Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023

prescribes for the Navigation Act standards of competence to be attained and other conditions to be satisfied for a person to become qualified as a master or deck officer; and

gives effect to the STCW Convention.

The following provisions of the Navigation Act provide for this Marine Order to be made:

section 28 which provides that regulations may provide for seafarer certificates and give effect to the STCW Convention;

subsection 29(1) which provides that regulations may prescribe different classes of seafarer certificates and require an individual to hold a seafarer certificate of a particular kind in order to undertake particular duties, or perform particular functions, as a seafarer;

subsection 29(2) which provides that the regulations may prescribe, for seafarer certificates, proficiencies, competencies and standards, qualifications, experience, minimum age, character, health, nationality, citizenship or residence;

subsection 29(3) which provides that the regulations may provide for:

how the attainment of proficiencies, competencies and standards is to be evidenced (including the gaining of sea service and other experience); and

the instruction, training and examination of seafarers (including the conduct of exams etc); and

the recognition of certificates and other documents granted or issued to or for masters, officers and seafarers under the national law, the law of a State, a Territory or a foreign country; and

conditions to which seafarer certificates are subject;

subsection 314(1) which provides that regulations may provide for the following matters for certificates: the persons who may apply, the forms for applying, the way of applying, the information to be included in applications and the documents to accompany applications;

subsection 314(3) which provides that the regulations may provide, for certificates, criteria to be satisfied for their issue, variation or revocation, the time limits for the determination of applications, information to be included in certificates, the person in whose name a certificate is to be issued, conditions to which certificates are subject and conditions that may be imposed on certificates by issuing bodies, the time certificates, variation of certificates and revocations of certificates come into force, the time certificates cease to be in force and ways of replacing certificates;

subsection 314(4) which provides that criteria and conditions may relate to compliance with specified standards;

subsection 314(5) which provides that regulations may provide for the renewal, suspension, transfer and surrender of certificates, and reports and declarations of issuing bodies, inspectors or other persons;

subsection 342(1) which provides for the making of Marine Orders for any matter for which provision must or may be made by the regulations.

Subsection 339(1) of the Navigation Act also provides a general regulation making power for matters required or permitted to be prescribed by the Navigation Act, or that are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the Act.

In this Marine Order:

for the issue of a seafarer certificate as master or deck officer - that is given by paragraph (a) of the definition of certificate of medical fitness in section 4 of Marine Order 76 (Health - medical fitness) 2017; and

for the revalidation (reissue) of a seafarer certificate or a certificate of recognition - that is given by paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of certificate of medical fitness in section 4 of Marine Order 76 (Health - medical fitness) 2017.

is issued by a country other than Australia in accordance with the STCW Convention; and

is not a certificate restricted to service on vessels engaged on near-coastal voyages (that complies with STCW Code section A-II/1 paragraph 7, A-II/2 paragraph 8, A-II/3, A-III/1 paragraph 10, A-III/2 paragraph 8 or AIII/3 paragraph 8).

Terms defined in Marine Order 70 and used in this Marine Order have the meaning given by Marine Order 70.

a person performing, or intending to perform, duties or functions as a master or deck officer on a regulated Australian vessel;

a person who holds a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer.

For subsection 29(1) of the Navigation Act, a person must hold a seafarer certificate of a kind mentioned in Schedule 1 to undertake a duty or perform a function on a regulated Australian vessel if the duty or function is mentioned in Schedule 1 for the kind of certificate.

However, if the regulated Australian vessel is a yacht, Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers - yachts) 2015 sets out the requirements.

For paragraph 314(3)(a) of the Navigation Act, the criteria for the issue to a person of a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer are as follows:

the person is familiar enough with the English language that the person can fully understand directions and documents relating to the duties or functions for which the certificate is required;

the person applies in accordance with Subdivision 2.1 of Marine Order 70;

the person meets the eligibility requirements for the certificate that are mentioned in Schedule 2.

However, the criteria set out in subsection (3) apply for a kind of certificate if a person:

holds a seafarer certificate of that kind that is in force; or

held a seafarer certificate of that kind that has ceased to be in force; or

held a certificate of competency or a certificate of recognition issued under Marine Order 3 (Seafarer qualifications) 2004 that corresponds to the kind of certificate in accordance with Schedule 3.

The criteria are that:

the requirements of Subdivision 5.1 of Marine Order 70 are met; and

the certificate is not, or was not, suspended, cancelled or revoked; and

the person meets the requirements mentioned in Schedule 4.

Qualifying seagoing service must be:

performed while undertaking the duties or performing the functions of a master, deck officer, trainee deck officer, deck cadet or rating; and

calculated in accordance with Subdivision 3.1 of Marine Order 70; and

recorded in writing.

If a person undertakes duties or performs functions for at least 8 hours in a 24 hour period, this counts as qualifying seagoing service of a whole day and no more than a whole day.

If a person undertakes duties or performs functions for less than 8 hours in a 24 hour period, this counts as qualifying seagoing service of the actual hours served plus 25% of that time.

This section applies if:

a person holds a seafarer certificate; and

the person undertakes a duty or performs a function for which the certificate is required.

For paragraph 31(2)(a) of the Navigation Act, the person must:

if working on a vessel equipped with ECDIS - have ECDIS training mentioned in Schedule 2 to Marine Order 70; and

hold a current certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats, that complies with STCW Code Table AVI/21; and

have maintained the required standard of competence in advanced fire fighting specified in STCW Code Table AVI/3.

Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area

if endorsed, watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in nearcoastal waters

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

Chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area

Master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in nearcoastal waters

Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in nearcoastal waters

if endorsed, Chief Mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in nearcoastal waters

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on a vessel of any gross tonnage in any operating area

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

Chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in any operating area

Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area

if endorsed, master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area and on vessels <3000 GT in nearcoastal waters

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area

Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area

Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in nearcoastal waters

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

Chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area

if endorsed, master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area and on vessels <3000 GT in nearcoastal waters

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in any operating area

Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

Master, chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area

Able Seafarer - Deck duties or functions

be at least 18 years old; and

have completed at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service (or at least 18 months if part of an approved and monitored course), performing watchkeeping duties or functions in the deck department on vessels ≥12 m, that includes:

at least 12 months served on vessels ≥24 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and

at least 6 months of those 12 months served as either:

understudy of the officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel; or

an officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel that is service that AMSA considers equivalent to subparagraph (A); and

have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section AII/1 and includes the following:

an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section AVI/1 paragraph 2;

training in advanced firefighting that complies with STCW Code section AVI/3;

training in medical first aid that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following certificates:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;

a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2;

a certificate of medical fitness; and

have passed a final assessment.

is performed:

in the deck department; and

in shifts of at least 4 hours; and

includes the following:

at least 100 hours as lookout;

at least 100 hours in daylight hours;

at least 100 hours in darkness;

at least 180 hours watchkeeping duties under supervision.

be at least 18 years old; and

meet any of the following:

hold or have held an unrestricted Master <24 m NC certificate of competency;

hold a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT seafarer certificate;

other certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent; and

have completed at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service, performing watchkeeping duties or functions in the deck department on vessels ≥12 m, that includes:

at least 24 months served as master or officer in charge of a navigational watch; and

at least 12 months served on vessels ≥24 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and

have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section AII/1 and the relevant section in AII/2 and includes the following:

approved modules that cover monitoring and controlling compliance with legislative requirements, managing a vessel and its crew, manoeuvring and handling a ship in all conditions;

an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section AVI/1 paragraph 2;

training in advanced firefighting that complies with STCW Code AVI/3;

training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code AVI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;

a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2;

a certificate of medical fitness; and

have passed a final assessment.

be at least 18 years old; and

have completed any of the following:

an approved presea course and an approved monitored onboard training program for trainee deck officers including at least 18 months qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥500 GT;

a presea course and an approved and monitored onboard training program for trainee deck officers including at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥500 GT;

an approved and monitored onboard training program for integrated ratings and able seafarers deck including at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥500 GT while holding a certificate of proficiency as Integrated Rating or Able Seafarer ─ Deck;

have completed at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥24 m; and

for the qualifying seagoing service mentioned in paragraph (b) - have served:

at least 12 months on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and

at least 6 of those 12 months as either:

understudy of the officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel; or

an officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel that is service that AMSA considers equivalent to subparagraph (A); and

have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section AII/1 of the STCW Code and includes the following:

an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section AVI/1 paragraph 2;

training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code AVI/3;

training in medical first aid that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4);

a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2);

a certificate of medical fitness; and

have passed a final assessment.

is performed:

in the deck department; and

in shifts of at least 4 hours; and

includes the following:

at least 100 hours as lookout;

at least 100 hours in daylight hours;

at least 100 hours in darkness;

at least 180 hours watchkeeping duties under supervision.

either:

hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT nearcoastal endorsement), Mate <500 GT, Watchkeeper Deck, Master <500 GT, or a Master <100 NC certificate of competency; or

hold a foreign certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent; and

have completed at least 12 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration while holding a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a); and

have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section AII/1 and the relevant section in AII/2 of the STCW Code and includes the following:

approved modules that cover monitoring and controlling compliance with legislative requirements, managing a vessel and its crew, manoeuvring and handling a ship in all conditions;

training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code AVI/3;

training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;

a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2;

a certificate of medical fitness; and

have passed a final assessment.

at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that includes:

service while holding:

an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency, or seafarer certificate that is Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, Watchkeeper Deck, Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT nearcoastal endorsement), or Mate <500 GT; or

other certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent; and

service of at least 24 months on vessels of voyages of at least 24 hours duration; or

at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that includes:

at least 12 months served on vessels as Master or Chief Mate while holding a seafarer certificate that is Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, or Mate <500 GT; and

at least 16 months served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration.

have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section AII/1 and the relevant section in AII/2 of the STCW Code and includes the following:

approved modules that cover monitoring and controlling compliance with legislative requirements, managing a vessel and its crew, manoeuvring and handling a ship in all conditions;

an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section AVI/1 paragraph 2;

training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code AVI/3;

training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;

a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2;

a certificate of medical fitness; and

have passed a final assessment.

hold or have held either:

an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency or other certificate considered at least equivalent by AMSA; or

a Mate <500 GT seafarer certificate; and

have completed at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on vessels of ≥24 m that:

was served on voyages while holding any of the following for at least 12 months:

a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a);

an unrestricted Master <24 m NC certificate of competency, or a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT, or Mate <500GT;

other certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent; and

was served for at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration.

was served as Chief Mate or Master for at least 12 months; and

was served while holding any of the following:

a seafarer certificate as Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT nearcoastal endorsement);

other certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent; and

was served for at least 16 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration.

either:

hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <3000 GT, or Master <500 GT; or

hold a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent; and

have completed at least 12 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥500 GT that was served:

while holding a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a); and

on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and

have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code sections AII/1 and AII/2 and includes the following:

training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code section AVI/3;

training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;

a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2;

a certificate of medical fitness; and

have passed a final assessment.

at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels >24 m that:

was served while holding any of the following:

an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency or a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck, Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT nearcoastal endorsement), Mate <500 GT, Master <500 GT, Chief Mate, or Chief Mate <3000 GT; or

other certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent; and

was served on vessels for at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; or

at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that includes:

at least 12 months served on vessels as Master or Chief Mate while holding a seafarer certificate that is Chief Mate, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, or Mate <500 GT; and

at least 16 months served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration.

hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT; and

completed either:

at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that was served:

as Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT for at least 12 months; and

while holding a seafarer certificate that is a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near-coastal endorsement), Mate <500 GT, Watchkeeper Deck, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, Chief Mate, or a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent); or

at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m, of which at least 12 months was served as Chief Mate or Master, on vessels ≥24 m while holding:

a seafarer certificate that is Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT nearcoastal endorsement), Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, or Chief Mate; or

a foreign certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent; and

served on vessels for at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and

complete an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section AII/1 and AII/2 and includes the following:

training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code AVI/3);

training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;

a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2;

a certificate of medical fitness; and

The person must pass a final assessment.

hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Master <3000 GT, Chief Mate, or Chief Mate <3000 GT; and

have completed either:

at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service, including at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration, in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥500 GT including at least 6 months served on vessels ≥1500 GT while holding:

a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, Chief Mate, Master <3000 GT, or Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT nearcoastal endorsement); or

a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent; or

at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service which must be served on voyages of at least 24 hours duration, in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥500 GT including:

at least 6 months served on vessels ≥1500 GT and at least 12 months served in the capacity of Chief Mate or Master; and

service while holding a seafarer certificate that is Master <500 GT, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Chief Mate, or Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT nearcoastal endorsement); and

have served on vessels for at least 12 months while holding a seafarer certificate that is Chief Mate <3000 GT, Chief Mate, or Master < 3000 GT; and

complete an approved program of study that meets the standards mentioned in STCW Code sections AII/1 and AII/2 and includes the following:

training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code section AVI/3;

training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;

security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and

hold the following:

a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section AVI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;

a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section AIV/2;

a certificate of medical fitness; and

pass a final assessment.