Do you want to use your boat for work or in connection with your commercial business, even some of the time?
If so, your boat is a domestic commercial vessel (DCV) and must be approved by AMSA.
When is a boat a domestic commercial vessel (DCV)?
A boat is a DCV when it is operated in connection with a commercial business. This includes:
- using it during paid time for work-related activities
- supporting a business operation in some way, such as transporting materials or tools used for commercial purposes.
Commuting versus work
Using your boat to get to and from work outside of your work hours is not a business activity and is considered recreational.
If you use your boat to travel between work sites, transport workers or move tools and equipment, it may be considered a commercial vessel.
Recreational or personal use
If your boat is approved as a DCV, you can still use it recreationally in your own time. You can keep using it for trips, hunting or spending time with your family.
What AMSA approvals do I need to use a boat for work?
If you want to use a boat for work, you may need different certificates - even if you already have an AMSA certificate for fishing.
Here's what you'll need:
- (1) 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 safety standards.
You don't need a certificate of survey if your vessel is approved for work under one of these exemptions and operates only within sheltered water limits:
- 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 you boat has an existing one.
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) 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 DCVs must have an SMS.
- (3) Certificate of operation
A certificate of operation is an approval from AMSA that tells you:
- 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) Master certificates
The Master (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.
AMSA inspections
Our inspectors will inspect the vessel from time to time to make sure it is still safe for everyone and the safety management system is being used properly.
Working in the Torres Strait?
Ask us anything about work boats 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).