On this page:

• Download EX31
• Latest changes
• What this exemption allows you to do
• Eligibility requirements
• How to apply
• Related legislation
• Superseded

Download EX31 - Expired pre-USL Code certificates PDF109.54 KB

In force 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028.

Latest changes

An updated version of exemption 31 came into effect on 1 July 2025.  

Current exemption holders are required to re-apply. You will need to complete an AMSA 758 application if you wish to continue to operate under the exemption. Submit an application and receive an approval by 31 January 2026.

Alternatively, you may apply for an AMSA certificate of competency (CoC) using your expired pre-USL certificate. For further information, call AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484.

What this exemption allows you to do

Exemption 31 allows a pre-USL Code certificate holder to work on a commercial fishing vessel as a master, engineer or coxswain.

The maritime safety authority of a state or the Northern Territory must have issued the pre-USL Code certificate.  

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for exemption 31 you must:

• have an expired pre-USL code certificate and worked in a commercial fishing vessel operation in the 5 years before 30 June 2013
• have continued to work in the same capacity within the same limitations on the certificate
• be approved by AMSA to operate under exemption 31.

Your pre-USL Code certificate must have:

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

Conditions

If you become aware of a medical condition that may affect your ability to operate a vessel PDF185.85 KB, you must declare it and provide us with evidence of your medical fitness.

How to apply

Option 1

AMSA may recognise your pre-USL code certificate as equivalent to the corresponding national law certificate. If you would like to apply for a national law certificate of competency, please contact AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484.

Option 2

Complete an AMSA form 758 application if you wish to continue to operate under the exemption.  

Submit an application and receive an approval by 31 January 2026.  

Required documents and information

Submit the form with:

• copy(ies) of your expired pre-USL code certificate(s) of competency or proof of previous approval to operate under exemption 31
• intended operation(s) and geographical area(s)
• if relevant, details of any medical condition that may affect your ability to operate the vessel PDF185.85 KB. 

Apply now

If you have trouble locating a copy of your expired pre-USL code certificate or previous approval, or you need assistance completing the application for the exemption, please contact AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484.

Related legislation

Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency—national law)

Superseded

Refer to superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions for previous versions of this exemption.