Survey + certify Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV)
AMSA-administered Marine Order 503 requires periodic survey and certification of commercial vessels.
Who must comply
Owners and operators of domestic commercial vessels in Australian waters. Exemptions can cover small vessels in sheltered waters carrying few passengers, human-powered vessels, small sailing vessels, recreational training vessels, volunteer rescue and fire service vessels, vessels up to 12 metres in specified near-shore open waters, tenders, and existing vessels not required to have a certificate on 30 June 2013.
What triggers it
Operating a vessel commercially; a new certificate is needed if the vessel has never held one, has not held one for the past two years, or a condition is to be removed or changed.
When due
Before commercial operation; renewal before the five-year certificate expires (AMSA sends a reminder 90 days before expiry), and periodic surveys on the dates in the survey schedule. If the certificate lapses, the vessel must stop operating until it is renewed or temporary operation is approved under Exemption 7.
Evidence required
Current certificate of survey and survey schedule; accredited surveyor reports; any load line certificate; records of equipment servicing; the application (form 521) and any approved extension to a survey date.
Max penalty
It is an offence under the National Law to operate a vessel in breach of a condition on its certificate of survey. AMSA can also suspend or revoke a certificate on its own initiative
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
Under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law, every domestic commercial vessel must hold a certificate of survey issued by AMSA unless an exemption covers it. The certificate states the service categories the vessel may operate in and the number of crew, passengers and special personnel it may carry. Certificates are normally valid for five years; the vessel is surveyed at each renewal, and some vessels must also be surveyed periodically during the life of the certificate according to a schedule issued with it. Surveys are carried out by accredited marine surveyors. The holder must comply with the certificate's conditions at all times, including keeping the vessel to the standards that apply to it. A vessel may need a load line certificate even where it is exempt from survey.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
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Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Survey + certify Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV)?
- Owners and operators of domestic commercial vessels in Australian waters. Exemptions can cover small vessels in sheltered waters carrying few passengers, human-powered vessels, small sailing vessels, recreational training vessels, volunteer rescue and fire service vessels, vessels up to 12 metres in specified near-shore open waters, tenders, and existing vessels not required to have a certificate on 30 June 2013.
- What triggers Survey + certify Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV)?
- Operating a vessel commercially; a new certificate is needed if the vessel has never held one, has not held one for the past two years, or a condition is to be removed or changed.
- When is Survey + certify Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV) due?
- Before commercial operation; renewal before the five-year certificate expires (AMSA sends a reminder 90 days before expiry), and periodic surveys on the dates in the survey schedule. If the certificate lapses, the vessel must stop operating until it is renewed or temporary operation is approved under Exemption 7.
- What is the maximum penalty for Survey + certify Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV)?
- It is an offence under the National Law to operate a vessel in breach of a condition on its certificate of survey. AMSA can also suspend or revoke a certificate on its own initiative
- What evidence is required for Survey + certify Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV)?
- Current certificate of survey and survey schedule; accredited surveyor reports; any load line certificate; records of equipment servicing; the application (form 521) and any approved extension to a survey date.
Source: https://www.amsa.gov.au/vessels-operators/domestic-commercial-vessels/certificates-survey. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.