Survey modifiers

Survey modifiers are an important part of ensuring that survey requirements are aligned with risk. A vessel with a modifier:

is not permitted to operate under Exemption 02 (non-survey) or Exemption 40 (Restricted C)
may be subject to more frequent surveys than would otherwise apply.

Under Marine Order 503, a vessel with a modifier is generally in the medium survey frequency category (unless otherwise in high).

References to Exemption 02 below relate to the non-survey (Division 2) arrangements in Exemption 02.

Overview of survey modifiers

Modifier description	Modifies MO503 surveys	Modifies Exemption 02	Modifies Exemption 40
Carriage of dangerous goods including petroleum or gas products—other than: petroleum or gas products intended for use on the vessel, or fireworks carried on the vessel only for use on the vessel for a fireworks display	Yes	Yes	Yes
An inboard engine which operates on fuel that has a flashpoint of less than 60°C	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vessel is operated primarily for towage	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vessel is a support vessel in the offshore oil or gas industry	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vessel is a Class 4 vessel operated overnight	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vessel is a landing barge that is of a design or for a use that AMSA has determined is likely to adversely affect its stability	Yes	Yes	Yes
Vessel is a Category F1 fast craft	Yes
Vessel is a Category F2 fast craft	Yes
Vessel is at least 15 years old	Yes
High speed thrill ride		Yes
Sail vessel			Yes
Vessel that has a net reel, deck load, crane, or lifting device installed where: use of the device is likely to adversely affect the vessel’s stability or watertight integrity, and a marine surveyor accredited in stability approval has not made written recommendation to AMSA stating that they are satisfied the device is unlikely to: generate a heeling moment that may endanger or capsize the vessel, or create a loading condition that exceeds the maximum loading of the vessel.		Yes	Yes

Modifiers for Exemption 02 (non-survey), Exemption 40, and Marine Order 503

The modifiers for Exemption 02 (non-survey), Exemption 40, and Marine Order 503 are:

carriage of dangerous goods including petroleum or gas products—other than petroleum or gas products intended for use on the vessel or fireworks carried on the vessel only for use on the vessel for a fireworks display
an inboard engine which operates on fuel that has a flashpoint of less than 60°C
the vessel is:
- operated primarily for towage
- a support vessel in the offshore oil or gas industry
- a Class 4 vessel operated overnight
- a landing barge that is of a design or for a use that AMSA has determined is likely to adversely affect its stability.

Additional modifiers for Exemption 02 (non-survey) and Exemption 40

The additional modifier to Exemption 02 (non-survey) and Exemption 40 relating to vessel stability is:

A vessel that has a net reel, deck load, crane, or lifting device installed where:

the use of the device is likely to adversely affect the vessel’s stability or watertight integrity, and
a marine surveyor accredited in stability approval has not made written recommendation to AMSA stating that they are satisfied the device is unlikely to:
- generate a heeling moment that may endanger or capsize the vessel, or
- create a loading condition that exceeds the maximum loading of the vessel.

If you are the owner of a vessel with net reels, high deck loads, cranes, and lifting devices—you must provide the surveyor’s recommendation to AMSA as part of the Exemption 02 (non-survey) or Exemption 40 application.

Additional modifier for Exemption 02 (non-survey)

The non-survey arrangements of Exemption 02 include high speed thrill rides as an additional modifier. High speed thrill rides are not eligible for Exemption 02 (non-survey).

This modifier is not included in Exemption 40, because Exemption 40 vessels cannot carry passengers. Under Marine Order 503, high speed thrill rides are in high frequency survey.

Additional modifier for Exemption 40

Sail vessels are an additional modifier to Exemption 40—meaning Exemption 40 does not include sail vessels.

Sail vessels are not a modifier for Exemption 02 (non-survey) or Marine Order 503.

Additional modifiers for Marine Order 503

Marine Order 503 modifiers are vessels that are either:

a Category F1 fast craft
a Category F2 fast craft
at least 15 years old (other than vessels with a hull made from aluminium or steel).

Fast craft and vessels 15 years and older which are subject to Marine Order 503 are:

either medium or high survey frequency
eligible for Exemption 02 and Exemption 40, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria and conditions.