{"id":"F2023L01533","name":"Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023","slug":"marine-order-71-masters-and-deck-officers-2023","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":104958,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2023L01533-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023","content":"![The coat of arms of the Commonwealth is depicted with agency name](image.001.png)\n\nMarine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023\n\nmade under the Navigation Act 2012\n\nCompilation no. 1\n\nCompilation date: 23 December 2024\n\nThis compilation was prepared on 3 December 2024 including amendments up to Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 11 — consequential changes) Order 2024\n\nPrepared by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority\n\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n\n1 Name of Marine Order\n\n2 Purpose\n\n3 Power\n\n4 Definitions\n\n5 Application\n\nDivision 2 Seafarer certificates\n\n6 Requirement to hold a seafarer certificate\n\n7 Issue of certificate\n\n8 Qualifying seagoing service\n\n9 Conditions on certificate ─ training must be maintained\n\nSchedule 1 Duties and functions for which a seafarer certificate is required\n\nSchedule 2 Eligibility requirements for certificates\n\nSchedule 3 Corresponding certificates\n\nSchedule 4 Eligibility requirements for revalidation (reissue) of certificates\n\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n\n1 Name of Marine Order\n\nThis Marine Order is Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023.\n\n2 Purpose\n\nThis Marine Order:\n\n(a) 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\n\n(b) gives effect to the STCW Convention.\n\n3 Power\n\n(1) The following provisions of the Navigation Act provide for this Marine Order to be made:\n\n(a) section 28 which provides that regulations may provide for seafarer certificates and give effect to the STCW Convention;\n\n(b) 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;\n\n(c) 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;\n\n(d) subsection 29(3) which provides that the regulations may provide for:\n\n(i) how the attainment of proficiencies, competencies and standards is to be evidenced (including the gaining of sea service and other experience); and\n\n(ii) the instruction, training and examination of seafarers (including the conduct of exams etc); and\n\n(iii) 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\n\n(iv) conditions to which seafarer certificates are subject;\n\n(e) 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;\n\n(f) 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;\n\n(g) subsection 314(4) which provides that criteria and conditions may relate to compliance with specified standards;\n\n(h) 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;\n\n(i) 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.\n\n(2) 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.\n\n4 Definitions\n\n(1) In this Marine Order:\n\n> certificate of medical fitness has the meaning:\n\n(a) 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\n\n(b) 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.\n\n> chief mate duties or functions means the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a chief mate that are specified as competencies in STCW Code, Table A‑II/2, column 1.\n\n> foreign certificate means a certificate that:\n\n(a) is issued by a country other than Australia in accordance with the STCW Convention; and\n\n(b) 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).\n\n> Marine Order 70 means \n> \n> > Marine Order 70 (Seafarer qualifications) 2014\n> \n> > .\n\n> Master <24 m NC certificate of competency means \n> \n> > a certificate of competency of that name mentioned in\n> \n> \n> \n> > Marine Order\n> \n> \n> \n> > 505 (Certificates of competency\n> \n> — national law) 2022 \n> \n> > that is issued by the National Regulator under the national law\n> \n> .\n\n> Master <45 m NC certificate of competency means a \n> \n> > certificate of competency of that name mentioned in\n> \n> \n> \n> > Marine Order\n> \n> \n> \n> > 505 (Certificates of competency\n> \n> — national law) 2022 \n> \n> > that is issued by the National Regulator under the national law\n> \n> .\n\n> Master <100 m NC certificate of competency means a \n> \n> > certificate of competency of that name mentioned in\n> \n> \n> \n> > Marine Order\n> \n> \n> \n> > 505 (Certificates of competency\n> \n> — national law) 2022 \n> \n> > that is issued by the National Regulator under the national law\n> \n> .\n\n> master duties or functions means the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a master that are specified as competencies in STCW Code, Table A‑II/2, column 1.\n\n> monitored, for a training course, means monitored by the seafarer training organisation providing the course.\n\n> National Regulator has the meaning given by section 9 of the national law.\n\n> unrestricted, for a certificate, means that there are no conditions on the certificate limiting the holder in area or manner of operation other than conditions that also apply to other holders of the certificate.\n\n> watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions means the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a person in charge of a navigational watch that are specified by STCW Code, Table A‑II/1, column 1.\n\n> yacht has the meaning given by section 4 of Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers ─ yachts) 2015.\n\n> (2)\n\n \n\n> Terms defined in Marine Order 70\n\n \n\n> and used in this Marine Order have the meaning given by Marine Order 70.\n\n> Note 1 Terms defined in \n> \n> > Marine Order 70\n> \n> \n> \n> > include:\n\n> Note: approved\n\n> Note: ECDIS\n\n> Note: qualifying seagoing service.\n\n> Note 2 Some terms used in this Marine Order are defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 including:\n\n> Note: IMO\n\n> Note: national law\n\n> Note: Navigation Act\n\n> Note: SOLAS\n\n> Note: STCW Code.\n\n> Note 3 Other terms used in this Marine Order are defined in the Navigation Act, including:\n\n> Note: AMSA\n\n> Note: master\n\n> Note: officer\n\n> Note: regulated Australian vessel\n\n> Note: seafarer\n\n> Note: seafarer certificate\n\n> Note: STCW Convention.\n\n> Note 4 For delegation of AMSA’s powers under this Marine Order — see the AMSA website at https://www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n> Note 5 Information on obtaining copies of any IMO Resolution, IMO document or other document that is mentioned in this Marine Order is available from the AMSA website Marine Orders link at https://www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n5 Application\n\nThis Marine Order applies to the following:\n\n(a) a person performing, or intending to perform, duties or functions as a master or deck officer on a regulated Australian vessel;\n\n(b) a person who holds a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer.\n\n> Note A deck officer is a person performing the duties or functions of chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer.\n\nDivision 2 Seafarer certificates\n\n6 Requirement to hold a seafarer certificate\n\n(1) 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.\n\n(2) However, if the regulated Australian vessel is a yacht, Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015 sets out the requirements.\n\n> Note It is an offence under sections 35 and 36 of the Navigation Act if a person on a regulated Australian vessel undertakes duties or performs functions for which the regulations require the person to hold a particular certificate and the person does not hold the certificate.\n\n7 Issue of certificate\n\nFirst issue\n\n(1) 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:\n\n(a) 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;\n\n(b) the person applies in accordance with Subdivision 2.1 of Marine Order 70;\n\n(c) the person meets the eligibility requirements for the certificate that are mentioned in Schedule 2.\n\nRevalidation (reissue)\n\n(2) However, the criteria set out in subsection (3) apply for a kind of certificate if a person:\n\n(a) holds a seafarer certificate of that kind that is in force; or\n\n(b) held a seafarer certificate of that kind that has ceased to be in force; or\n\n(c) 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.\n\n(3) The criteria are that:\n\n(a) the requirements of Subdivision 5.1 of Marine Order 70 are met; and\n\n(b) the certificate is not, or was not, suspended, cancelled or revoked; and\n\n(c) the person meets the requirements mentioned in Schedule 4.\n\n8 Qualifying seagoing service\n\n(1) Qualifying seagoing service must be:\n\n(a) performed while undertaking the duties or performing the functions of a master, deck officer, trainee deck officer, deck cadet or rating; and\n\n(b) calculated in accordance with Subdivision 3.1 of Marine Order 70; and\n\n(c) recorded in writing.\n\n> Note 1 Qualifying seagoing service is mentioned in Schedules 2 and 4. It is an eligibility requirement for the issue and revalidation (reissue) of certificates.\n\n> Note 2 Information about the documentation requirements relating to applications for seafarer certificates can be found published on the AMSA website.\n\n(2) 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.\n\n(3) 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.\n\n9 Conditions on certificate ─ training must be maintained\n\n(1) This section applies if:\n\n(a) a person holds a seafarer certificate; and\n\n(b) the person undertakes a duty or performs a function for which the certificate is required.\n\n(2) For paragraph 31(2)(a) of the Navigation Act, the person must:\n\n(a) if working on a vessel equipped with ECDIS — have ECDIS training mentioned in Schedule 2 to Marine Order 70; and\n\n(b) hold a current certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats, that complies with STCW Code Table A‑VI/2‑1; and\n\n(c) have maintained the required standard of competence in advanced fire fighting specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/3.\n\nSchedule 1 Duties and functions for which a seafarer certificate is required\n\n(section 6)\n\n| Kind of certificate | Duties and functions |\n| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT | (a) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area(b) if endorsed, watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters(c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Mate <500 GT | (a) Chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area(b) Master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in near‑coastal waters(c) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters(d) if endorsed, Chief Mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters(e) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Watchkeeper Deck | (a) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on a vessel of any gross tonnage in any operating area(b) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Chief Mate <3000 GT | (a) Chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in any operating area(b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area(c) if endorsed, master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area and on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters(d) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Master <500 GT | (a) Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area(b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area(c) Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters(d) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Chief Mate | (a) Chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area(b) if endorsed, master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area and on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters(c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Master <3000 GT | (a) Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in any operating area(b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area(c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Master | (a) Master, chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area(b) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| | |\n\nSchedule 2 Eligibility requirements for certificates\n\n(paragraph 7(1)(c))\n\n| Kind of certificate | Eligibility requirements |\n| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT | 1. The person must:(a) be at least 18 years old; and(b) 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:(i) at least 12 months served on vessels ≥24 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and(ii) at least 6 months of those 12 months served as either:(A) understudy of the officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel; or(B) an officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel that is service that AMSA considers equivalent to subparagraph (A); and(c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A‑II/1 and includes the following:(i) an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2;(ii) training in advanced firefighting that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/3;(iii) training in medical first aid that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3;(iv) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and(d) hold the following certificates:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2;(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(e) have passed a final assessment.2. For sub-subparagraph 1(b)(ii)(A), the service as an understudy of an officer in charge of a navigational watch must be performed while completing an approved deck watchkeeper understudy program and the seagoing service:(a) is performed:(i) in the deck department; and(ii) in shifts of at least 4 hours; and(b) includes the following:(i) at least 100 hours as lookout;(ii) at least 100 hours in daylight hours;(iii) at least 100 hours in darkness;(iv) at least 180 hours watchkeeping duties under supervision.3. For endorsement as Watchkeeper Deck on vessels <3000 GT on near coastal voyages — the person must have at least 6 months served on vessels ≥24 m as the officer in charge of a navigational watch while holding a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT seafarer certificate.Note for subparagraph 2(b)(iii) See subsection 20(4) of Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2024 for when seafarers under 18 years old may perform night work for training purposes for approved programs. |\n| Mate <500 GT | 1. The person must:(a) be at least 18 years old; and(b) meet any of the following:(i) hold or have held an unrestricted Master <24 m NC certificate of competency;(ii) hold a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT seafarer certificate;(iii) other certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent; and(c) have completed at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service, performing watchkeeping duties or functions in the deck department on vessels ≥12 m, that includes:(i) at least 24 months served as master or officer in charge of a navigational watch; and(ii) at least 12 months served on vessels ≥24 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and(d) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A‑II/1 and the relevant section in A‑II/2 and includes the following:(i) 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;(ii) an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2;(iii) training in advanced firefighting that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3;(iv) training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;(v) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and(e) hold the following:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2;(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(f) have passed a final assessment.2. For endorsement as Chief Mate on a vessel <3000 GT on near‑coastal voyages — the person must have at least 6 months served on vessels ≥24 m as officer in charge of a navigational watch while holding a Mate <500 GT seafarer certificate. |\n| Watchkeeper Deck | 1. The person must:(a) be at least 18 years old; and(b) have completed any of the following:(i) an approved pre‑sea course and an approved monitored onboard training program for trainee deck officers including at least 18 months qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥500 GT;(ii) a pre‑sea 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;(iii) 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;(iv) have completed at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥24 m; and(c) for the qualifying seagoing service mentioned in paragraph (b) — have served:(i) at least 12 months on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and(ii) at least 6 of those 12 months as either:(A) understudy of the officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel; or(B) an officer in charge of a navigational watch on a vessel that is service that AMSA considers equivalent to subparagraph (A); and(d) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section A‑II/1 of the STCW Code and includes the following:(i) an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2;(ii) training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3;(iii) training in medical first aid that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3;(iv) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and(e) hold the following:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4);(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2);(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(f) have passed a final assessment.2. For sub-subparagraph 1(c)(ii)(A), the service as an understudy of an officer in charge of a navigational watch must be performed while completing an approved deck watchkeeper understudy program and the seagoing service:(a) is performed:(i) in the deck department; and(ii) in shifts of at least 4 hours; and(b) includes the following:(i) at least 100 hours as lookout;(ii) at least 100 hours in daylight hours;(iii) at least 100 hours in darkness;(iv) at least 180 hours watchkeeping duties under supervision.Note for subparagraph (b)(iii) See subsection 20(4) of Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2024 for when seafarers under 18 years old may perform night work for training purposes for approved programs.3. If a person holds a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT seafarer certificate with a Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near-coastal endorsement — the person must meet paragraph 1(f). |\n| Chief Mate <3000 GT | 1. The person must:(a) either:(i) hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement), Mate <500 GT, Watchkeeper Deck, Master <500 GT, or a Master <100 NC certificate of competency; or(ii) hold a foreign certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent; andNote For the definition of foreign certificate see section 4.(b) 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(c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section A‑II/1 and the relevant section in A‑II/2 of the STCW Code and includes the following:(i) 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;(ii) training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3;(iii) training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;(iv) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and(d) hold the following:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2;(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(e) have passed a final assessment.2. For endorsement as Master <3000 GT near coastal and Master <500 GT in any operating area — the holder of the Chief Mate <3000 GT seafarer certificate must have completed either:(a) at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that includes:(i) service while holding:(A) 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 near‑coastal endorsement), or Mate <500 GT; or(B) other certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent; and(ii) service of at least 24 months on vessels of voyages of at least 24 hours duration; or(b) at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that includes:(i) 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(ii) at least 16 months served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration. |\n| Master <500 GT | 1. The person must:(a) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section A‑II/1 and the relevant section in A‑II/2 of the STCW Code and includes the following:(i) 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;(ii) an approved course of basic safety training that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2;(iii) training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3;(iv) training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;(v) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and(b) hold the following:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2;(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(c) have passed a final assessment.2. The person must also satisfy either of the following options:Option 1The person must:(a) hold or have held either:(i) an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency or other certificate considered at least equivalent by AMSA; or(ii) a Mate <500 GT seafarer certificate; and(b) have completed at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on vessels of ≥24 m that:(i) was served on voyages while holding any of the following for at least 12 months:(A) a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a);(B) an unrestricted Master <24 m NC certificate of competency, or a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT, or Mate <500GT;(C) other certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent; and(ii) was served for at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration.Option 2The person must have completed at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that:(a) was served as Chief Mate or Master for at least 12 months; and(b) was served while holding any of the following:(i) a seafarer certificate as Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement);(ii) other certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent; and(c) was served for at least 16 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration. |\n| Chief Mate | 1. The person must:(a) either:(i) hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Watchkeeper Deck, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <3000 GT, or Master <500 GT; or(ii) hold a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent; andNote For the definition of foreign certificate see section 4.(b) have completed at least 12 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥500 GT that was served:(i) while holding a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a); and(ii) on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and(c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code sections A‑II/1 and A‑II/2 and includes the following:(i) training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/3;(ii) training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;(iii) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and(d) hold the following:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2;(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(e) have passed a final assessment.2. For endorsement as Master <3000 GT near‑coastal and Master <500 GT in any operating area — the holder of the Chief Mate seafarer certificate must have completed either:(a) at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels >24 m that:(i) was served while holding any of the following:(A) 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 near‑coastal endorsement), Mate <500 GT, Master <500 GT, Chief Mate, or Chief Mate <3000 GT; or(B) other certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent; and(ii) was served on vessels for at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; or(b) at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that includes:(i) 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(ii) at least 16 months served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration. |\n| Master <3000 GT | The person must:(a) hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT; and(b) completed either:(i) at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigational watch on vessels ≥24 m that was served:(A) as Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT for at least 12 months; and(B) 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(ii) 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) a seafarer certificate that is Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement), Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, or Chief Mate; or(B) a foreign certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent; and(c) served on vessels for at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and(d) complete an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A‑II/1 and A‑II/2 and includes the following:(i) training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3);(ii) training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;(iii) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and |\n| | (e) hold the following:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2;(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(f) The person must pass a final assessment. |\n| Master | The person must:(a) hold or have held a seafarer certificate that is Master <3000 GT, Chief Mate, or Chief Mate <3000 GT; and(b) have completed either:(i) 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) 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 near‑coastal endorsement); or(B) a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent; or(ii) 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:(A) at least 6 months served on vessels ≥1500 GT and at least 12 months served in the capacity of Chief Mate or Master; and(B) 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 near‑coastal endorsement); and(c) 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(d) complete an approved program of study that meets the standards mentioned in STCW Code sections A‑II/1 and A‑II/2 and includes the following:(i) training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/3;(ii) training in medical care on board ship that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6;(iii) security awareness training that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4; and(e) hold the following:(i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4;(ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2;(iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and(f) pass a final assessment. |\n\nSchedule 3 Corresponding certificates\n\n(paragraph 7(2)(c))\n\n| Item | Certificate of competency or certificate of recognition issued under Marine Order 3 (Seafarer qualifications) 2004 | Corresponding seafarer certificate |\n| ---- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1 | Chief Mate (<3000 GT)Chief Mate Class 2 | Chief Mate |\n| 2 | Master (<3000 GT)Master Class 2 | Master |\n| 3 | Master (<500 GT)Master (<500 GT) (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement)AMSA Master Class 3 | Master <500 GT |\n| 4 | Master (<500 GT) (with Master <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement)AMSA Master Class 3 (with Master <3000 GT near‑coastal capacity) | Chief Mate (<3000 GT)(with Master <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement andMaster (<500 GT)) |\n| 5 | Mate <500 GT | Mate <500 GT |\n| 6 | Mate <500 GT (Watchkeeper only) | Watchkeeper Deck < 500 GT |\n\nSchedule 4 Eligibility requirements for revalidation (reissue) of certificates\n\n(paragraph 7(3)(c))\n\n4.1 The person must satisfy at least 1 of the following:\n\n(a) qualifying seagoing service including:\n\n(i) at least 12 months in the 5 years before the application for revalidation; or\n\n(ii) at least 3 months in the 6 months before the application for revalidation;\n\n(b) completed, within the 5 years before the date of applying for revalidation of the certificate, an approved revalidation course appropriate for the kind of certificate to be revalidated;\n\n(c) performed duties or functions and completed approved courses appropriate for the kind of certificate to be revalidated that together AMSA considers at least equivalent to the service mentioned in paragraph (a);\n\n(d) within the 5 years before the date of applying for revalidation of the certificate:\n\n(i) completed approved short courses appropriate for the kind of certificate; and\n\n(ii) have passed a final assessment.\n\n4.2 The person must hold the following:\n\n(a) a certificate of medical fitness;\n\n(b) a GMDSS radio operator certificate that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2.\n\n4.3 The person must have maintained the STCW Code required standard of competence in security awareness as specified in STCW Code Table A-VI/6-1.\n\n4.4 The person must also have maintained the STCW Code required standard of competence in:\n\n(a) survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats, as specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/2‑1; and\n\n(b) advanced fire fighting as specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/3.\n\n4.5 If the person is to undertake duties or functions on ECDIS equipped vessels — the person must hold a certificate of proficiency as ECDIS trained.\n\n> Notes to Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023\n\n> Note 1\n\n> Note: Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023 (in force under subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act 2012) as shown in this compilation comprises Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023 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 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023 (MO 2023/5) | 21 November 2023 | F2023L01533 | 1 July 2024 | – |\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, s48D

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

rep. Legislation Act 2003, s48C

Schedule 2............

am. MO 2024/4

\n```","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This Marine Order implements and updates detailed competency, issuance and revalidation rules to give effect to the STCW Convention and the Navigation Act (see section 2). The content is within the original regulatory scope — setting standards for masters and deck officers — and primarily consolidates, modernises and cross‑references prior Marine Orders (including mapping older certificates in Schedule 3 and making consequential amendments noted). It does not expand the categories of persons regulated beyond masters and deck officers or create a new regulatory subject matter; changes are technical and procedural (course approvals, endorsements, revalidation pathways) rather than a substantive expansion of scope."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple interlinked Schedules (Schedules 1–4) with detailed, role‑specific eligibility rules","Extensive cross‑referencing to other Marine Orders (Marine Order 70, 76, 74, 3, 11) and to external international instruments (STCW Convention and STCW Code)","Many defined terms with external definitions (terms pulled from Marine Order 70, Marine Order 76, Navigation Act and the ‘national law’)","Numerous conditional pathways and endorsements (e.g. near‑coastal endorsements, size‑limited Masters, multiple options for sea‑service credit)","Complex rules for calculating qualifying seagoing service (whole day for ≥8 hours; hours + 25% for <8 hours)","Multiple alternative routes to eligibility and revalidation (sea service, monitored/approved courses, short courses + assessment) creating nested conditions","Assessment and administrative requirements (final assessments, approved monitoring, document records, medical and GMDSS certificates)","Regulatory discretion points (AMSA approval of courses, recognition of foreign certificates, equivalence determinations)","Technical competence requirements tied to equipment (ECDIS) and specified STCW tables (references to specific STCW Code tables)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanics first)**\n\n- Sets the specific certificate types that a person must hold to carry out particular master or deck officer duties on a regulated Australian vessel (see section 6 and Schedule 1).\n- States the criteria for issuing a certificate for the first time (age, English, application process, and eligibility requirements in Schedule 2) and for reissuing (revalidating) an existing or previously held certificate (see section 7 and Schedule 4).\n- Specifies how qualifying seagoing service is counted and documented, including a rule for partial days (actual hours plus 25% for shifts under 8 hours; whole day for 8+ hours) (see section 8).\n- Imposes ongoing conditions on certificate-holders: maintaining specified training and proficiencies (e.g. ECDIS where fitted, survival craft, advanced firefighting) while performing duties for which the certificate is required (see section 9 and Schedule 4).\n- Lists detailed eligibility pathways and endorsements for each certificate class (Watchkeeper, Mate, Chief Mate, Master, and size-limited variants) including minimum sea service, endorsed operating areas, required courses, ancillary certificates (GMDSS, medical fitness, survival craft) and final assessments (see Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 for mapping old certificates).\n- Gives AMSA (the National Regulator) the power to recognise equivalent foreign certificates and to approve courses, monitor onboard training, and determine equivalence or endorsements (see section 3 (power) and various definitions and notes). \n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Anyone who performs, or intends to perform, duties as a master or deck officer on a regulated Australian vessel, and current holders of those seafarer certificates (see section 5).\n- Employers and vessel operators who must ensure crew hold the correct certificates for assigned duties (non-compliance is an offence under the Navigation Act; see note under section 6).\n- Training organisations and assessment bodies: the Order requires approved courses, monitored onboard training, and final assessments (Schedules 2 and 4).\n\n**Why it matters (stated purpose, then practical implications)**\n\n- The Order implements internationally agreed competence standards (the STCW Convention) and prescribes the standards of competence and conditions under the Navigation Act for masters and deck officers (see section 2). \n\n- Practical implications, costs and incentives:\n - Individuals must invest time in sea service, courses and final assessments to obtain or revalidate certificates. Training costs are borne by the trainee or their employer, depending on arrangements; time spent in training or mandatory sea service is time not available for other paid duties (see Schedule 2, section 8 and Schedule 4). \n - AMSA exercises discretion in approving courses, endorsing areas of operation and recognising foreign certificates; that discretion concentrates decision-making with the regulator and creates an approval/compliance workload for applicants (see section 3, section 4 notes, Schedule 3). \n - The Order creates multiple pathways (pre-sea courses + monitored onboard training; direct sea-service routes; recognition of foreign certificates), which provides flexibility but also creates complexity for applicants choosing the least-cost pathway (see Schedule 2). \n - Employers who operate vessels (and training providers) may capture a concentrated share of the economic impact: they either pay training/assessment costs or adjust crewing to comply. Certificate holders who maintain up-to-date proficiencies (e.g. ECDIS, survival craft, firefighting) remain eligible to work; those who do not will need requalification or cannot lawfully perform the duties (see section 9 and Schedule 4). \n\n**Trade‑offs, implementation risks and compliance burden**\n\n- Trade-offs: aligning to STCW aims to ensure international acceptability of Australian certificates and a baseline of competence, but it increases upfront and ongoing compliance costs (sea time, courses, refresher/revalidation requirements) for seafarers and operators (see section 2, Schedules 2 and 4).\n- Implementation risk: AMSA’s role in approving courses and judging equivalence means outcomes depend on regulator capacity and guidance clarity; inconsistent approvals or slow processing could create bottlenecks for seafarers seeking certification or revalidation (see section 3 and notes on delegation and course approval).\n- Administrative/compliance burden: applicants must provide written records of qualifying seagoing service, medical fitness certificates, GMDSS and other proficiencies, and pass final assessments. Revalidation can be satisfied by several different options (sea service, revalidation course, short courses + assessment), which helps flexibility but increases record-keeping and decision complexity for both applicants and AMSA (see section 8 and Schedule 4).\n\n**Effects on private choice and markets**\n\n- Limits who may lawfully perform specified duties: certificates are a legal prerequisite for work in those roles and therefore affect labour supply for masters and deck officers (section 6, Schedule 1).\n- Creates demand for approved training providers and assessment services (Schedule 2 and Schedule 4), concentrating economic benefits on those organisations.\n- Allows multiple entry/revalidation routes and recognition of foreign certificates, which preserves some labour mobility and substitution options but requires AMSA judgement on equivalence (section 7(2)(c), Schedule 3).\n\n**Concentrated benefits and diffuse costs**\n\n- Concentrated benefits: training organisations, assessment providers, and certified seafarers with marketable credentials. AMSA’s discretion to approve courses and equivalence gives the regulator a central gatekeeping role (section 3, Schedule 3).\n- Diffuse costs: vessel operators and prospective seafarers bear time and monetary costs for qualifying service, training, and revalidation. Non-citizen seafarers relying on foreign certificates must obtain AMSA recognition.\n\n**Where to look in the Order**\n\n- High-level purpose and legal basis: sections 2–3. \n- Who is covered: section 5. \n- Duty to hold certificate and mapping of duties to certificates: section 6 and Schedule 1. \n- Issue and reissue (revalidation) criteria: section 7, Schedule 2 and Schedule 4. \n- Definition and counting of qualifying seagoing service: section 8. \n- Mandatory maintained proficiencies and training while performing duties: section 9 and Schedule 4.\n\n(References in parentheses are to the numbered sections and schedules of Marine Order 71.)"},"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":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: establishing competency standards for masters and deck officers on regulated Australian vessels. While it incorporates by reference extensive international standards (STCW Convention) and cross-references multiple other Marine Orders, this is necessary to the core function rather than scope creep. The 2024 amendment was purely consequential (removing spent provisions and updating references to Marine Order 11), not an expansion of substantive scope."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to other Marine Orders (Marine Order 70, 74, 76, 11, 505) and the Navigation Act 2012","Multiple nested conditions in eligibility requirements — e.g., 'at least 36 months qualifying seagoing service... 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...'","Eight distinct certificate classes with overlapping but different requirements, plus endorsement pathways that create additional conditional logic","Heavy reliance on external documents — STCW Code tables (A-II/1, A-II/2, A-VI/1 through A-VI/6, A-IV/2) are incorporated by reference without being reproduced in the Order","Dual-track system for first issue vs. revalidation (reissue) with different criteria in Schedule 4","Transitional provisions mapping old Marine Order 3 certificates to new certificate types in Schedule 3","Conditional exceptions — e.g., yacht operations are excluded and handled by separate Marine Order 74","Mathematical calculations for qualifying sea service (8-hour rule, 25% loading for shorter shifts, various month/year combinations)"],"plain_english_summary":"This Marine Order sets the rules for who may serve as a master or deck officer on Australian commercial ships, establishing a licensing system, required sea time, approved training and ongoing revalidation. It affects aspiring and current certificate holders and training organisations, maps legacy qualifications to the new framework, and recognises eligible foreign STCW certificates. It matters because it enforces Australia’s STCW obligations and helps ensure navigational safety by keeping crew competency standards consistent."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/marine-order-71-masters-and-deck-officers-2023","history":"/api/acts/marine-order-71-masters-and-deck-officers-2023/history","analysis":"/api/acts/marine-order-71-masters-and-deck-officers-2023/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/marine-order-71-masters-and-deck-officers-2023/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/marine-order-71-masters-and-deck-officers-2023/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/marine-order-71-masters-and-deck-officers-2023/documents"}}