Load line certificates

Every domestic commercial vessel of 24 metre length and over is required to have a load line certificate unless it is:

• a fishing vessel
• a vessel used only to carry passengers in smooth and partially smooth waters (operational areas D and E).

When and how do I apply for a new load line certificate?

You need to apply for a new load line certificate if your vessel is required to have one and:

• the vessel has never held a load line certificate 
• the vessel has not held a load line certificate in the last two years
• you want to remove or change a condition on the current load line certificate
• you want to alter or modify the vessel’s structure, arrangements, material or scantlings
• you want to make any variation to your certificate when you renew it.

Select the ‘New’ button below for more information and instructions.

What do I need to do once I have a load line certificate?

Every vessel with a load line certificate needs to be surveyed every time the certificate is renewed. Some vessels also need to be surveyed periodically during the life of the certificate. You will receive a schedule of required surveys with your certificate.

You must make sure that you comply with the conditions of your certificate. These include:

• carriage on board of the conditions of assignment of load lines (form Load line conditions of assignment report form 555 or similar)
• carriage on board of stability and loading information
• maintenance of fittings and closing appliances
• correct display of deck line and load line marks
• periodic survey of the vessel
• notifying us if the structure, closing arrangements, material or scantlings change and not operating until this has been approved.

It is an offence to operate a vessel in breach of a condition on its load line certificate.

When and how do I renew my load line certificate?

Load line certificates are normally valid for five years. We will send you a reminder notice 90 days before your certificate expires. You will need to renew the certificate before it expires. If you have not renewed your certificate when it expires, you must stop operating until the certificate is renewed or you receive approval to operate temporarily under Exemption 7 Marine Safety (Temporary operations).

Select the ‘Renew’ button below for more information about how to renew your certificate of survey.

Select the ‘New’ button below if you are renewing your certificate and need to change anything on your certificate to avoid paying multiple application fees.

How do I change details on an existing load line certificate?

Select the ‘Vary’ button below if you want to:

• change owner details
• update owner details.

If you want to update the owner details (for example if you have changed name or address), you can do this without submitting an application by calling AMSA Connect.

Select the ‘New’ button below if you want to:

• remove or change a condition on the certificate
• alter or modify vessel details.

Who can survey my vessel?

Your vessel can be surveyed by an accredited marine surveyor who is accredited in category c Initial survey – load line – assignment for an initial survey or n Periodic survey – load line for a periodic survey. A vessel can also be surveyed by a recognised organisation.

What do I do if I can’t get my vessel surveyed by the due date?

You can apply to extend the time needed to complete a periodic survey.

You can also apply to extend the time needed to complete the out of water component of a renewal survey.

What if I sell my vessel?

The certificate can be transferred to the new owner. Select the ‘Vary’ button below.

Can I request a replacement certificate?

You can request a replacement copy of your certificate online.

Can I cancel my load line certificate or put it on hold?

You can apply to suspend your certificate. This will not extend the duration of the certificate. Select the ‘Suspend’ button below for information.

You can also apply to have your certificate revoked. Note that if you are selling your vessel, a vary application is likely to be more appropriate. Once the certificate is revoked it cannot be reinstated and you or the subsequent owner will have to apply for a new one. If you want to request that your certificate be revoked, select the ‘Revoke’ button below for information.

Note: We can suspend a load line certificate on our own initiative. We must do this if we are satisfied that the suspension is necessary for the purpose of:

• ensuring any unpaid fees are recovered
• ensuring necessary repairs are made to the vessel
• we consider it necessary in the interest of marine safety or protecting the environment.

We can revoke a load line certificate on our own initiative. We must do this if:

• we consider it necessary in the interest of marine safety or protecting the environment or
• the certificate was issued error.