On this page:
- Latest changes
- Download exemption 06
- Surveys and equipment certification: time extension
- Compass adjustments: time extension
- Liferaft servicing: time extension
- Related legislation and standards
Latest changes
An updated version of exemption 06 came into effect on 1 July 2025.
We remade the previous version with no policy changes.
You may need to apply to operate under this exemption, depending on what you need a time extension for.
Current exemption holders: Review the updated exemption to ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria.
In force 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030.
Surveys and equipment certification: time extension
Application for approval required: Yes.
Exemption 06 allows domestic commercial vessel (DCV) owners an extension of time to:
- complete a periodic survey (other than the renewal survey)
- obtain a certificate of currency relating to equipment that the vessel must carry.
Maximum extensions and when to apply
| Certificate type | Maximum extension granted | When to apply |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic survey | Up to 90 days | Apply in the 90 days before or after the survey period. |
| Equipment certificate of currency | Up to 90 days | Apply in the 90 days before or after the certificate’s expiry date. |
You must apply before the vessel’s certificate of survey expires.
Note: For a time extension for completion of a renewal survey, apply for approval under exemption 07.
How to apply
Use AMSA form 776 to apply for this exemption.
Note: Once you’ve submitted your application, you may continue operating while AMSA assesses it.
Compass adjustments: time extension
Exemption 06 allows eligible DCV owners to operate without meeting requirements relating to:
- adjusting a compass that is showing a deviation on any heading of more than 5 degrees
- adjusting a compass at specified time intervals.
Showing a deviation on any heading of more than 5 degrees
Application for approval required: Yes.
You must apply as soon as a deviation of more than 5 degrees is detected.
How to apply
Use AMSA form 776 to apply for this exemption.
Note: Once you’ve submitted your application, you may continue operating while AMSA assesses it.
Specified time intervals
Application for approval required: No.
You don't need to apply unless the compass is showing a deviation on any heading of more than 5 degrees.
Liferaft servicing: time extension
Application for approval required: No.
Exemption 06 allows you to operate your vessel with fewer liferafts than you are normally required to carry. It must be a temporary situation because liferafts are being:
- serviced
- repaired
- replaced.
If you are carrying fewer liferafts, you need to carry fewer people. You must still be able to carry all people on board in a liferaft in an emergency.
Conditions
If operating under exemption 06 you must comply with all these conditions:
- Record the date the liferaft was removed from the vessel in the vessel’s logbook.
- Carry enough liferafts for all persons on board.
- Record the number of persons and liferafts on board in the vessel’s logbook before each voyage.
- Keep evidence on board to show that the liferaft is being serviced, repaired or replaced e.g. invoice, receipt, email, and what type of liferaft it is e.g. coastal, open reversible.
- Put a procedure in place so that the master and crew know the liferaft has been removed and the maximum number of persons that can be carried on the vessel.
- Update the safety management system to include the above procedure and address any risks if the liferaft will be out of service for more than 14 days.
Related legislation and standards
- Marine Order 503 (Certificates of survey – national law)
- Marine Order 507 (Load line certificates – national law)
- National Standard for Commercial Vessels
Refer to superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.