial vessel (form 521) and select either 'Revoke' or 'Suspend'.  

When you suspend your certificate, the expiry date does not change - the certificate continues to age during suspension. 

If you are selling your vessel, an application to transfer the certificate is more appropriate. Once the certificate is revoked it cannot be reinstated and you or the subsequent owner will have to apply for a new one. 

Note: We can suspend a load line certificate on our own initiative. We must do this if we are satisfied that the suspension is necessary for the purpose of:

  • ensuring any unpaid fees are recovered
  • ensuring necessary repairs are made to the vessel
  • we consider it necessary in the interest of marine safety or protecting the environment.

We can revoke a load line certificate on our own initiative. We must do this if:

  • we consider it necessary in the interest of marine safety or protecting the environment or
  • the certificate was issued error.

 

Last updated: 14 October 2026

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