Queensland—changes to domestic commercial vessel services

Most services for operators and crew of domestic commercial vessels are now provided by us instead of Maritime Safety Queensland.

To help you understand how these changes affect you, we’ve outlined them below.

Certificates of competency

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)	AMSA—from 1 July 2018
Applications and proof of identity checks are completed at any MSQ office. Fees for the final assessment are paid directly to MSQ when the booking the final assessment. Applications for temporary service (Exemption 08) and temporary crewing (Exemption 09) can be applied for and issued locally at an MSQ office.	Applications and proof of identity checks will be completed through participating Australia Post outlets. Fees for the high complexity final assessment will be paid directly to AMSA when the booking the final assessment. AMSA will issue reminder notices for certificate renewals.

Certificates of operation

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)	AMSA—from 1 July 2018
Applications are submitted to MSQ. No renewals fall due until 2021.	All applications will be made through AMSA. Only completed applications will be accepted. When the certificate expires you will be able to apply for a renewal rather than a new certificate. A reminder will be issued 90 days before expiry of the existing certificate.

Certificates of survey

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)	AMSA—from 1 July 2018
Initial survey Domestic commercial vessel surveys are booked through private accredited marine surveyors. Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which are paid directly to MSQ at the time of application.	Initial survey Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors. Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification. Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.
Periodic survey and renewals The survey is conducted by an AMSA accredited marine surveyor. MSQ do not conduct renewals for a Certificate of survey—a new certificate is required.	Periodic survey and renewals Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due. Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment. Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)

AMSA—from 1 July 2018

Initial survey

Domestic commercial vessel surveys are booked through private accredited marine surveyors.
Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which are paid directly to MSQ at the time of application.

Initial survey

Vessel surveys will continue to be provided by private accredited marine surveyors.
Owners must supply the application to build to AMSA—this will cover the unique vessel identification.
Application fees for the certificate of survey are a separate charge which will be paid directly to AMSA at the time of application.

Periodic survey and renewals

The survey is conducted by an AMSA accredited marine surveyor.
MSQ do not conduct renewals for a Certificate of survey—a new certificate is required.

Periodic survey and renewals

Reminder letters for periodic surveys will be sent 90 days before the survey is due.
Vessel owners will be responsible for ensuring the private accredited surveyor has all required documents and records for the assessment.
Certificates of survey will be valid for five years (unless advised otherwise).

Non survey vessels

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)	AMSA—from 1 July 2018
Applicants can apply for non-survey scheme approval during the build of the vessel or once the vessel is ready for sea trial in conjunction with a certificate of operation.	Completed applications will be submitted to AMSA. Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at a participating Australia Post outlet. On approval AMSA will issue the scheme non-survey vessel permit.

Exemptions and equivalent means of compliance

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ)	AMSA—from 1 July 2018
If the applicant requires a specific exemption or equivalent means of compliance (EMOC) they must submit their application form directly to AMSA.	All applications will be submitted to AMSA. Payment of fees can be made at the time of application via the online payment portal on AMSA's website, over the phone via AMSA Connect or in person at Australia Post. In some cases, list of exemptions.

Maritime Safety Queensland will continue to provide you with marine safety services for local waterways management, environmental management, pilotage, navigation aids, ports, harbours and mooring management as well as all recreational boating services.

Requesting records lodged in Queensland

From 1 July 2018, the national system changes the way records related to domestic commercial vessels submitted to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) are accessed. AMSA and MSQ have agreed to the following process to assist with requests for records.

How to request records in Queensland
How do I request records submitted to MSQ after 1 July 2013?	Public requests for records should go directly to AMSA via the Freedom of Information process or Information release authorisation form 664.
How do I request records submitted to MSQ before 1 July 2013?	Requests for records created before 1 July 2013 should be made through the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). You can find more information on the TMR website.
What if my records span both before and after 1 July 2013?	If your request spans records submitted before and after 1 July 2013, you may submit your request to AMSA using the process outlined above.

If you are requesting records for the purpose of an AMSA application, please email amsaconnect@amsa.gov.au