Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016

Administered by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

Legislation au F2016L01914 In force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016

made under the Navigation Act 2012

Compilation no. 2

Compilation date: 23 December 2024

 

This compilation was prepared on 3 December 2024 taking into account amendments up to Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 11 — consequential changes) Order 2024

Prepared by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority

 

1 Name of Order

2 Purpose

3 Power

4 Definitions

5 Application

6 Modification of Marine Orders

Schedule 1 Modifications

Division 1 Marine Order 25 (Equipment — life-saving) 2014

Division 2 Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014

 

1 Name of Order

  This Order is Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016.

2 Purpose

  This Order provides for:

(a) qualifications for seafarers who work on International Register vessels; and

(b) lifesaving equipment requirements for International Register vessels.

Note   For requirements about the employment conditions of seafarers who work on International Register vessels — see Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2024.

3 Power

 (1) The following provisions of the Navigation Act provide for this Order to be made:

(a) Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 2 provide for regulations relating to seafarer certificates;

(b) paragraph 339(2)(b) provides for regulations relating to machinery and equipment to be carried on board including for saving of life at sea.

 (2) Subsection 339(1) of the Navigation Act provides for regulations to be made prescribing matters required or permitted to be prescribed, or that are necessary or convenient to be prescribed, for carrying out or giving effect to the Act.

 (3) Subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act provides that AMSA may make a Marine Order about matters that can be provided for by regulation.

4 Definitions

  In this Order:

International Register vessel means a ship registered on the Australian International Shipping Register.

Note 1   Some terms used in this Order are defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, including:

  • Australian International Shipping Register
  • Marine Order.

Note 2   Other terms used in this Order are defined in the Navigation Act, including:

  • master
  • owner
  • seafarer
  • vessel.

5 Application

  This Order applies to:

  1.    each seafarer who works or proposes to work on board an International Register vessel; and
  2.    International Register vessels; and
  3.    owners of International Register vessels.

6 Modification of Marine Orders

  Each Marine Order mentioned in a Division heading of Schedule 1 is modified in accordance with the Division that applies to the Marine Order.

Note   Marine Orders that are not modified by this Order also apply to the vessels and persons mentioned in section 5.

Schedule 1 Modifications

(section 6)

Division 1 Marine Order 25 (Equipment — life-saving) 2014

[1] Schedule 1, Division 1

omit

[2] Schedule 1, clause 8

omit

[3] Schedule 1, clause 10, including the notes

substitute

10 Liferaft equipment

  [LSA Code, paragraph 4.1.5]

  The normal equipment of a liferaft mentioned in paragraph 4.1.5.1 of the LSA Code is varied so that the first-aid outfit required by paragraph 4.1.5.1.8 of the LSA Code must comply with Schedule 2.

Division 2 Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014

[4] Section 4, after definition of approved

Australian national has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.

Australian resident has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.

certificate of equivalence means a certificate of equivalence issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act.

[5] Section 4, after definition of final assessment

insert

foreign certificate means a certificate that is:

(a)  issued by a maritime administration of a country recognised by Australia,

 under a memorandum of understanding, for the recognition of seafarers’

 qualifications; and

(b) endorsed in accordance with the following provisions of the STCW Convention:

 (i) for a deck officer — regulation II/1 or II/2;

 (ii) for an engineer officer — regulation III/1, III/2,
III/3 or III/6;

 (iii) for a deck rating — regulation II/4 or II/5;

 (iv) for an engine room rating — regulation III/4 or III/5; and

(c) in force under the law of the country that authorises the person holding the

 certificate to perform duties or functions as a qualified master, officer or seaman.

Note   The countries with which Australia has a memorandum of understanding are listed on the

AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.

[6] Section 4, after definition of HSC Code

insert

interim certificate of equivalence means an interim certificate of equivalence issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act.

[7] Section 4, note 3

after

  • AMSA Act

insert

  • Australian International Shipping Register

[8] Section 6

substitute

6 Application

  This Order applies to a person:

(a) performing or intending to perform duties or functions as a qualified master, deck officer, engineer officer or other seafarer on an International Register vessel; or

(b) holding a valid interim certificate of equivalence or a certificate of equivalence issued by AMSA.

[9] Paragraph 7(2)(b)

substitute

(b) a certificate of recognition of a class mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), (1)(aa), (1)(b), (1)(c) or (1)(ca); and

(c) an interim certificate of equivalence; and

(d) a certificate of equivalence.

[10] After subsection 7(3)

insert

 (3A) However:

(a) the holder of an interim certificate of equivalence or certificate of equivalence is qualified to serve or to be employed only on an International Register vessel; and

(b) a person who is not an Australian national or an Australian resident may serve or be employed on an International Register vessel as a Master, Chief Mate, Chief Engineer or First Engineer only if he or she has a valid certificate of equivalence, certificate of recognition or certificate of competency issued by AMSA that qualifies the holder to serve or be employed to perform the duties or functions of a Master, Chief Mate, Chief Engineer or First Engineer.

Note   It is a condition of registration of a ship in the Australian International Shipping Register that an Australian national or Australian resident is the master or chief mate of the ship and an Australian national or Australian resident is chief engineer or first engineer — see s 33A of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.

[11] Subsection 10(1)

after the first mention of

certificate

  insert

other than a certificate of equivalence

[12] After subsection 10(1)

insert

 (1A) An application for a seafarer certificate that is a certificate of equivalence must be in writing.

Note   If a form is approved for the application, the approved form must be used and is available on the AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au — see Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013.

[13] Section 15

substitute

14A Additional conditions for interim certificates of equivalence and certificates of equivalence

  An interim certificate of equivalence or certificate of equivalence is also subject to the condition that the holder of the certificate has completed:

  1.     if the person is to perform cargo duties on a tanker — basic training in tanker familiarisation (that complies with STCW Code section A-V/1-1 paragraph 1 (oil and chemical) and section A-V/1-2 paragraph 1 (liquefied gas)); and

(b) if the person is to perform and monitor oil tanker cargo operations — advanced training that complies with STCW Code section AV/11 paragraph 2; and

(c) if the person is to perform and monitor chemical tanker cargo operations — advanced training that complies with STCW Code section AV/11, paragraph 3; and

(d) if the person is to perform and monitor liquefied gas tanker cargo operations — advanced training that complies with STCW Code section AV/12, paragraph 2; and

(e) if the person is to perform duties as a deck officer or engineer officer and provide medical first aid — training in medical first aid (that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3); and

(f) if the person is to perform duties as a master or deck officer and will take charge of medical care— training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section AVI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6).

15 Term of interim certificate of equivalence

 (1) An interim certificate of equivalence, and any endorsement of it, expires 3 months after the date of issue of the certificate.

 (2) However, if AMSA has determined an earlier date for expiry of the certificate, the certificate, and any endorsement of it, expires on that date.

15A Term of certificate of equivalence

  A certificate of equivalence, but not an interim certificate of equivalence, remains current until the expiry of the certificate being recognised, or for any lesser period determined by AMSA.

[14] After Division 3, heading

insert

15B Application of Subdivision 3.1

  Subdivision 3.1 does not apply to a seafarer certificate that is an interim certificate of equivalence or a certificate of equivalence.

[15] Subdivision 3.2, heading

substitute

Subdivision 3.2 GMDSS radio operator certificates, certificates of safety training, certificates of proficiency as marine cook, interim certificates of equivalence and certificates of equivalence

[16] After section 23

insert

23A Eligibility criteria for interim certificate of equivalence

  For paragraph 31(1)(b) of the Navigation Act, the criteria for the issue by AMSA to a person of an interim certificate of equivalence are that:

(a) the person holds a foreign certificate; and

(b) the person is not an Australian national or an Australian resident; and.

(c) the person shows AMSA the person’s foreign certificate or a certified copy of the certificate; and

(d) the foreign certificate is for the duties or functions the person will perform; and

(e) AMSA is satisfied:

 (i) of the applicant’s identity; and

 (ii) of the authenticity of the foreign certificate; and

 (iii) that the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017; and

 (iv) that the applicant will be performing Watchkeeper Deck, Engineer Watchkeeper or ratings duties or functions on an International Register vessel.

23B Eligibility criteria for certificate of equivalence

 (1) For paragraph 31(1)(b) of the Navigation Act, the criteria for the issue by AMSA of a certificate of equivalence to a person who is to work as a rating on an International Register vessel are that:

(a) the person holds a foreign certificate; and

(b) the person is not an Australian national or an Australian resident; and

(c) the person shows AMSA the person’s foreign certificate for ratings duties or functions or a certified copy of the certificate; and

(d) AMSA is satisfied:

 (i) of the applicant’s identity; and

 (ii) of the authenticity of the foreign certificate; and

 (iii) that the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017; and

 (iv) that the person has passed an approved English language assessment; and

 (v) that the applicant will be working as a rating on an International Register vessel.

 (2) For paragraph 31(1)(b) of the Navigation Act, the criteria for the issue by AMSA of a certificate of equivalence to a person who is to work as an officer on an International Register vessel are that:

(a)  the person holds a foreign certificate; and

(b) the person is not an Australian national or an Australian resident; and

(c) the person shows AMSA the person’s foreign certificate for the kind of officer duties or functions the person is to perform a certified copy of the certificate; and

(d) AMSA is satisfied:

 (i) of the applicant’s identity; and

 (ii) of the authenticity of the foreign certificate; and

 (iii) that the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017; and

 (iv) the person will be working as an officer on an International Register vessel; and

(e) the person has passed an assessment in knowledge of the Australian maritime regulatory framework to the satisfaction of AMSA; and

(f) the person has passed an approved English language assessment to the satisfaction of AMSA.

 (3) For paragraph 31(1)(b) of the Act, the criterion for the issue by AMSA of a further certificate of equivalence to a person holding a certificate of equivalence that has expired is that AMSA is satisfied that:

(a) the foreign certificate the person holds has been revalidated; and

(b) the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017.

Note   The holder of the revalidated foreign certificate need not undergo any further assessment for a further certificate of equivalence to be issued.

23C Requirements for assessments

 (1) If a person must pass an approved English language assessment or an assessment in knowledge of the Australian maritime regulatory framework before being issued a certificate of equivalence, the examination must be passed, unless AMSA determines otherwise:

(a) when all other eligibility criteria have been met; and

(b) within the 12 months before the certificate is issued.

 (2) If AMSA considers that the person is unable to meet the standard required to pass the assessment because the person lacks sufficient practical knowledge, the person cannot be reassessed for a period, determined by AMSA as reasonably required for the person to gain the practical knowledge, of up to 6 months.

[17] Subsection 31(1)

substitute

 (1) A person who holds a seafarer certificate other than a certificate of equivalence may apply to AMSA to revalidate the certificate if it is not suspended or revoked.

Note 1   A fee may be determined for this section see section 47 of the AMSA Act.

Note 2   Although a person may not apply for revalidation of a certificate of equivalence a person may apply for a further certificate of equivalence  see subsection 23B(3).

[18] Subsection 36(3)

after

recognition

insert

or a certificate of equivalence

 

Notes to Marine Order 2 (Australian international Shipping Register) 2016

Note 1

Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016 (in force under subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act 2012) as shown in this compilation comprises Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016 amended as indicated in the following tables.

Table of Orders

Year and number

Registration date

FRLI number

Commencement date

Application, saving or transitional provisions

Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016 (MO 2016/16)

12 December 2016

F2016L01914

1 January 2017

Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 76 — consequential changes) Order 2017 (MO 2017/9)

18 December 2017

F2017L01635

1 January 2018

Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 11 — consequential changes) Order 2024 (MO 2024/4)

15 November 2024

F2024L01456

23 December 2024

Table of amendments

ad. = added or inserted      am. = amended      rep. = repealed      rs. = repealed and substituted

Provision affected

How affected

1A..................

rep. Legislation Act 2003, s.48D

1B..................

rep. Legislation Act 2003, s.48C

2...................

am. MO 2024/4

Schedule 1............

am. MO 2017/9

 

Overview

The Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016 was enacted to provide regulations regarding the qualifications of seafarers working on vessels registered under the Australian International Shipping Register and the lifesaving equipment requirements for such vessels. This legislative instrument was made under the Navigation Act 2012 by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and came into effect on 1 January 2017. The primary purpose of this Order is to address the qualifications for seafarers and the mandatory lifesaving equipment on vessels registered in the Australian International Shipping Register. It specifically provides for the qualifications that foreign seafarers must meet to work on these vessels, including the issuance of certificates of equivalence and interim certificates of equivalence by AMSA. Additionally, the Order outlines the requirements for lifesaving equipment on these vessels, modifying existing marine orders to suit the specific needs of the Australian International Shipping Register. This legislative instrument applies to seafarers who work or intend to work on vessels registered in the Australian International Shipping Register, as well as to the vessels and their owners.

Scope and Application

The Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016 applies to seafarers who work or intend to work on vessels registered under the Australian International Shipping Register, to the vessels themselves, and to the vessel owners. This Order sets forth the qualifications required for seafarers and the lifesaving equipment requirements for such vessels. It is pertinent to note that this Order modifies certain existing Marine Orders, particularly those related to lifesaving equipment and seafarer certification. The Order is designed to ensure that seafarers possess the necessary qualifications and that vessels meet the requisite safety standards. Additionally, it outlines specific conditions for the issuance of certificates of equivalence and interim certificates of equivalence to non-Australian nationals and residents who wish to work on these vessels. The Order also includes provisions for the revalidation of certificates and the assessment criteria for English language proficiency and knowledge of the Australian maritime regulatory framework. Notably, this Order does not apply to other types of seafarer certificates not specified within its scope.

Key Provisions

The Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016, made under the Navigation Act 2012, primarily sets out qualifications for seafarers working on vessels registered in the Australian International Shipping Register and specifies lifesaving equipment requirements for these vessels. The Order modifies two existing Marine Orders: Marine Order 25 (Equipment – life-saving) 2014 and Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014. Specifically, it changes the requirements for liferaft equipment, stipulating that the first-aid outfit must comply with Schedule 2, and it updates the definitions and application sections related to seafarer certification. This Order imposes several obligations on seafarers and vessel owners. Seafarers who work or intend to work on International Register vessels must meet specific qualifications and hold appropriate certificates, such as certificates of equivalence or interim certificates of equivalence issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Owners of International Register vessels must ensure that their seafarers comply with these requirements. Additionally, seafarers must complete specific training and assessments, such as tanker familiarisation and medical first aid, depending on their duties. Vessels must also comply with the updated lifesaving equipment requirements, ensuring that their liferaft equipment meets the new standards. Breaching the provisions of this Order can result in various consequences. For instance, operating a vessel without the required lifesaving equipment or employing seafarers who do not meet the certification requirements can lead to penalties. The maximum penalties for contravening the Navigation Act, under which this Order is made, can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. AMSA has the authority to enforce these provisions, and non-compliance can lead to legal action, fines, and potential revocation of seafarer certificates or vessel registration. In summary, the Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016 establishes stringent requirements for seafarers and vessels registered in the Australian International Shipping Register, focusing on qualifications, certifications, and lifesaving equipment. Compliance with these provisions is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the Order can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

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Maritime Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
Licensing & Registration
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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.