AMSA Exemption 31 Fishing Crew Compliance

Commercial fishers operating under old maritime qualifications should take note — AMSA has released an update to AMSA Exemption 31 Fishing Crew Compliance, which affects those holding pre-USL Code certificates.

These older certificates were perpetual under the state/territory system, but anyone using them to work on a domestic commercial fishing vessel must now take action to remain compliant.

The updated exemption came into effect on 1 July 2025, and a critical deadline is attached — 31 January 2026.

This changes things for a lot of long-serving fishers who’ve built their careers under legacy qualifications.

What Is Exemption 31?

Exemption 31 — Marine Safety (Expired pre-USL Code certificates) — provides a transitional pathway for mariners who once held state-issued certificates such as:

• Master Class 5 (Fishing)

• Coxswain Grade 1 or 2 (Fishing)

• Engineer qualifications for fishing vessels

These certificates expired before 1 January 2014, but have continued to be recognised only when operating on certain commercial fishing vessels under the Exemption.

The updated version of Exemption 31 is now valid from:1 July 2025 — 30 June 2028

Why This Matters

While pre-USL certificates were perpetual, they are no longer recognised outside this exemption.

To keep working legally under Exemption 31, fishers must:

• Re-apply for approval under the updated exemption, and

• Receive written approval from AMSA no later than 31 January 2026

Failure to apply by this date means you cannot continue operating under the exemption — even if you met all previous requirements.

This isn’t just paperwork — it’s your ticket to keep fishing without disruption.

Your Options Moving Forward

You now have two pathways:

✔ Option 1 — Re-apply under Exemption 31

Continue operating on eligible commercial fishing vessels under your old qualification (until June 2028)

✔ Option 2 — Gain a modern Certificate of Competency

Use your pre-USL credential as evidence to obtain a new NSCV CoC under Marine Order 505

These national-law CoCs are issued with a 5-year validity period — a stronger long-term solution for many operators.

What You’ll Need

Before submitting your application, check that you have:

• A copy of your original pre-USL certificate or prior Exemption 31 approval

• Details of your current operating role and fishing vessel use

• Required medical evidence (if applying for a new CoC)

If unsure — ask now, not after the deadline.

Who Should Take Notice?

This update is especially important for:

• Senior fishers maintaining long-held roles

• Family businesses relying on legacy experience

• Regional operations without ready access to training centres

These changes ensure skills remain recognised — but also verified and traceable under today’s safety standards.

More Information

For further guidance and official documentation, visit AMSA’s resources:

• Exemption 31 information page - here.

• AMSA update announcing the new approval requirement - here.

• Updated Exemption 31 document (PDF) - here.

These links include forms, eligibility requirements, operating conditions, and important dates.

Exemption 31 has kept experienced fishers working through major regulatory change. But change keeps coming — and this deadline is fast approaching.

Don’t get caught out.

Re-apply now, or transition to a 5-year Certificate of Competency — whichever strengthens your future in the industry.

✔ Stay legal

✔ Stay operational

✔ Stay part of Australia’s working maritime heritage 

Capt. Cal Callahan

Sail Your Own Course