AMSA will be closed from 5 pm AEDT Tuesday 24 December 2024, re-opening on Thursday 2 January 2025. Our search and rescue will continue to operate every day (24/7) during this time. See which services are affected.

Guidance: Marine Order 504 changes

Step 2: Check eligibility for a simplified SMS

Operators are required to have a full SMS until 1 June 2025 when simplified SMS requirements come into effect.

Is my vessel eligible for a simplified SMS?

Eligibility flowchart
Image description: Is my vessel eligible for a simplified SMS?

Vessels eligible to operate with a simplified SMS, must be either:

  • Class 2 vessels less than 7.5m in length that carry no more than 4 day passengers 
  • Class 3 vessels less than 7.5m in length
  • Class 4 vessels less than 7.5m in length.  

They must not:  

  • carry dangerous goods
  • have a net reel, crane, lifting device or deck load, the use of which is likely to adversely impact the stability or watertight integrity of the vessel
  • have an inboard engine that operates on fuel that has a flashpoint of less than 60 degrees Celsius, e.g. petrol
  • have berthed accommodation  
  • be set up for towage operations
  • be determined by AMSA to be unsuitable for simplified SMS arrangements.

 

Confirm I am eligible for a simplified SMS

Is your DCV less than 7.5 metres long?
Yes
No
What class is your vessel?
Class 1
Passenger vessel
Class 2
Non-passenger vessel
Class 3
Fishing vessel
Class 4
Hire and drive
Does your vessel carry more than four-day passengers?
Yes
No
Does your vessel:
  • carry dangerous goods
  • have a net reel, crane or lifting device
  • a deck load that may affect vessel stability or watertight integrity
  • undertake towage operations
  • have an inboard engine operating on petrol or other fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60 degrees Celsius.
  • have berthed accommodation
Yes
No

You are eligible to operate with a simplified SMS.

Step 3: Prepare for simplified SMS

You are not eligible to operate with a simplified SMS.

You will need to update your SMS so it complies with the revised MO504 when it comes into effect on 1 June 2025.

Find out how to update your SMS.