{"id":"F2016L01914","name":"Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016","slug":"marine-order-2-australian-international-shipping-register-2016","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":95577,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2016L01914-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016","content":"![The coat of arms of the Commonwealth is depicted with agency name](image.001.png)\n\nMarine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016\n\nmade under the Navigation Act 2012\n\nCompilation no. 2\n\nCompilation date: 23 December 2024\n\nThis compilation was prepared on 3 December 2024 taking into account amendments up to Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 11 — consequential changes) Order 2024\n\nPrepared by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority\n\n1 Name of Order\n\n2 Purpose\n\n3 Power\n\n4 Definitions\n\n5 Application\n\n6 Modification of Marine Orders\n\nSchedule 1 Modifications\n\nDivision 1 Marine Order 25 (Equipment — life-saving) 2014\n\nDivision 2 Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014\n\n1 Name of Order\n\nThis Order is Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016.\n\n2 Purpose\n\nThis Order provides for:\n\n(a) qualifications for seafarers who work on International Register vessels; and\n\n(b) lifesaving equipment requirements for International Register vessels.\n\n> 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.\n\n3 Power\n\n(1) The following provisions of the Navigation Act provide for this Order to be made:\n\n(a) Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 2 provide for regulations relating to seafarer certificates;\n\n(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.\n\n(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.\n\n(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.\n\n4 Definitions\n\nIn this Order:\n\n> International Register vessel means a ship registered on the Australian International Shipping Register.\n\n> Note 1 Some terms used in this Order are defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, including:\n\n> Note: Australian International Shipping Register\n\n> Note: Marine Order.\n\n> Note 2 Other terms used in this Order are defined in the Navigation Act, including:\n\n> Note: master\n\n> Note: owner\n\n> Note: seafarer\n\n> Note: vessel.\n\n5 Application\n\nThis Order applies to:\n\n1. each seafarer who works or proposes to work on board an International Register vessel; and\n2. International Register vessels; and\n3. owners of International Register vessels.\n\n6 Modification of Marine Orders\n\nEach Marine Order mentioned in a Division heading of Schedule 1 is modified in accordance with the Division that applies to the Marine Order.\n\n> Note Marine Orders that are not modified by this Order also apply to the vessels and persons mentioned in section 5.\n\nSchedule 1 Modifications\n\n(section 6)\n\nDivision 1 Marine Order 25 (Equipment — life-saving) 2014\n\n\\[1\\] Schedule 1, Division 1\n\nomit\n\n\\[2\\] Schedule 1, clause 8\n\nomit\n\n\\[3\\] Schedule 1, clause 10, including the notes\n\nsubstitute\n\n10 Liferaft equipment\n\n\\[LSA Code, paragraph 4.1.5\\]\n\nThe 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.\n\nDivision 2 Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014\n\n\\[4\\] Section 4, after definition of approved\n\n> Australian national has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\n> Australian resident has the same meaning as in subsection 3(1) of the Shipping Registration Act 1981.\n\n> certificate of equivalence means a certificate of equivalence issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act.\n\n\\[5\\] Section 4, after definition of final assessment\n\ninsert\n\n> foreign certificate means a certificate that is:\n\n(a) issued by a maritime administration of a country recognised by Australia,\n\nunder a memorandum of understanding, for the recognition of seafarers’\n\nqualifications; and\n\n(b) endorsed in accordance with the following provisions of the STCW Convention:\n\n(i) for a deck officer — regulation II/1 or II/2;\n\n(ii) for an engineer officer — regulation III/1, III/2, \nIII/3 or III/6;\n\n(iii) for a deck rating — regulation II/4 or II/5;\n\n(iv) for an engine room rating — regulation III/4 or III/5; and\n\n(c) in force under the law of the country that authorises the person holding the\n\ncertificate to perform duties or functions as a qualified master, officer or seaman.\n\n> Note The countries with which Australia has a memorandum of understanding are listed on the\n\n> AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n\\[6\\] Section 4, after definition of HSC Code\n\ninsert\n\ninterim certificate of equivalence means an interim certificate of equivalence issued by AMSA under section 31 of the Navigation Act.\n\n\\[7\\] Section 4, note 3\n\nafter\n\n- AMSA Act\n\ninsert\n\n- Australian International Shipping Register\n\n\\[8\\] Section 6\n\nsubstitute\n\n6 Application\n\nThis Order applies to a person:\n\n(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\n\n(b) holding a valid interim certificate of equivalence or a certificate of equivalence issued by AMSA.\n\n\\[9\\] Paragraph 7(2)(b)\n\nsubstitute\n\n(b) a certificate of recognition of a class mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), (1)(aa), (1)(b), (1)(c) or (1)(ca); and\n\n(c) an interim certificate of equivalence; and\n\n(d) a certificate of equivalence.\n\n\\[10\\] After subsection 7(3)\n\ninsert\n\n(3A) However:\n\n(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\n\n(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.\n\n> 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.\n\n\\[11\\] Subsection 10(1)\n\nafter the first mention of\n\ncertificate\n\ninsert\n\nother than a certificate of equivalence\n\n\\[12\\] After subsection 10(1)\n\ninsert\n\n(1A) An application for a seafarer certificate that is a certificate of equivalence must be in writing.\n\n> 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.\n\n\\[13\\] Section 15\n\nsubstitute\n\n14A Additional conditions for interim certificates of equivalence and certificates of equivalence\n\nAn interim certificate of equivalence or certificate of equivalence is also subject to the condition that the holder of the certificate has completed:\n\n1. 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\n\n(b) if the person is to perform and monitor oil tanker cargo operations — advanced training that complies with STCW Code section A‑V/1‑1 paragraph 2; and\n\n(c) if the person is to perform and monitor chemical tanker cargo operations — advanced training that complies with STCW Code section A‑V/1‑1, paragraph 3; and\n\n(d) if the person is to perform and monitor liquefied gas tanker cargo operations — advanced training that complies with STCW Code section A‑V/1‑2, paragraph 2; and\n\n(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 A‑VI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3); and\n\n(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 A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6).\n\n15 Term of interim certificate of equivalence\n\n(1) An interim certificate of equivalence, and any endorsement of it, expires 3 months after the date of issue of the certificate.\n\n(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.\n\n15A Term of certificate of equivalence\n\nA 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.\n\n\\[14\\] After Division 3, heading\n\ninsert\n\n15B Application of Subdivision 3.1\n\nSubdivision 3.1 does not apply to a seafarer certificate that is an interim certificate of equivalence or a certificate of equivalence.\n\n\\[15\\] Subdivision 3.2, heading\n\nsubstitute\n\nSubdivision 3.2 GMDSS radio operator certificates, certificates of safety training, certificates of proficiency as marine cook, interim certificates of equivalence and certificates of equivalence\n\n\\[16\\] After section 23\n\ninsert\n\n23A Eligibility criteria for interim certificate of equivalence\n\nFor 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:\n\n(a) the person holds a foreign certificate; and\n\n(b) the person is not an Australian national or an Australian resident; and.\n\n(c) the person shows AMSA the person’s foreign certificate or a certified copy of the certificate; and\n\n(d) the foreign certificate is for the duties or functions the person will perform; and\n\n(e) AMSA is satisfied:\n\n(i) of the applicant’s identity; and\n\n(ii) of the authenticity of the foreign certificate; and\n\n(iii) that the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017; and\n\n(iv) that the applicant will be performing Watchkeeper Deck, Engineer Watchkeeper or ratings duties or functions on an International Register vessel.\n\n23B Eligibility criteria for certificate of equivalence\n\n(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:\n\n(a) the person holds a foreign certificate; and\n\n(b) the person is not an Australian national or an Australian resident; and\n\n(c) the person shows AMSA the person’s foreign certificate for ratings duties or functions or a certified copy of the certificate; and\n\n(d) AMSA is satisfied:\n\n(i) of the applicant’s identity; and\n\n(ii) of the authenticity of the foreign certificate; and\n\n(iii) that the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017; and\n\n(iv) that the person has passed an approved English language assessment; and\n\n(v) that the applicant will be working as a rating on an International Register vessel.\n\n(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:\n\n(a) the person holds a foreign certificate; and\n\n(b) the person is not an Australian national or an Australian resident; and\n\n(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\n\n(d) AMSA is satisfied:\n\n(i) of the applicant’s identity; and\n\n(ii) of the authenticity of the foreign certificate; and\n\n(iii) that the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017; and\n\n(iv) the person will be working as an officer on an International Register vessel; and\n\n(e) the person has passed an assessment in knowledge of the Australian maritime regulatory framework to the satisfaction of AMSA; and\n\n(f) the person has passed an approved English language assessment to the satisfaction of AMSA.\n\n(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:\n\n(a) the foreign certificate the person holds has been revalidated; and\n\n(b) the person holds a certificate of medical fitness in accordance with Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017.\n\n> Note The holder of the revalidated foreign certificate need not undergo any further assessment for a further certificate of equivalence to be issued.\n\n23C Requirements for assessments\n\n(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:\n\n(a) when all other eligibility criteria have been met; and\n\n(b) within the 12 months before the certificate is issued.\n\n(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.\n\n\\[17\\] Subsection 31(1)\n\nsubstitute\n\n(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.\n\n> Note 1 A fee may be determined for this section — see section 47 of the AMSA Act.\n\n> 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).\n\n\\[18\\] Subsection 36(3)\n\nafter\n\nrecognition\n\ninsert\n\nor a certificate of equivalence\n\n> Notes to Marine Order 2 (Australian international Shipping Register) 2016\n\n> Note 1\n\n> Note: 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.\n\n> Note: > Note: Table of\n> \n> Orders\n\n| Year and number | Registration date | FRLI number | Commencement date | Application, saving or transitional provisions |\n| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------- | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |\n| Marine Order 2 (Australian International Shipping Register) 2016 (MO 2016/16) | 12 December 2016 | F2016L01914 | 1 January 2017 | – |\n| Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 76 — consequential changes) Order 2017 (MO 2017/9) | 18 December 2017 | F2017L01635 | 1 January 2018 | – |\n| Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 11 — consequential changes) Order 2024 (MO 2024/4) | 15 November 2024 | F2024L01456 | 23 December 2024 | – |\n\n> Note: > Note: Table of amendments\n\n```html\n

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

\n```","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Order expands the regulatory scope for International Register vessels by creating interim and full certificates of equivalence for holders of foreign certificates and setting specific eligibility, assessment (English and Australian regulatory framework) and medical criteria that limit where those certificates may be used (see inserted definitions and ss23A–23C, 15–15A). It also amends liferaft first‑aid equipment requirements (Schedule 1, Division 1, clause 10) and clarifies application and nationality constraints for senior shipboard roles (see substituted s6 and inserted paragraph (3A) at [10])."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple cross‑references and delegated powers: relies on and modifies other Marine Orders and the Navigation Act (see s3, s6, Schedule 1).","New certificate types and definitions introduced: 'interim certificate of equivalence' and 'certificate of equivalence' added to definitions and application scope (see inserted definitions at [4]–[6] and substituted s6 at [8]).","Detailed eligibility and assessment criteria for equivalence certificates: separate streams for ratings and officers, English language and Australian regulatory knowledge requirements, medical fitness and identity/authenticity checks (see ss23A, 23B, 23C).","Different term/renewal rules create administrative distinctions: interim certificates expire after 3 months; certificates of equivalence run with the foreign certificate unless AMSA sets a lesser period (see ss15, 15A, substituted s31(1) at [17]).","AMSA discretion and procedural requirements: AMSA must be 'satisfied' on multiple matters, can set earlier expiry dates and determine reassessment timing, and requires written applications for equivalence (see ss15(2), 23B, 23C(2), inserted 10(1A) at [12]).","Modification of lifesaving equipment standards: variation to liferaft first‑aid outfit requirement links to Schedule 2 and the LSA Code (Schedule 1, Division 1, clause 10).","Application limited to International Register vessels and particular roles, with nationality/residency conditions affecting who may serve in senior posts (see s5; substituted provisions and note at [8] and inserted paragraph (3A) at [10]).","Interplay with existing registration conditions and other Marine Orders increases compliance mapping: operators must track Marine Order 25, 70, 76 and Marine Order 1 administrative form requirements (see s6, Schedule 1, notes, ss23A–23B, reference to Marine Order 76 and Marine Order 1)."],"plain_english_summary":"**What it does:** Sets out qualification and lifesaving-equipment rules for ships on the Australian International Shipping Register. \n\nIt authorises the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to recognise foreign seafarer certificates by issuing interim and full certificates of equivalence, prescribes eligibility, English and Australian-regulatory knowledge assessments, expiry/revalidation rules, and varies a liferaft first-aid requirement. It affects seafarers, vessel owners and AMSA by creating certification, training and equipment compliance obligations."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: establishing the regulatory framework for the Australian International Shipping Register. The 2024 amendments are minor consequential changes updating cross-references to Marine Order 11 (living and working conditions). The core scope — creating equivalence certificates for foreign seafarers and modifying equipment requirements — has not expanded beyond the original 2016 intent."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to other Marine Orders (Marine Order 25, 70, 76, 1) and the Navigation Act 2012, Shipping Registration Act 1981, and STCW Convention","Nested conditional logic for certificate eligibility with different requirements for ratings vs officers, and interim vs full certificates","Multiple defined terms imported from external legislation (Australian national, Australian resident, foreign certificate) plus new defined terms (certificate of equivalence, interim certificate of equivalence)","Modification structure — the Order works by amending other Marine Orders rather than standing alone, requiring readers to cross-reference base texts","Specific technical references to STCW Code sections (A-V/1-1, A-V/1-2, A-VI/4) and LSA Code paragraphs","Exception to exception structure: general rule is Australian certificates required, exception allows foreign certificates with equivalence, but exception to that exception restricts top four officer roles to Australians unless they hold full Australian certificates","Temporal conditions on assessments (must be passed within 12 months, reassessment barred for up to 6 months if failed)"],"plain_english_summary":"This Marine Order sets special rules for ships on the Australian International Shipping Register, creating interim and full certificates of equivalence so recognised foreign seafarers can serve without full Australian licences. Applicants must hold recognised foreign qualifications, verify identity and documents, pass a medical, an English test (all crew) and an Australian maritime law test (officers); interim certificates last 3 months. Masters and chief officers/engineers must be Australian citizens/residents or hold Australian certificates.\n\nIt also tweaks liferaft first‑aid kit requirements. Affects foreign seafarers, Australian international shipowners and AMSA by enabling mixed crews while protecting senior roles and safety standards."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/marine-order-2-australian-international-shipping-register-2016","history":"/api/acts/marine-order-2-australian-international-shipping-register-2016/history","analysis":"/api/acts/marine-order-2-australian-international-shipping-register-2016/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/marine-order-2-australian-international-shipping-register-2016/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/marine-order-2-australian-international-shipping-register-2016/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/marine-order-2-australian-international-shipping-register-2016/documents"}}