Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)



Caveats

Lodge a caveat to make sure no transactions are registered which may affect your interests in a ship.

If you have an interest in a ship and want to make sure that no transactions are registered which might affect your interest, you can lodge a caveat.

Lodging a caveat means you will be notified if:

If you have lodged a caveat and your name or address changes, you must advise us.

What do you need to do?

Lodge a caveat

What do I need to do?

To lodge a caveat over an Australian registered vessel, you need to:

Provide the ship registration details

You will need to provide us:

  • the name
  • official number
  • other details.

That will identify the registered ship.

Complete the form

You will need to download and complete the Caveat form.

Pay fees

Before you send us your application, pay the fee online.

Record your payment reference number in the ‘Submitting your application’ section on your application form.

How to apply

You will need to attach all required supporting documents and send the paperwork to us at our postal or courier address:

  • Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
  • Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, Level 2, 28 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

You must include payment with your application.

Wait for us to let you know

We will let you know if there is any additional information that we need to process your application. If not, the caveat will be registered and you will be sent a letter of confirmation. 

Once the caveat has been registered you will be notified if we receive any application to register a dealing in the ship.

Amend name or address details

What do I need to do?

If there is a change to your name or address, you need to:

Provide required forms

You will need to download and complete a Notice of change of name of caveator or of address for service form 213.

How to apply

You will need to attach all required supporting documents and send the paperwork to us at our postal or courier address:

  • Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
  • Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, Level 2, 28 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

You must include payment with your application.

Wait for us to let you know

When the details have been updated on the register you will be sent a letter confirming that the change has been made.

Withdraw a caveat

Who can withdraw a caveat?

A caveat can be withdrawn by the person who lodged the caveat. But, a caveat can also be withdrawn by:

  • The solicitor or authorised agent of the person who lodged the caveat.
  • The executor of the will or estate administrator if the person who lodged the caveat is deceased.
  • A trustee, official receiver or other person in whom the interest is vested if the Bankruptcy Act 1966 applies.
  • An individual entrusted to manage the affairs of the person who lodged the caveat if a court order has determined they lack capacity.

What do I need to do?

To withdraw a caveat, you need to:

Provide required forms

You will need to download and complete a Withdrawal of caveat form 214.

Provide supporting documents

There may be other documents, certificates and forms you need to complete if they apply to your circumstances. If any of the documents listed below are required to complete your registration, make sure you include them in your application:

  • Copy of the will
  • Copy of the probate
  • Letters of administration of the person's estate
  • Office copy of a court order.

How to apply

Lodge the withdrawal of caveat form with supporting evidence such as a copy of the will or probate, or letters of administration of the estate of the person or an office copy of a court order, depending on the circumstances.

You will need to attach all required supporting documents and send the paperwork to us at our postal or courier address:

  • Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, PO Box 255, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
  • Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Shipping Registration Office, Operations, Level 2, 28 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

You must include payment with your application.

Wait for us to let you know

We will let you know if there is any additional information that we need to process your application for withdrawal of the caveat. When the details have been updated on the register you will be sent a letter of confirmation.