Do you hold a Small Vessel Operators Certificate (SVOC)?
From 1 August 2008, the Queensland Seafood Industry Association started phasing out the issue of Small Vessel Operators Certificates. New applicants are now required to apply to Maritime Safety Queensland for a Restricted Coxswain licence instead of a Small Vessel Operators Certificate.
From 1 August 2009, Small Vessel Operators Certificates were no longer recognised as an authority to operate either a recreational ship or a fishing ship under 10 m. Anyone found operating a ship on a Small Vessel Operators Certificate from 1 August 2009 will be considered unlicensed and penalties may apply.
Operators of fishing ships under 10 m must hold a minimum of a Restricted Coxswain licence from 1 August 2009.
There was a transition period from 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2010 to change your Small Vessel Operators Certificate.
- From 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2009 – if you held a Small Vessel Operators Certificate, you could change to a Restricted Coxswain licence at no cost.
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- From 1 August 2009 to 31 July 2010 – holders of a Small Vessel Operators Certificate were charged the normal application fee for a Restricted Coxswain licence.
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- From 1 August 2010 – you will need to make a new application for a Restricted Coxswain licence and meet all the requirements for that licence.
The current training programs for Small Vessel Operators Certificates will continue to be part of prerequisite requirements by Maritime Safety Queensland for the issue of a Restricted Coxswain licence.
For more information contact your local Maritime Safety Queeensland Office.
Last reviewed: 28 September 2011
