AMSA Connect is currently experiencing higher than anticipated call volumes. If your call is not urgent, please email amsaconnect@amsa.gov.au

Register of changes

Read about the changes we have made to the NSCV since 2020.

To read the current editions, see the National Standard for Commercial Vessels page.

To read the superseded editions of the NSCV, see the Superseded standards for commercial vessels page.

1 October 2024

StandardEdition numberNotes
NSCV Part B - General requirementsEdition 2.5

Minor amendments to 8 NSCVs

We’ve made minor amendments to 8 NSCVs to address editorial issues. See the full list of changes: NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No 1, 2024 PDF1.11 MB

NSCV C2 commences 1 July 2025

AMSA delayed the commencement date of NSCV C2 to provide industry additional time to transition. NSCV C2 will now commence 1 July 2025 as the mandatory standard for weathertight and watertight integrity.

New vessel constructions: New vessel constructions commencing until 1 July 2025, will have the option of complying with either:

  • NSCV section C2 or
  • Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code sections 5C, 5D and 7.

During this time vessel owners will need to comply with one or the other—not elements of both.

NSCV Part C2 - Watertight and weathertight integrityEdition 1.1
NSCV C5A - MachineryEdition 1.5
NSCV C6A - Intact stability requirements  Edition 1.4
NSCV C7D - Anchoring systemsEdition 1.5
NSCV F1A - General requirements for fast craftEdition 1.4
NSCV F1B - Category F1 fast craftEdition 1.4
NSCV F1C - Category F2 fast craftEdition 1.6

 

1 January 2023

StandardEdition numberNotes
NSCV C2 - Watertight and Weathertight IntegrityEdition 1.0

This Section of the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) was developed after a review of these Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code Sections: 

  • 5C Watertight subdivision of passenger vessels 
  • 5D Watertight subdivision of Class 2 and Class 3 vessels and 
  • 7 Load lines. 

This was the final USL Code design and construction standard to be modernised and replaced by the NSCV. 

Until 1 July 2025 we will allow vessels to comply with either:

  • NSCV section C2, or
  • USL Code sections 5C, 5D and 7. 

See GES 2022/1 PDF210.13 KB.

From 1 July 2025, vessels that enter commercial use for the first time must comply with NSCV C2.

NSCV Part B - General requirementsEdition 2.4These standards were updated because of the NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No 1, 2022. We made minor editorial amendments to eight NSCVs to address the revocation of NSCV Part D. Read the full list of changes: NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No1 2022 PDF518.45 KB
NSCV C6B - Buoyancy and stability after flooding  Edition 1.4
NSCV C6C - Stability tests and stability information  Edition 2.4
NSCV C7A - SafetyEdition 3.9
NSCV C7B - Communications equipmentEdition 1.6
NSCV C7C - Navigation equipmentEdition 1.4
NSCV F1A - General requirements for fast craftEdition 1.3
NSCV F1C - Category F2 fast craftEdition 1.5

1 April 2022

StandardEdition numberNotes
NSCV C3 - ConstructionEdition 1.3

These standards were updated because of the Omnibus amendments instrument No 1, 2021. We made minor editorial amendments to six NSCVs to address minor issues in nature raised by industry. 

Read the full list of changes: NSCV Omnibus amendments instrument No1 2021 PDF518.45 KB

NSCV C6B - Buoyancy and stability after floodingEdition 1.3
NSCV C6C - Stability tests and stability informationEdition 2.3
NSCV C7D - AnchoringEdition 1.4
NSCV F2 - Leisure CraftEdition 2.7
NSCV Part G - Non survey vesselsEdition 2.5

1 January 2021

StandardEdition numberNotes
NSCV C7B – Communications equipmentEdition 1.5

AMSA amended this sub-section to include alternative arrangements for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) on small vessels <7.5m operating in open waters (offshore operations (B waters) or restricted offshore operations (C waters)).

Consequential changes were also made to NSCV Section F2 (Leisure craft) and NSCV Part G (Non-survey vessels).

1 January 2020

StandardEdition numberNotes
NSCV C5B - ElectricalEdition 3.0

A full review to reflect the new AMSA requirement for vessels to comply with their state or territory electrical regulator’s requirements as applicable. 

Be aware that people performing electrical work on low and high voltage systems must meet state and territory electrical licencing requirements. Contact your local electrical safety or WHS regulator for details.

 
Last updated: 1 October 2024