Operational areas – Commercial vessels

Operational areas are defined in Tasmania for both recreational and commercial vessels.

These areas are determined in the Marine and Safety (Limits of Operational Areas of Vessels) By-laws 2023.

Operational areas for commercial vessels relate to survey requirements for vessels and crew qualifications. For example, the survey requirements for a vessel to operate in smooth waters are less than those required for a vessel operating in coastal waters.

Smooth waters

The geographical limits of the waters defined as smooth waters are specified in schedule 1 of the Marine and Safety (Limits of Operational Areas of Vessels) By-laws 2023.

Partially smooth waters

The geographical limits of the waters defined as partially smooth waters are specified in Schedule 2 of the Marine and Safety (Limits of Operational Areas of Vessels) By-laws 2023

Sheltered waters

The sheltered waters operational limits for Commercial vessels incorporate all waters defined as smooth waters, and all waters defined as partially smooth. This definition is different from the definition of sheltered waters for recreational vessels.

Operational areas beyond sheltered waters for commercial vessels are defined by the National Law, or are grandfathered limits that are specified on each vessel’s survey certificate.