Individuals wishing to operate a Ferry-In-Chains are now required to apply for the Ferry-In-Chains endorsement. This endorsement can be added to a new or existing certificate of competency.

Persons who hold a current Ferry-In-Chains exemption can continue to operate under the exemption up to the expiry date outlined on the exemption document issued. 

What this exemption allows current Exemption 21 holders to do

Exemption 21 lets existing holders perform the duties of master on a vehicular ferry-in-chains attached to the shore by cable without a certificate of competency.

Additional restrictions may have been imposed on operations depending on the condition of the waters the holder is operating in.

What happens when Exemption 21 expires

Individuals that hold a current Exemption 21 will need to obtain a certificate of competency with a Ferry-In-Chains endorsement before their issued exemption expires. 

The simplest pathway to compliance for those that have a current recreational licence is to gain the Coxswain Grade 3 through the application form AMSA 426 and a Coxswain grade 3 NC Declaration form AMSA 1882 to show completion of the practical on- water tasks. 

Legislation and incorporated material

• Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency—national law)
• National Standard for Commercial Vessels 
• Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements—national law) 

Related information 

• Domestic qualifications
• Exemption application for operator vehicular ferry-in-chains form 787
• Fees, levies, and payments
• Equivalent first aid certificates
• Tenders and auxiliary vessels

Superseded

• Exemption 21 – In force 1 February 2018 PDF193.09 KB
• Exemption 21 - In force on 1 July 2013 PDF46.21 KB