Scenario 3: A DCV intends to operate commercially overseas on an ongoing basis

Follow these steps if you wish to operate your vessel commercially outside of the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ).

 

A DCV that is undertaking an overseas voyage is considered a regulated Australian vessel (RAV). It must comply with the statutory certification requirements that apply to it under the Navigation Act 2012.

Instructions  

Step 1: Ensure your vessel is registered on the Australian General Shipping Register  

All Australian vessels travelling from or to a foreign port are required to be registered. 

Your vessel may already be registered, which means there's nothing more you need to do. If you're not sure, contact AMSA Connect to confirm your vessel is correctly registered.

Step 2: Contact a recognised organisation (RO) to obtain Navigation Act certificates  

If your vessel: 

  • is in class, contact the RO you’re in class with 
  • has previously been in class, contact the RO you’ve previously been in class with 
  • has never been in class, contact an RO regarding requirements.  

See a list of ROs.

Step 3:  Notify AMSA  

Provide us with details of your intended operations. 

Step 4: Apply to suspend all active National Law Act 2012 certificates  

When the RO has issued statutory certificates under the Navigation Act, apply to suspend all active National Law Act 2012 certificates for the duration of the overseas voyage.    

Step 5: Apply for a minimum safe crewing document  

Your crew will be required to hold relevant certification and qualifications. You'll also need to have a certain number of crew depending on the size of your vessel.

Apply for a minimum safe crewing document so we can assess whether your vessel will be safely crewed.

Learn more about RAV crewing.

Step 6: Meet ISM Code requirements  

Vessels 500 gross tonnage (GT) or over  

See Marine Order 58: Safe management of vessels for instructions.     

Vessels under 500 GT 

Produce a declaration that an ISM system meeting Part A, is implemented onboard according to Marine Order 31: SOLAS and non-SOLAS certification. 

Forward this declaration to ism-fsc@amsa.gov.au before the voyage.  

See also ISM Certification Guidelines for RAVs: Introduction. 

Step 7: Apply for Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 certification 

All vessels need to comply with the MLC 2006, including vessels that aren't crewed at all times. 

Vessels crewed at all times 

See Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2015 for instructions. 

Vessels not crewed at all times 

Apply for Declaration of maritime labour compliance—part 2.  

Step 8: Apply for an IMO Number  

Vessels that need an IMO number include:   

  • ships 100 GT and above, including fishing vessels of steel and non-steel hull construction  
  • passenger ships of less than 100 GT  
  • high-speed passenger craft and mobile offshore drilling units engaged on international voyages.  

See IMO Identification Number Schemes for instructions.  

Step 9: Meet ISPS requirements (if applicable) 

If you are sailing a passenger vessel or cargo vessels of 500 GT and above on an international voyage, you will need to comply with the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code.   

See AMSA Marine notice 7/2015- Piracy and armed robbery against ships for instructions. 

Note: Your vessel may be inspected by port State control when it arrives at its overseas destination.

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Last updated: 25 October 2023

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