You do not need to apply to AMSA for this exemption. 

You need to keep all the supporting documents on board and ready to be presented to authorities if required.

What this exemption allows you to do

Exemption 18 allows you to perform specified duties without a certificate of competency that would be required for specified sailing vessels.

The specified duties means the duties of:

(a)    the master of a sailing vessel ≤24 m long, with operating power < 75 kw in inland waters and all waters up to 100 nm from shore; or
(b)    the mate of a sailing vessel ≤35 m long in inland waters and all waters to the outer limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone; or
(c)    a person operating a sailing vessel ≤12 m long with operating power <75 kw in inland waters and all waters up to 15 nm from shore.

You may perform the specified duties if you:

• are at least 16 years old; and
• make a declaration of medical fitness in accordance with the form approved for Marine Order 505; and
• hold a current first aid certificate of at least HLTAID011 Provide First Aid or another equivalent course; and
• hold a Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority or its delegate; and
• have completed any required training and hold relevant certificates as set out below.

General training

To be eligible for exemption 18 you must have completed either: 

• MARS00008 Shipboard Safety skill set units of the maritime training package through a registered training organisation, or 
• the Australian Sailing RYA Safety and Sea Survival course or the World Sailing Offshore personal survival course.

Note: Australian Sailing was previously known as Yachting Australia, and World Sailing was previously known as the International Sailing Federation.

Certificates and additional training

If performing the duties of either: 

• the master of a sailing vessel less than or equal to 24 metres long, with operating power less than 75 kilowatts in inland waters and all waters up to 100 nautical miles from shore or 
• the mate of a sailing vessel less than or equal to 35 metres long in inland waters and all waters to the outer limit of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone

You must also meet one of the following two options:

Option 1 

You held a Master 5 (Sail) certificate on 30 June 2013.

Option 2

You must have completed one of the following courses:

• MARC037—operate inboard and outboard motors (or equivalent)
• Australian Sailing RYA Diesel Engine course and the Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling course
• Australian Sailing RYA Diesel Engine course and the RYA Level 2 Powerboat course.

You must also hold one of the following certificates:

• an Australian Sailing RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate of competence
• a Yachtmaster Ocean certificate of competence
• an equivalent certificate.

If performing duties of a person operating a sailing vessel less than or equal to 12 metres long with operating power less than 75 kilowatts in all inland waters and all waters up to 15 nautical miles from shore you must also hold either:

• an Australian Sailing RYA Yachtmaster Coastal certificate
• a Coxswain (Sail) certificate
• an equivalent certificate.

Note: Australian Sailing was previously known as Yachting Australia, and World Sailing was previously known as the International Sailing Federation.

If you wish to use an equivalent certificate, you can apply for approval by completing and submitting AMSA form 758 to DCVapplications@amsa.gov.au with the following information:

• copy(ies) of the completed certificate (if applicable)
• details of the proposed training course

Legislation and incorporated material

• Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency—national law)
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels 

Related information 

• Domestic qualifications
• Apply for a certificate of medical fitness as a domestic seafarer (AMSA form 1850)
• Tenders and auxiliary vessels

Superseded