Exemption 48—Marine Safety (Houseboats)

This exemption is for people who work on a commercial houseboat that is usually operated as a hire and drive vessel.

4 June 2024

You do not need to apply to us for this exemption.

You will need to keep your supporting documents on board and ready to be presented to authorities if required.

What this exemption will allow you to do

Exemption 48 exempts a person operating a class 4 houseboat ≤24m in length from the competency requirements under Marine Order 504 and Marine Order 505 when operating the vessel without hirers onboard for the purposes of: 

relocating the vessel within a marina, 
maintenance or survey, 
pump out of sewage,
refuelling, or
delivery or retrieval of the vessel.

A person is permitted to perform these tasks if they:  

hold a certificate of competency that is at least a Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal
have received an onboard induction, familiarisation and training for the vessel in accordance with MO504
only operate the vessel during daylight hours
only operate the vessel in E waters, and
only operate the vessel without passengers on board.