Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV)
A Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) is any vessel used in connection with a commercial, governmental or research activity in Australian waters — for example tugs, ferries, fishing vessels, workboats, charter boats and barges. Since 2013, DCVs have been regulated nationally by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law.
DCVs must meet the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) for design, construction and equipment, hold a certificate of survey and a certificate of operation, and be crewed by appropriately certificated personnel. Periodic surveys — often carried out on a slipway or hardstand at a shipyard — verify continued compliance.
The DCV framework brings ferries, workboats and charter vessels under one national safety standard. For shipyards, surveyors and vessel operators, DCV survey and certification cycles drive the maintenance calendar — every slipping, antifoul and survey has to line up with the vessel's certificate of survey to keep it legally operating.
Who regulates domestic commercial vessels?
AMSA, under the national Domestic Commercial Vessel law, since the 2013 transition from state marine authorities.
What is the NSCV?
The National Standard for Commercial Vessels — the technical standard a DCV must meet for design, construction, stability and equipment.