Find the National Standards for Commercial Vessels, generic equivalent solutions, the Uniform Shipping Laws code, and International Safety Management code.
Superseded generic equivalent solutions for the national standard
The national standard for commercial vessels is being progressively introduced to replace the Uniform Shipping Laws Code (USL Code). As technology changes and improves, other solutions are available for meeting the standard. These are known as generic equivalent solutions (GES). They are available to address situations that may be outside the original scope of the standard, but will achieve the necessary outcomes to be compliant.
GES provide alternative ways to meet the national standard for commercial vessels. GES are made to facilitate innovation, modernisiation and emerging technologies. You can apply a GES to your vessel during design or construction or once the vessel is operating.
As the national standard progresses, the GES will be updated. There are a number of GES which have been superseded. These superseded GES are provided for your information only. To view the current versions please visit the equivalent solutions for the national standard.
| GES Number | Title | Previous edition | Amendment |
|---|---|---|---|
| GES 2016/17 | SOLAS life rafts equivalent to coastal life rafts | December 2016 PDF228.58 KB | |
| GES 2016/16 | Construction of vessels from polyethylene | July 2016 PDF345.78 KB | |
| GES 2016/15 | Extra low voltage bilge pumps | August 2016 PDF186.02 KB | |
| GES 2016/14 | Highly visible colours | February 2016 PDF173.29 KB | |
| GES 2016/13 | Arrangement of submersible low voltage bilge pumps without manifold | February 2016 PDF154.84 KB | January 2017 PDF152.02 KB |
| GES 2015/11 | Capacity of open reversible life rafts when used as buoyant appliances | September 2015 PDF166.5 KB | January 2016 PDF176.04 KB |
| GES 2015/12 | Operational wave height for high speed craft | September 2015 PDF142.82 KB | |
| GES 2017/09 | Use of buoyant storage devices on domestic commercial vessels | September 2015 PDF145.42 KB | January 2017 PDF155.53 KB |
| GES 2015/03 | Alternative criteria for towing stability assessment | May 2015 PDF215.49 KB | |
| GES 2015/02 | Compass adjustment for C,D and E waters | February 2015 PDF296.22 KB | |
| GES 2015/01 | Carriage of first aid supplies on domestic commercial vessels | February 2015 PDF219.57 KB | |
| GES 2014/04 | Regulatory requirements for inflatable and rigid inflatable boats | November 2017 PDF209.18 KB | |
| GES 2014/03 | Application of ISO 12217 part 2 small craft - stability and buoyancy assessment and categorisation - sailing boats of hull length greater than or equal to six metres | November 2014 PDF228.25 KB | |
| GES 2014/02 | Use of simplified stability criteria decked and open vessels less than 7.5 metres length carrying passengers to sea | May 2014 PDF172.72 KB | |
| GES 2014/01 | Window design and installation for vessels up to 35 metres in length | January 2014 PDF184.78 KB | December 2016 PDF160.38 KB |
| GES 2010/04 | Thermoplastic fuel tanks | November 2010 PDF8.55 KB | February 2014 PDF224.8 KB |
| GES 2010/02 | Use of AS4132 for construction of vessels using FRP or aluminium | February 2014 PDF296.19 KB | July 2016 PDF171.98 KB |
| Circular 2010/02 | Non-destructive testing procedure for ultrasonic propeller shaft inspection | February 2014 PDF244.01 KB | |
| GES 2010/01 | Exhaust systems | February 2014 PDF199.5 KB | |
| Circular 05-01 | Tinting of navigational space windows | June 2014 PDF278.6 KB |
National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV)
We maintain a list of current and superseded versions of the NSCV for your information.
When we amend the NSCV, we may use technical advisory panels to provide technical assistance and advice.
Technical advisory panels are made up of technical experts from industry, government, academic institutions, and the community. The size of the panel is determined by the nature and complexity of the issue, but in all cases will have at least three members. We choose members based on their qualifications, expertise or experience in their field. Jurisdictions are not always represented.
Information on technical advisory panels is available in the terms of reference and working principles.
Complete the technical advisory panel nomination form if you would like to be involved.
| National Standard for Commercial Vessels | |
| Part B | |
| Part C | Design and construction |
Section C1 - Arrangement, accommodation and personal safety
Section C5 – Engineering
Subsection C5C - LPG systems for appliances Subsection C5D – LPG systems for engines Section C6 – Stability Subsection C6A – Intact stability requirements Subsection C6C – Stability tests and stability information Section C7 – Equipment
| |
| Part D | Crew competencies * Part D Crew competencies was revoked on 1 January 2023. See |
| Part E | Operations * Part E Operations was revoked on 1 July 2018. See |
| Part F | Special vessels |
Section F1 – Fast craft Subsection F1B – Category F1 fast craft
Section F4 – Special purpose vessels (contact us) | |
| Part G | |
| Related content | |
To provide feedback or report issues / errors with this or any other any NSCV or related webpages, contact us at NSCVfeedback@amsa.gov.au
Please include the name and clause number of the NSCV in the email.
For enquiries relating to an application please email dcvsurvey@amsa.gov.au.
Generic equivalent solutions for national standards
GES provide alternative ways to meet the national standard for commercial vessels. GES are made to facilitate innovation, modernisation and emerging technologies. You can apply a GES to your vessel during design or construction or once the vessel is operating.
Superseded GES are available for information.