Maritime Safety (AMSA) requirements
The Australian Federal Government considers superyachts to be pleasure craft, engaged in private recreational or sporting activities. Provided that private charter arrangements do not take on the characteristics of regular trading patterns within Australia (in particular they do not carry fee paying passengers on an individual basis), the vessels will continue to be treated, by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), as a pleasure craft for the purposes of federal marine safety regulations. However, superyachts will not normally fall within the marine safety regulatory jurisdiction of the Federal Government, and will be required to report only to state marine safety authorities
If the AMSA becomes aware that a superyacht is about to engage in an “interstate” voyage and has accepted commercial passengers, it will respond on a case-by-case basis. It should be noted that safety regulation of a foreign registered vessel embarking on an international voyage is the responsibility of the vessel’s Flag State.
Commercial vessels intending to engage in coasting trade
Commercial Purpose Vessels intending to engage in domestic coastal trade in Australia (ie. carrying domestic passengers or cargo between Australian ports while on an interstate or international voyage) require a permit from the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services.
AMSA www.amsa.gov.au
Transport www.dotars.gov.au