Survey exempt vessels

• Class 2E and 3E vessels
• Exemption of certain fishing and Class 2 non-passenger carrying vessels (survey exempt vessels)
• Exemption conditions
• Change of address - survey exempt vessels
• Transfer of ownership - survey exempt vessels

Class 2E and 3E Vessels

Upon application in writing to the Manager, Commercial Vessel Safety Branch, the CEO may exempt a vessel of Class 2E or Class 3E from the survey requirements of the Western Australian Marine (Surveys and Certificates of Survey) Regulations 1983.

Although these vessels may be granted an exemption, they will need to meet certain basic requirements of the Uniform Shipping Laws Code.

If an exemption is granted, it shall be effective when the following conditions are complied with:

1. Payment of the annual exemption fee set out in the Schedule of Fees;
    
2. The vessel complies with section 10.2.a,10.2.b, 10.2.c and 10.2.d of the Western Australian Marine (Surveys and Certificates of Survey) Regulations.
    
3. Other conditions that may apply, subject to vessel type (eg. Crane, Pile barges must comply with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 1996)

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Exemption of certain fishing and Class 2 non-passenger carrying vessels (survey exempt vessels)

A letter sent to all survey exempt vessel owners 27 March 2001 is available in Publications.

A Fishing Vessel:

• having a measured length not exceeding 8 metres; and
   
• that is intended to be operated within 5 nautical miles of the mainland coast; and

• having a measured length not exceeding 8 metres;
   
• that is not intended to carry passengers; and
   
• that is intended to be operated within 5 nautical miles of the mainland coast,

is exempted from the Western Australian Marine (Surveys and Certificates of Survey) Regulations, Section 5 (Initial Survey) and Section 6 (Periodical Survey). These vessels will be require to conform to parts of Australian Standard AS 1799 Small Pleasure Boats Code and the Uniform Shipping Laws Code.

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Exemption conditions

The exemption is subject to the following conditions, namely:

1. The owner shall apply for and obtain from the Department on the approved form, a registration certificate and an identification plate in respect of the vessel (ie. have the vessel registered as a survey exempt vessel);

2. The registration of the vessel under this regulation is renewed before each anniversary of the registration of the vessel;

3. The vessel shall not be operated outside 5 nautical miles offshore (measured from the mainland shore);

4. The vessel shall not be operated unless the registration number allotted to the vessel:
   • is legibly marked on each side of the hull;
   • is positioned immediately forward of the transom;
   • is not less than 150 millimetres in height and 25 millimetres in width;
   • is positioned so that the highest part of each numeral commences at a point that is not lower than 75 millimetres below the gunwale; and
   • is displayed on the vessel in plain block design in vertical and not slanting numerals;

5. The vessel shall not carry any passengers;

6. The vessel is furnished with such safety equipment as is required under the Western Australian Marine (Life Saving Appliances, Fire Appliances and Miscellaneous Equipment) Regulations 1983 in relation to a vessel of that kind;  

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Change of address - survey exempt vessel

Any change of the address of the owner is notified to the Department, Boat Registrations. View form.

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Transfer of ownership - survey exempt vessel

If a Survey Exempt Vessel is to be transferred to another owner, a "Boat Transfer" form is to be completed and returned to the Department. View form.

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