AMSA
The updated Marine Order 16 (Load lines) 2025 (MO16) and Marine Order 19 (Tonnage measurements) 2025 (MO19) will come into effect on 1 September 2025.
The updates ensure Australia's regulations are aligned with international standards to support safer and more effective maritime operations.
Who the changes apply to
These changes will apply to:
- owners and operators of RAVs
- owners and operators of DCVs
- foreign vessels operating in Australian waters.
About MO16 and MO19
MO16 gives effect to the International Convention on Load Lines. It sets out requirements for:
- vessel certification as proof of survey and compliance with the convention
- vessel load line markings
- determining when a vessel is considered overloaded.
MO19 implements the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships. It deals with vessel certification as proof of compliance.
Key updates
- Commercial yachts: clarifies that an Australian recreational vessel when operating as a commercial yacht and becomes RAV, it is subject to the International Convention on Load Lines and MO16 applies to it.
- International Tonnage Certificates: gives AMSA or a recognised organisation (RO) the power to issue International Tonnage Certificates to eligible Australian-flagged recreational vessels.
- Domestic commercial vessels: allows domestic commercial vessel (DCV) owners to apply for an International Tonnage Certificate.
- Improved clarity: updates to both marine orders for consistency with other contemporary marine orders. The updates include simpler, clearer language and corrections for ease of understanding.
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