Domestic Commercial Vessel

INSTRUCTIONS TO SURVEYORS
DCV-ITS-002 (11/2014)

Subject: Instruction to attested surveyors for issuing a temporary operations approval

General: Section 5 of EX07 Marine Safety (temporary operations) exemption 2014 has been made to allow
attested surveyors to issue a temporary operations approval to a vessel that is approaching renewal of
its certificate of survey. This instruction is being provided to advise attested surveyors how and when
to issue a temporary operations approval.
Directions: When can an attested surveyor issue a temporary operations approval?
An attested marine surveyor (whose name is published on the AMSA website) may issue a temporary
operations approval (AMSA631) when a vessel:
 has or had a certificate of survey in force that has not been suspended or revoked; and
 the vessel is not subject to a current detention order under section 101 of the Marine Safety
(Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012; and
 the attested surveyor has surveyed the vessel and is satisfied that the vessel and its equipment
are in accordance with the standards required under the National Law.
When does the approval start?
The approval starts when the current certificate of survey that has been in force expires.
How long does the approval last?
The approval is valid:
 for a period not exceeding 90 days from the date of expiry of the current certificate of survey for
the vessel, or
 when the new certificate of survey is delivered, whichever is earlier.
Can an attested surveyor issue a temporary operations approval after the current certificate of
survey has expired?
Yes, so long as it is within the 90 days of the expiry date. It is important to note that the validity of the
approval will be shortened, as it is only valid for a period of 90 days from the expiry date of the
certificate of survey.
How does an attested surveyor issue a temporary operations approval?
An attested surveyor must complete the ‘Temporary Operations Approval pending issue of Certificate
of Survey’ form (AMSA631).
Who keeps the form?
The completed approval form (AMSA631) is to be handed to the Master/Owner of the vessel. A copy
of approval is to be provided to a delegate of the National Regulator on request.
Are there display requirements for the approval?
The approval must be displayed on board the vessel in place of the certificate of survey (if applicable).
What documentation should the attested surveyor keep?
The National Regulator may ask the attested surveyor to provide any information or documentation
that the National Regulator reasonably considers necessary in relation to the survey of the vessel and
the subsequent issue of the temporary operations approval.
Can a vessel be issued with another approval after the ninety days has passed?
A vessel cannot be issued with another temporary operations approval by an attested surveyor before
a certificate of survey has been issued for a vessel.
What does the approval allow the vessel to do?
The approval only allows for the temporary operation of a vessel without a Certificate of Survey.
Unless otherwise exempt all other requirements of the National Law must be complied with, including
the requirement to have a Certificate of Operation.

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 Further Assistance
Questions relating to issuing a temporary operations approval under the National Law may be directed
to your local marine safety agency as a delegate of the National Regulator, or directly to AMSA via
National System Support Centre on 1300517246 or via email: National.System@amsa.gov.au.
Contact: Adam Brancher, Manager Standards DVD
02 6279 5644

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