Safe Vessels

The Commercial Operations unit is responsible for ensuring all commercial vessels (those used for any type of business, trade or commerce) comply with minimum safety standards for the design, construction, equipment, maintenance and operation of the vessel. These standards are designed to protect persons, property and the environment.

If you wish to operate a vessel for commercial purposes in NSW, the vessel must meet certain requirements. These requirements are determined by the type of vessel and its intended operations. Please find below an outline of the key requirements.

Vessel Registration

Commercial vessels must be registered with Maritime whenever they are on NSW navigable waters.

Vessel Standards

All commercial vessels are required to comply with legislated safety standards depending on the type of vessel and area of operation.

The Marine Safety (Commercial Vessels) Regulation 2010 requires certain commercial vessels to have a survey certificate. These vessels must comply with the design, construction and equipment requirements of the Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code or National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV).

Vessels that do not require a survey certificate must comply with design, construction and equipment requirements specified in the Marine Safety (Commercial Vessels) Regulation 2010.

Owners, operators and managers of boat share vessels should read the Boat-share Guidelines to determine if their vessels meet the requirements to be considered as recreational vessels. Vessels that do not meet the requirements in the Boat-share Guidelines are commercial vessels and must meet the requirements of the Marine Safety (Commercial Vessels) Regulation 2010. 

Other Requirements

• Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Design Compliance Aids
• Drug and Alcohol Program
• Pollution
• Codes of Conduct
• Plying Limits