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Exemption from coverage

For: Employers and managers Information seekers

Some or all employees on a particular ship can be exempted from coverage by the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seafarers Act) in certain circumstances.

Exemptions are granted by the Seacare Authority under section 20A of the Seafarers Act.


How exemptions can be initiated

Exemptions granted by the Seacare Authority can be initiated in two ways:

  1. though the own motion of the Seacare Authority, or
  2. at the request of an employer or operator.

Exemptions can apply for up to one year from the date they come into effect. A further exemption can be sought to cover an additional period.

Exemptions of own motion by the Seacare Authority

List of current exemptions of own motion

There are currently two exemptions granted at the Seacare Authority’s own motion:

These exemptions are multiple vessel exemptions that apply to employment on a large number of ships.

The multiple vessel exemptions apply to the Seafarers Act. They do not apply to the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 (OHS (MI) Act).

Reason for the multiple vessel exemptions

The multiple vessel exemptions clarify coverage provisions and ensure that employment on a vessel or voyage is not unintentionally brought under the Seacare scheme, particularly without the knowledge of the employer.

In Samson Maritime Pty Ltd v Aucote (Aucote decision), the Full Federal Court held on 22 December 2014 that the Seacare scheme applies to all 'employees', as defined by the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 (Seafarers Act) of a trading, financial or foreign corporation.

The Aucote decision substantially shifted workers' compensation and work health and safety arrangements in the Australian maritime industry. Ships and employees that were historically considered to be covered by state workers' compensation and work health and safety laws are covered by the Commonwealth Seacare scheme.

In response to the Aucote decision, the Australian Government introduced the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2015 (Amendment Act). The Seacare Authority and Minister also granted declarations and the multiple vessel exemptions, affecting the coverage of the Seacare scheme.

These actions were taken to:

  • limit the coverage of the Seacare scheme to what was broadly understood to be the case before the Aucote decision (that the Seacare scheme does not apply to ships engaged in intrastate trade and not engaged in interstate or international trade)
  • provide certainty to the maritime industry regarding coverage of schemes.

How to apply the multiple vessel exemptions

The multiple vehicle exemptions have lists (schedules) of ship names.

If your ship is included in a multiple vessel exemption list, this does not automatically mean that employment on this ship is exempt from coverage by the Seafarers Act.

If your ship meets the criteria outlined in the first page of the exemption document, the ship’s employment remains covered by the Seacare scheme. Generally, employees on ships which are engaged in trade or commerce between states (interstate) or within a territory, are covered by the Seacare scheme.

See Who is covered for further guidance. If you are still not sure, you should seek legal advice.

Changing the status of your ship

If your ship is not listed under the multiple vessel exemptions listing and you would like to ensure it is exempted, you can apply for an exemption.

If you believe your vessel is exempted from the Seafarers Act by a multiple vessel exemption and you would like to opt into the scheme, please contact the Seacare Helpdesk on 02 6275 0070 or at seacare@comcare.gov.au.

Employer requests for an exemption

List of current exemptions following an employer request

Exemptions granted by the Seacare Authority following a request by an employer or operator are published in a financial year listing.

This listing is updated each quarter during the current financial year.

Exemptions granted pursuant to S20A of the Seafarers Act 2022-23

EmployerVesselVessel typeDate granted/
Decision made
Reason(s)Exemption
start date
Exemption
end date
PaspaleyPaspaley 4Fishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyRoslynneFishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyClare IIFishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyOdin IIFishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyMontoroFishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyNalena BayFishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyJoseph Conrad (Marilynne)Fishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyRoebuck TwoFishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyVivienneFishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyChristineMaintenance1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
PaspaleyFast 4Fishing1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 June 2023
P&O Maritime Services Pty LtdMV WunmaSelf Discharging Bulk Carrier1 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 July 202230 Sep 2022
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer GingaTug21 July 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.25 July 20227 Aug 2022
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer WarangTug21 July 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.27 July 202212 Aug 2022
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT FortitudeTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT KotorTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT KythiraTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT ZarkaTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT MaryTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT MayTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT MermaidCatamaran28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT MontoTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT PalumaCatamaran28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdWambiriTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT CamelBarge28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdMoretonBarge28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdHansonBarge28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdBay LassSurvey Vessel28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdCape MacFlinders BayTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdKeppel BayTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdKing BayTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdTwofold BayTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT NautiliusTug28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT TansporterLaunch/Survey Vessel28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdRobbie CookPower/Monohull28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT EdenMonohull28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Pacific Tug (Aust) Pty LtdPT NorfolkBarge28 July 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer OryxTug4 Aug 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.7 Aug 202231 Aug 2022
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer NanaTug8 Aug 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.10 Aug 202231 Aug 2022
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer StocktonTug26 Aug 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.26 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer MacquarieTug26 Aug 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.26 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer StokesTug26 Aug 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.26 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer PalmerstonTug26 Aug 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.26 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer NanaTug26 Aug 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.26 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer EdwinaTug26 Aug 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.26 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdMatarankaTug26 Aug 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.26 Aug 202230 June 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer LarrakiaTug29 Aug 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.31 Aug 202230 Sep 2022
P&O Maritime Services Pty LtdMV WunmaSelf Discharging Bulk Carrier6 Sep 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Oct 202230 Jun 2023
International Maritime Services Pty LtdMatarankaTug6 Sep 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.6 Sep 202230 Sep 2022
International Maritime Services Pty LtdSvitzer StocktonTug6 Sep 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.6 Sep 202230 Sep 2022
Coral Expeditions GroupCoral GeographerPassenger Vessel28 Sep 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.26 Sep 202230 June 2023
Coral Expeditions GroupCoral DiscovererPassenger Vessel28 Sep 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.26 Sep 202230 June 2023
Coral Expeditions GroupCoral AdventurerPassenger Vessel28 Sep 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.26 Sep 202230 June 2023
International Maritime Services Pty LtdTom ToughTug12 Oct 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.20 Oct 202230 Nov 2022
International Maritime Services Pty LtdSvitzer EdwinaTug12 Oct 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.17 Oct 202230 Nov 2022
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdWalanTug26 Oct 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.2 Nov 202230 Nov 2022
Sea Swift Pty LtdBiquele BayLanding Craft2 Nov 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.2 Nov 202230 Apr 2023
Sea Swift Pty LtdMalu ChiefLanding Craft2 Nov 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.2 Nov 202230 Apr 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer SwiftTug3 Nov 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.14 Nov 202230 Nov 2022
P&O Maritime Services Pty LtdMV AburriBulk Carier16 Nov 2022The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only.17 Nov 202230 Jun 2023
Inco Ships Pty LtdICS Silver LiningCargo25 Nov 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.1 Dec 202230 Apr 2023
Inco Ships Pty LtdICS Silver SpiritCargo25 Nov 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.1 Dec 202230 Apr 2023
Inco Ships Pty LtdICS RelianceTanker25 Nov 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.1 Dec 202230 Apr 2023
Inco Ships Pty LtdICS AllegianceTanker25 Nov 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.1 Dec 202230 Apr 2023
Inco Ships Pty LtdAccolade IICargo25 Nov 2022The unavailability of workers compensation insurance under the Seacare scheme.1 Dec 202230 Apr 2023
Sea Swift Pty LtdTerritorian             Landing Craft25 Nov 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.5 Dec 202228 Feb 2023
Svitzer Australia Pty LtdSvitzer SwiftTug28 Nov 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.30 Nov 202215 Dec 2022
International Maritime Services Pty LtdTom ToughTug28 Nov 2022The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship.30 Nov 20229 Dec 2022
University of TasmaniaFTV BluefinFishing vessel22 Dec 2022Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
Jan De NulL’AIGLEBarge13 Feb 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.13 Feb 202331 Jan 2024
Jan De NulL’ETOILEBarge13 Feb 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.13 Feb 202331 Jan 2024
Jan De NulJuan Sebastian De ElcanoDredger13 Feb 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.13 Feb 202331 Jan 2024
Jan De NulNiccolo MachiavelliDredger13 Feb 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.13 Feb 202331 Jan 2024
Jan De NulJoseph PlateauPipe Burying Vessel13 Feb 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.13 Feb 202331 Jan 2024
Programmed Skilled Workforce LimitedNgujima YinFPSO15 Feb 2023Non-regular trading pattern21 Feb 20237 Mar 2023
International Maritime Services Pty LtdEngage Bandit (Waimata)Tug20 Feb 2023Non-regular trading pattern20 Feb 202331 Mar 2023
Port of BrisbaneTSHD BrisbaneDredger22 Feb 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Shorebarge Pty LtdMV Jane VirgoLanding Craft1 Mar 2023Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Mar 20231 Mar 2024
Shorebarge Pty LtdMV Cooma CoomaLanding Craft1 Mar 2023Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme1 Mar 20231 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand RangerTug1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand SaracenCargo1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand ScorpionCargo1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand SkimmerCargo1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand SwanOffshore Supply1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand TortugaOffshore Supply1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdFar SenatorOffshore Supply1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdFar SeekerOffshore Supply1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO Britoil DragonOffshore Supply1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO Provider (Toll)Multi-purpose1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO KoiMulti-purpose1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO SiriusMulti-purpose1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO SpicaOffshore Supply1 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Mar 202331 Mar 2023
Guardian OffshoreOffshore SurveyorResearch Survey Vessel7 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance and;
The prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern.
7 Mar 2023 3 March 2024
CSL Australia Pty LtdMV GoliathCargo22 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Apr 202321 Apr 2023
CSL Australia Pty LtdMV DonnaconaCargo22 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.1 Apr 202321 Apr 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdCoral KnightCargo21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdMercator ICargo21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdOcean ShieldOffshore Supply21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdNingaloo VisionTanker21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdSycamoreOther21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdBesantRescue vessel21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdStokerOffshore Supply21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdReliantOffshore Supply21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdOcean ShieldCargo21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
Teekay Shipping Australia Pty LtdOcean ProtectorCargo21 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202330 Jun 2023
DOF Management Australia Pty LtdSkandi SingaporeOffshore Supply24 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
DOF Management Australia Pty LtdSkandi DarwinOffshore Supply24 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
DOF Management Australia Pty LtdSkandi AtlanticOffshore Supply24 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
DOF Management Australia Pty LtdSkandi AcergyOffshore Supply24 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
DOF Management Australia Pty LtdSkandi EmeraldOffshore Supply24 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
DOF Management Australia Pty LtdSkandi HerculesTug24 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
DOF Management Australia Pty LtdSkandi FeisteinOffshore Supply24 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Woodside Energy LimitedNgujima-YinFPSO24 Mar 2023Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Woodside Energy LimitedOkhaFPSO24 Mar 2023Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Woodside Energy LimitedPyrenees VentureFPSO24 Mar 2023Insurance available at lower cost than the Seacare scheme31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Maersk Crewing Australia Pty LtdMaersk MasterOffshore Supply29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Dec 2023
Maersk Crewing Australia Pty LtdMaersk MoverOffshore Supply29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Dec 2023
ASP Ship Management Pty LtdRTM WakmathaBulk Carrier29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202318 Aug 2023
ASP Ship Management Pty LtdRTM PiiramuBulk Carrier29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202318 Aug 2023
ASP Ship Management Pty LtdRTM TwarraBulk Carrier29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202318 Aug 2023
ASP Ship Management Pty LtdRTM WeipaBulk Carrier29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202318 Aug 2023
ASP Ship Management Pty LtdRV InvestigatorResearch Survey Vessel29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202318 Aug 2023
Eastern Line Pty LtdKing IslanderLanding Craft29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Eastern Line Pty LtdStatesmanGeneral Cargo29 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Fugro Australia Pty LtdFugro EtiveMulti-purpose Offshore Vessel30 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand RangerTug/Supply Vessel31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand SaracenAnchor Handling Vessel31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand ScorpionAnchor Handling Vessel31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand SkimmerOffshore Supply31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand SwanOffshore Supply31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdNormand TortugaOffshore Supply31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdFar SenatorOffshore Supply31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdFar SeekerOffshore Supply31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO Britoil DragonOffshore Supply31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO Provider (Toll)Multi Purpose Offshore Vessel31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO KoiMulti Purpose Offshore Vessel31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO SiriusMulti Purpose Offshore Vessel31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024
Focus Offshore Pty LtdGO SpicaOffshore Supply31 Mar 2023The unavailability of Seafarers Act insurance.31 Mar 202331 Mar 2024

The list is also included in our annual report. See the Seacare Authority annual reports for historical information on exemptions granted by the Seacare Authority,

Why employers seek an exemption

An employer seeks an exemption when they do not want the Seafarers Act to apply to their employees.

This situation can arise due to a:

  • one-off voyage of a ship, which brings it into coverage by the Seafarers Act
  • where a ship is operating within a territory only, or
  • where workers’ compensation insurance may be available at a lower cost under a state or territory scheme.

Depending on the scope of the exemption granted by the Seacare Authority, an exemption may mean that employer responsibilities under the Seacare scheme do not apply, including holding insurance, reporting berths, employee and ship details, and paying levies to the Seacare Authority.

How to apply for an exemption

To apply for an exemption, under section 20 of the Seafarers Act, complete the Request for Exemption from the Application of the Seafarers Act application form (PDF, 365.7 KB).

The form and Exemption guidelines (PDF, 216.8 KB) provide information about any evidence required and the factors which are considered in making a decision.

Please note: The Seacare Authority is currently reviewing its exemption guidelines, to incorporate the additional requirements specified through the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Directions 2023 (Ministerial Directions).

How the Seacare Authority assesses a request for exemption

To assist it in determining applications for an exemption, the Seacare Authority considers factors and information outlined in the Exemption guidelines (PDF, 216.8 KB) and the Request for Exemption from the Application of the Seafarers Act application form (PDF, 365.7 KB).

The factors that the Seacare Authority considers in granting an exemption (in effect from 1 July 2021) are:

  • the availability of workers’ compensation insurance under a state or territory scheme, at a cost lower than that available under the Seacare scheme
  • the prescribed ships’ proposed voyage does not constitute a regular trading or operating pattern and is incidental to the primary operations of the ship
  • The prescribed ship/s are operating within a territory only
  • The prescribed ship is expected to voyage between two places outside Australia for a period of 12 months or more and the majority of the crew on the prescribed ship are not residents of Australia.

No exemption is automatic. The Seacare Authority considers each application on its merits and takes account of, but is not restricted by, the guidelines for exemption.

Page last reviewed: 17 July 2023
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Date printed 30 Sep 2023

https://www.seacare.gov.au/coverage-legislation/exemption-from-coverage