Survey requirements for vessels equal to or greater than 35 metres policy

We’ve streamlined survey requirements for some less complex vessels ≥35 m. Lower risk vessels may be eligible to be surveyed by a marine surveyor rather than a recognised organisation (RO).

How it works

Review the eligibility criteria. If you believe your vessel is eligible, apply for a specific exemption using AMSA form 547. 

If the specific exemption is granted, survey requirements will differ depending on the length of the vessel:

  • Up to 45 metres in length: Vessels permitted to undergo design, construction, commissioning and load line survey by an accredited marine surveyor (AMS) instead of an RO.
  • Up to 65 metres in length: Vessels permitted to undergo periodic survey by an AMS instead of an RO.   

Eligibility criteria  

Risk factors

If these factors apply to your vessel, it probably won’t be eligible for a specific exemption:

  • propulsion power of >2,000 kW (by direct calculation)  
  • carriage of dangerous goods including petroleum or gas products (other than petroleum or gas products intended for use on the vessel or fireworks) 
  • vessels which are Category 1 Fast Craft ≥500GT  
  • un-crewed vessels (autonomous) 
  • novel vessels as defined in NSCV Part B 
  • submersibles
  • vessels with: 
    • steam plant 
    • dynamic positioning systems 
    • FIFI systems 
    • pressurised systems 
    • dredging equipment 
    • complex cargo handling systems 
    • towing arrangements 
    • integrated propulsion systems (centralised controls) 
    • self-loading and discharging systems. 

Other factors

We may also consider these factors when deciding whether to grant a specific exemption:  

  • the availability of marine surveyors with the skills to conduct the required surveys 
  • overnight accommodation 
  • carriage of cargo 
  • anti-heeling systems 
  • certain unmanned machinery installations or other aspects of automation and instrumentation 
  • hull type and form
  • redundancy of propulsion machinery.  

Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS)

Only AMS with the right experience and qualifications can survey a vessel that has been granted an exemption. When deciding if an AMS meets the criteria, we will consider:  

  • previous experience conducting plan approval of vessels of the type and size 
  • previous experience conducting survey of vessel of the size with an RO 
  • familiarity with class rules including survey scope for vessel class notation 
  • the surveyor’s audit history with AMSA 
  • the surveyor’s formal qualifications 
  • evidence the surveyor is familiar with and capable of implementing inspection and testing plan
  • evidence the surveyor is familiar with the applicable survey standard for the type of vessel. 

Cost

We charge an hourly rate to assess exemptions. Assessing applications for specific exemptions may take 12 hours or more. Calculate the approximate cost.

Apply

If you think your vessel meets the criteria, apply for a specific exemption using AMSA form 547.

Document

For more details, read the full AMSA policy on survey requirements for domestic commercial vessels equal to or greater than 35 metres PDF384.45 KB.

Background

Marine order 503 (Certificates of survey – national law) requires vessels ≥35 metres to be surveyed by a recognised organisation (RO).

This is because larger vessels are usually higher risk and more complex.

AMSA recognises that vessels ≥35 metres are sometimes lower risk and less complex. That's why we've changed the requirements, so eligible vessels may be able to be exempt from the requirement in MO503 to be surveyed by an RO and have a classification certificate.

I am a...