Australia implements new vessel load line, tonnage rules from Sept. 1

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has announced that the updated Marine Order 16 (Load lines) 2025 (MO16) and Marine Order 19 (Tonnage measurements) 2025 (MO19) take effect on September 1, 2025.  According to AMSA, the updates ensure that Australia’s regulations are aligned with international standards to support safer and more effective maritime operations.  The changes apply to owners and operators of regulated Australian vessels (RAVs), owners and operators of domestic commercial vessels (DCVs), and foreign vessels operating in Australian waters. 

MO16 gives effect to the International Convention on Load Lines and covers vessel certification, load line markings, and the determination of when a vessel is considered overloaded. MO19 implements the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships and deals with vessel certification as proof of compliance.  Key updates include clarification that an Australian recreational vessel operating as a commercial yacht becomes a RAV and is subject to MO16, as per a report.

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