Exemption 24 - Marine Safety (Emergency services vessels)

Exemption 24 is under review. 
Consultation on the proposed changes closed on 2 December 2024. You can read the feedback report now. 
Check this page in late May for the updated exemption.

What this exemption will allow you to do 

Exemption 24 exempts emergency services vessels from certain survey, crewing and certificate of competency requirements.

The exemption is for vessels, and people who work on vessels, operated by:

• volunteer marine rescue organisations
• fire service organisations
• emergency services authorities (for example state or territory emergency Services or police) 

Exemption 24 provides for different arrangements for each of these categories. 

Read more about Exemption 24.

Legislation and incorporated material

• Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey—national law)
• Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements—national law) 
• Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency—national law)
• Marine surveyors manual parts 1 and 2
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels 

Related information 

• Arrangements for emergency services (Exemption 24, including ‘Scheme R’)
• Certificates of survey
• Certificates of operation
• Domestic qualifications
• Exemption application for emergency service vessels form 792
• Fees, levies, and payments
• Tenders and auxiliary vessels

Superseded

• Exemption 24 – In force 1 July 2018 PDF341.34 KB
• Exemption 24 - In force 1 January 2018 PDF299.61 KB
• Exemption 24 - In force 1 July 2016 PDF291.04 KB
• Exemption 24 - In force 30 March 2016 PDF141.15 KB
• Exemption 24 - In force 24 December 2015 PDF139.44 KB
• Exemption 24 - In force 16 May 2014 PDF739.62 KB
• Exemption 24 - In force 1 July 2013 (10 December 2013 compilation) PDF27.87 KB
• Exemption 24 - In force 1 July 2013 PDF137.95 KB