Do I need a Certificate of Operation for my commercial vessel?
Most domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) in Australia must hold an AMSA Certificate of Operation (CoO) before they operate, unless they are covered by an exemption (for example AMSA Exemption 03, which covers tenders, sailing vessels under 7.5 m, human-powered vessels and similar small vessels; recreational use of a commercial vessel is covered by Exemption 04, and temporary operations by Exemption 07).
The CoO sets the conditions under which your vessel (or vessels) must operate, including how and where they can be used. Critically, a CoO requires you to maintain a Safety Management System (SMS) that complies with Marine Order 504.
A vessel used only recreationally is not a domestic commercial vessel and does not need a CoO; your obligations are your state or territory’s safety-equipment and licensing rules instead. A commercial vessel used recreationally under Exemption 04 is still a DCV.
The Purser answers this from the AMSA primary page, quotes the relevant clause and, on your own boat, cross-references your current CoO and SMS. Every answer carries the source link and the date it was checked.
General information for Australian operators, current as of 2026-10-11. Rules change and recreational rules vary by state. Always confirm against the source(s) linked above (your AMSA, Australian Sailing or state maritime authority). This is not legal advice.