Northern Territory—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of the Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics.

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below.

Certificates of competency

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications are lodged the DIPL Darwin office.
  • Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets.
  • Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment.
  • AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications are lodged the DIPL Darwin office.
  • DIPL is not able to send renewal notices.
  • All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted.
  • When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate.
  • A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) AMSA—from 1 July

Initial survey

  • Applications are lodged the DIPL Darwin office.

Initial survey

  • Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
  • Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
  • Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Surveys are conducted by DIPL marine surveyors or by private accredited surveyors.
  • Certificate of survey is valid for one year.

Periodic survey and renewals

  • Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
  • Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
  • Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non-survey vessels

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL)AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applicants must submit detailed photos and information outlining what the boat will be fitted with, what it will be used for and what safety equipment it will carry.
  • DIPL Surveyors often help provide information and advice on how to meet the requirements for being a non-surveyed vessel.
  • Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet.
  • On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemption and equivalent means of compliance

Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL)AMSA—from 1 July
  • Applications for general exemptions are made through DIPL.
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • Exemption 13 and 13a are issued based on a practical on-site assessment (fee charged).
  • If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.
  • All applications will be submitted to AMSA.
  • Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post.
  • In some cases, exemptions have been extended until 2020. Read the list of exemptions.

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics will continue to provide you with marine safety services for local waterways management, environmental management, pilotage, navigation aids, ports, harbours and mooring management as well as all recreational boating services.

Requesting records lodged in the Northern Territory

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) are accessed. AMSA and DIPL have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records.

How to request records in the Northern Territory
How do I request records submitted to DIPL after 1 July 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664.
How do I request records submitted to DIPL before 1 July 2013?As above.
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013? As above.

 

Last updated: 4 January 2021