Exemption 49 – Marine Safety (Domestic commercial vessels – compliance with international standards)

This exemption is for owners and accredited marine surveyors of RAVs who want to operate their vessel as a DCV and are required to operate with a certificate of survey (CoS).

Download Exemption 49 (EX49) PDF217.05 KB

In force 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2030

What this exemption allows you to do

Exemption 49 allows you to operate a DCV built to the Navigation Act 2012 (Navigation Act) requirements, provided you comply with the exemption conditions. Scenarios may include:

a regulated Australian vessel (RAV) that is transitioning to be a DCV
a new vessel built to RAV standards which always intended to operate as a DCV.

This is an ongoing exemption. It does not expire.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for Exemption 49, the vessel must:

have held a safety certificate within the last 2 years (for the first issue of a certificate of survey)
comply with the standards evidenced by the safety certificate
have a valid certificate of classification.

You will need to ensure the vessel continues to meet the technical standards required for a RAV.

You will also need to carry on board any documentation issued by an issuing body or classification society in relation to the standards that apply to the vessel. You need to be able to easily access these documents if we inspect your vessel and request them. They can be hard copies or digital copies.

Note: If your vessel is eligible for Exemption 49, you still need to apply for a CoS. Mention that your vessel is eligible for Exemption 49 in your CoS application.

How to apply

When you apply for a CoS, state in your application that Exemption 49 applies to your vessel.

We will assess your eligibility for a CoS and Exemption 49 at the same time. When we notify you that you’ve been approved for a CoS and Exemption 49, we will state any conditions that apply.

Note: You can’t operate your vessel as a DCV until AMSA has approved your application for a CoS.