Wednesday 9 October 2024
Exemption 24 - Marine Safety (Emergency service vessels) sets out the conditions for the operation of emergency service vessels, including fire services and volunteer marine rescue (VMR) vessels.
Due to the unique nature of emergency service operations, Exemption 24 provides a tailored regulatory approach to balance the specific risks and conditions associated with these operation types. The exemption has not undergone a substantial review since 2016. This review provides an opportunity to simplify the emergency service arrangements and ensure the policy and content remains fit for purpose.
The proposed new Exemption 24 has been developed in collaboration with key representatives from across industry.
The key proposed changes include:
- applying consistent competency requirements for volunteer emergency services by broadening the volunteer marine rescue (VMR) allowances to other services such as state emergency services and fire service organisations
- making it easier to share crew between volunteer organisations
- introducing specific training for vessels between 12 and 24 metres in length
- clarifying the permitted activities that can be conducted under the exemption
- reducing the radio competency requirements for operations closer to shore
- removing unnecessary certificate of survey allowances - all vessels are required to meet the same DCV vessel certification requirements
- removing the exemption application process for other emergency service authorities (AMSA792), with arrangements to be made through the specific exemption (SPEX) process if still required.
Learn more about the proposed changes and have your say until midnight 2 December 2024.