What do I need to carry passengers?
If you want to carry paying passengers on your boat, you may need different approvals or certificates, even if you already have an AMSA certificate for fishing.
To carry paying passengers, you must meet these requirements before you operate:
- (1) Get a certificate of survey or check if you are exempt
A certificate of survey shows your vessel has been inspected by an AMSA-accredited surveyor and meets the safety standards for carrying passengers.
You don’t need a certificate of survey if your vessel is covered by:
• Exemption 2 – Marine Safety (Certificate of survey) for Class 2 vessels
• Exemption 40 – Marine Safety (Class C restricted operations)
You may need to apply for an exemption or check if your boat already has one.
Important: Even if your vessel does not require a certificate of survey, you may need documentation, such as an exemption certificate, to prove your vessel is exempt.
- (2) Create a safety management system (SMS)
A safety management system, or SMS, is a document that explains how you keep your crew, boat and passengers safe.
All domestic commercial vessels must have an SMS.
- (3) Hold a certificate of operation
A certificate of operation is an approval from AMSA that explains:
- which boat you can use
- where and how you can use it
- any conditions you must follow to keep people and the vessel safe.
- (4) Make sure your crew have the right certificates
The master, who is the person in charge of the boat, must have a valid AMSA certificate of competency, such as a coxswain.
The certificate they need depends on the vessel, the area of operation and the type of work being done.
Passenger safety checklist
If you are a passenger travelling on a boat in the Torres Strait, ask these questions to check the vessel is safe.
- Does the boat have the right AMSA certificates?
- Does the master have the right certificates?
- What safety equipment is on board?
- Is the weather safe for travel?
- Is someone expecting us at our destination?
You can also check whether the boat displays a unique vessel identifier. This is usually a 6-digit number starting with 4.
Need help?
If you are unsure, or if you want to carry paying passengers, call AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484.
Tell them you want to carry paying passengers in the Torres Strait and explain where and how you plan to operate.
Got a question?
Ask us anything about carrying paying passengers in the Torres Strait.
Here to help (Mela iya bla elp)
When you ask a question, we will put you in touch with an AMSA staff member who is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crew and vessel operators. Our staff are based in regional areas like Cairns and Thursday Island.
Artwork: Baydham by Badu Island (Torres Strait) artist Michael Nona.
Want to speak to someone instead?
Contact the AMSA Connect contact centre on 1800 627 484 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm AEDT (excluding national public holidays).