If you wish to work on a domestic commercial vessel without a certificate of competency, you can apply for approval under Exemption 31 by completing and submitting the AMSA form 758 to DCVapplications@amsa.gov.au with the following information:

• copy(ies) of your expired pre-USL code certificate(s) of competency
• vessel name and unique identifier
• detailed description of the intended operation(s) and geographical area(s)

What this exemption allows you to do

You are eligible for this exemption if you held a pre-USL Code certificate issued by the maritime safety authority of a state or the Northern Territory.

The pre-USL Code certificate must have:

• been issued before 1 July 2013 and have expired before 1 January 2014, and
• been based on competencies recognised before the USL Code commenced, and
• entitle you to be the master, engineer or coxswain of a domestic commercial fishing vessel, based on competencies recognised in a certificate issued before the USL Code commenced.

Option 1: Continue to operate under your pre-USL Code certificate

Exemption 31 may allow you to continue to carry out duties as a master, engineer or coxswain of a fishing vessel if:

• you have performed the operation in the five years before 30 June 2013, and
• you have continued to perform the operation in the same capacity within the same limitations on the certificate.

In addition, if your pre-USL code certificate expired before 30 December 2013, you must have accrued qualifying sea service for 120 days on a fishing vessel in the five years before you apply for approval under Exemption 31.

Option 2: Apply for a certificate of competency

As the holder of a pre-USL Code certificate, you may qualify for a certificate of competency without having to re-train, demonstrate sea time or obtain a medical fitness certificate. 

You still must meet the eligibility criteria that applied to the pre-USL Code certificate on 31 December 2008.

Legislation and incorporated material

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

Related information 

• Certificates of competency
• Seafarer qualifications
• Miscellaneous form (for matters not covered by other forms) form 758
• Uniform shipping laws code
• Fees, levies, and payments 
• Tenders and auxiliary vessels

Superseded

• Exemption 31 – In force 1 July 2020 – 1 January 2023 PDF47.24 KB
• Exemption 31 – In force 1 February 2018 – 30 June 2020 PDF211.03 KB
• Exemption 31 – In force 1 July 2014 – 31 January 2018 PDF156.62 KB
• Exemption 31 – In force 1 January 2014 – 30 June 2014 PDF153.05 KB