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Do I need a Certificate of Operation for my commercial vessel?

The BosunCompliance· Current as of 2026-05-30

Most domestic commercial vessels (DCVs) in Australia must hold a Certificate of Operation (CoO) before they operate, unless they are covered by an exemption (for example AMSA Exemption 03, which covers recreational use, certain temporary operations, emergency-services and unpowered barges).

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.

If you operate recreationally, you sit outside the DCV regime and do not need a CoO; your obligations are your state or territory’s safety-equipment and licensing rules instead.

How Shimbiri answers this

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.

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Related

General information for Australian operators, current as of 2026-05-30. 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.