On 30 June 2025, the following National Law general exemptions will expire and will not be reissued:
- Exemption 13 – Marine Safety (Wildlife or other sightseeing) Exemption 2020
- Exemption 18 – Marine safety (Sail) Exemption 2020
- Exemption 21 – Marine Safety (Operator vehicular ferry-in-chains) Exemption 2020
- Exemption 25 – Marine Safety (Old certificates of competency—local restrictions) Exemption 2020
- Exemption 33 – Marine Safety (Sailing vessels with motor propulsion) Exemption 2020
If you are a current holder of one of these exemptions, you will need to take the necessary steps to prepare before the expiration date to avoid any disruption to your operations.
What to do before 30 June 2025
If you wish to continue operating, you will need to ensure you meet the requirements of Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – national law) 2022.
The following table provides suggestions on National Law certificates of competency that may be suitable. You will need to consider which certificate is most appropriate for your vessel’s operations.
| Exemption | What to do before 30 June 2025 | Certificate of competency options |
|---|---|---|
| Exemption 13 – Marine Safety (Wildlife or other sightseeing) Exemption 2020 | Depending on your vessel and its operations, you will need to obtain a Coxswain Grade 3 or a Coxswain Grade 2. | |
Exemption 18 – Marine safety (Sail) Exemption 2020 Exemption 33 – Marine Safety (Sailing vessels with motor propulsion) Exemption 2020 | You will need to obtain a Sailing Master certificate of competency. | |
| Exemption 21 – Marine Safety (Operator vehicular ferry-in-chains) Exemption 2020 | You will need to obtain a vehicular ferry-in-chains endorsement with a current Coxswain Grade 1, 2 or 3 certificate, Master (Inland waters) or Master <24m certificate. | |
| Exemption 25 – Marine Safety (Old certificates of competency—local restrictions) Exemption 2020 | If you need to operate outside the conditions of your old certificate of competency, you will need to obtain a National Law Certificate of Competency. You can obtain one using your old certificate of competency. To apply, you will need to follow the process on Perpetual (and expired) certificates of competency for domestic seafarers. | Perpetual certificates and domestic certificates that expired more than 5 years ago |
Note: Specific exemption (SPEX) – In some cases, it may be possible to apply for a specific exemption. Applicants of SPEX must demonstrate extraordinary reasons for not complying with the applicable requirements and the proposed exemption must not jeopardise the safety of vessels or people. For more information and to apply see the Application for specific exemption (AMSA form 547).