South Australia—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

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

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

Certificates of competency

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.
  • Final assessments are conducted by DPTI Examiners, predominantly in metro Adelaide.
  • DPTI issues reminder notices for renewal or revalidation of certificates two months prior to their expiry.
  • 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

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.
  • Reminder notices are not sent by DPTI.
  • 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

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018

Initial survey

  • All vessel inspection services are booked with Private Accredited Marine Surveyors.
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.

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

  • DPTI issues reminder notices two months before the vessel inspection is due.
  • All vessel inspection services are booked with Private Accredited Marine Surveyors.
  • Certificates are valid for five years unless the vessel is recognised under grandfathering arrangements.

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

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • Applications are processed by DPTI and can be lodged via post, in person or via email.
  • A unique grandfathering arrangement exists for restricted 3C and 3D fishing vessels which are less than 7.5 metres in length.
    Note—Exemption 40 is similar, however the safety equipment requirements differ slightly.
  • 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.

Exemptions and equivalent means of compliance

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI)AMSA—from 1 July 2018
  • 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.

Requesting records lodged in South Australia

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

How to request records in South Australia
How do I request records submitted to DPTI after 1 July 2013?Public requests for records should go directly to DPTI who will advise you of any fees associated with document retrieval. More information can be found on the DPTI website.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 DPTI before 1 July 2013?  
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013?   
Last updated: 5 August 2024