Marine Surveyors Manual—parts 1 and 2

A new version of Part 2 comes into effect on 1 January 2025. You can download the current and new versions.

Part 1

Part 1 of the manual details the administrative requirements for accreditation, including:

Role overview: introduction to an accredited surveyors’ responsibilities
Accreditation categories: introduction to the categories of accreditation
Accreditation requirements: skills, experience and knowledge required
Conflict of interest provisions: prohibition from conducting surveys if conflicted
Application process: for new, renewed, or varied accreditation
Conditions tied to accreditation: AMSA’s ability to condition a surveyor, conduct audits of surveyors’ work and potential consequences of not complying
Surrendering, revoking or suspending accreditation: procedures to voluntarily close your accreditation.

Part 2 of the manual specifies the procedural standards that accredited surveyors must follow for survey, including:

The purpose and objectives of surveys: defining the intent and goals of surveying
Survey preparation requirements: defining the types of surveys, pre-requisites and preparation before commencing a survey
Record-keeping and traceability obligations: obligations for maintaining records
Reporting and documentation obligations: requirements for survey reports and recommendations to AMSA
Survey requirements for vessels:
- seeking new certificates of survey
- undergoing transitional surveys
- renewing their certification
- certified under the EX40 scheme
- formerly regulated under the Navigation Act.

It will remain effective until 31 December 2024.

Download the new version of SAGM Part 2 now to review the upcoming changes.

It will come into effect on 1 January 2025.

Increased flexibility for survey cycles

High survey frequency vessel owners can choose to conduct their out of water survey in either year 2 or year 3 of the survey cycle.
Medium survey frequency vessel owners can choose to conduct their year 3 survey either in or out of the water.

Simplified dual 2/4 class certification for leisure type vessels

Class 2 vessels engaged in leisure type activities (up to C waters) can use the same CE certification, for structural certification, as class 4 vessels.

Streamlined EX40 survey criteria

Categories of accreditation and documentation requirements simplified to better facilitate certification of production vessels.