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New AMSA Safety Certification Rules Now in Force – Owners and Masters Must Act

  • Writer: Captain Cal Callahan
    Captain Cal Callahan
  • Sep 2
  • 2 min read
AMSA Safety Certification Rules

As of 1 September 2025, major regulatory changes from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA Safety Certification Rules) are now in effect for all Australian-registered vessels and international vessels operating in Australian waters.


The updated rules cover:

  • Vessel safety design & accommodation standards (NSCV Part C1)

  • Load line certification & overloading limits (Marine Order 16 – MO16)

  • Tonnage measurement & international certification (Marine Order 19 – MO19)


These updates bring Australia’s maritime regulations into full alignment with International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, ensuring safer operations and clearer compliance standards for Masters, owners, and operators.


AMSA Safety Certification Rules

Who Must Comply

The changes apply to:

  • Owners and operators of Australian-registered vessels (RAVs)

  • Domestic commercial vessels (DCVs)

  • Foreign vessels operating in Australian waters


Masters of these vessels must ensure their arrangements, load lines, and tonnage certification now meet the updated requirements.

1. NSCV Part C1 – Safer Vessels Through Better Design

The revised NSCV Part C1 – Arrangement, Accommodation & Personal Safety addresses safety issues identified in coronial investigations.


Key Requirements Now in Force:

  • Personal Safety: Stronger railings, “no-climb” zones, safer seating layouts.

  • Escape & Evacuation: Clearer assembly station rules, improved signage, and emergency lighting.

  • Accommodation: Better noise, air quality, sanitation, and bunk size standards aligned with international norms.

  • Wheelhouse Visibility: Improved line-of-sight for safer navigation.


Applies to all new builds and significantly modified vessels from 1 September 2025 onwards.

2. Marine Order 16 (MO16) – Load Lines

MO16 gives effect to the International Convention on Load Lines, ensuring vessels are not overloaded and remain seaworthy.


Owners, Masters Must Now Ensure:

  • A valid Load Line Certificate is held and displayed.

  • All loading operations comply with the new overloading rules.

  • Commercial yachts converted from recreational use meet the same standards as other commercial vessels.

3. Marine Order 19 (MO19) – Tonnage Measurement

MO19 aligns Australian rules with the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships.


Updates Now Live:

  • AMSA or Recognised Organisations (ROs) can issue International Tonnage Certificates.

  • DCV owners can now apply for certificates to operate more flexibly in international waters.

  • Simpler wording improves clarity and consistency with other AMSA Marine Orders.

What Owners and Masters Must Do Immediately

Masters of Australian-registered or foreign vessels operating in Australian waters must:

  1. Check vessel design, safety systems, load lines, and tonnage certificates against the new rules.

  2. Update documentation and procedures to meet international and domestic obligations.

  3. Ensure survey and compliance evidence is current before port state inspections or audits.


These changes are already in effect—vessels operating outside the new standards risk non-compliance penalties and port delays.


References

  • NSCV Part C1 – Arrangement, Accommodation & Personal Safety

  • Marine Order 16 – Load Lines (2025)

  • Marine Order 19 – Tonnage Measurement (2025)

  • AMSA Marine Orders 504 & 505 – Manning & Certification



Capt. Cal

Sail your own course.



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