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:
- general safety duties – these apply to vessel owners, designers, builders, suppliers, masters, crew, and passengers
- an implemented safety management system which details the operations of the unpowered barge and meets the requirements in Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation – national law) 2024
- a unique vessel identifier displayed on your vessel
- a Certificate of survey unless you are eligible for Exemption 02 - Marine Safety (Certificates of survey) 2025 or Exemption 40 - Marine Safety (Class C restricted operations) 2025
- a Certificate of operation unless you are eligible for Exemption 03 - Marine Safety (Certificates of operation) 2025.
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.