Unpowered barges

Understand the regulatory requirements under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessels) National Law 2012 (National Law) for unpowered barges.

An unpowered barge is:

  • a vessel that is not propelled by an engine or mechanics
  • navigated by a powered vessel that moves it by pushing or towing it. 

An unpowered barge may have propulsion that allows it to:

  • stay in a fixed position in the water at a work location
  • assist while being towed to or from a work location.

An unpowered barge is subject to the national law and is considered to be a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) if it is being used for a commercial, governmental, or research activity. If it is not being used for commercial purposes, it is not considered to be a DCV and may be subject to state recreational requirements.

Requirements for domestic commercial vessels

Domestic commercial unpowered barges are required to comply with national law regulations, including:

Exemption from some requirements

Exemption 41 - Marine Safety (Unpowered barges) 2025 exempts eligible unpowered barges from the requirement to comply with some of the accommodation, safety equipment, communications equipment, and navigation equipment sections of the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part C series. 

Last updated: 15 July 2025