{"id":"F2015L01895","name":"Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015","slug":"marine-order-74-masters-and-deck-officers-yachts-2015","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":93672,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2015L01895-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015","content":"![The Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth is depicted with agency name.](image.001.png)\n\nMarine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015\n\nmade under the Navigation Act 2012\n\nCompilation no. 4\n\nCompilation date: 1 July 2024\n\nThis compilation was prepared on 6 August 2024 including amendments up to Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 71 — consequential changes) Order 2023\n\nPrepared by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority\n\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n\n1 Name of Order\n\n2 Purpose\n\n3 Power\n\n4 Definitions\n\n5 Application\n\n6 Certification taken to be qualification to perform duties\n\n7 Grades of certificate — permitted duties or functions\n\n8 Endorsements of certificates\n\nDivision 2 Requirements\n\n9 General requirements\n\n10 Qualifying seagoing service — general requirements\n\n11 Revalidation requirements\n\nSchedule 1 Grades of certificate — permitted duties or functions\n\nSchedule 2 Eligibility requirements for certificates\n\nSchedule 3 Qualifying seagoing service — general requirements\n\nSchedule 4 Requirements for revalidation of certificates\n\nDivision 1 Preliminary\n\n1 Name of Order\n\nThis Order is Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015.\n\n2 Purpose\n\n(1) This Order specifies STCW Convention standards of competence to be attained and other STCW Convention conditions to be satisfied by a person to be a qualified master or deck officer under the Navigation Act for a regulated Australian vessel that is a yacht.\n\n(2) This Order is to be read with \n\n> Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014\n\n> .\n\n> Note The 2011 edition of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code (including the amendments to the annex known as the 2010 Manila Amendments) can be purchased from the International Maritime Organization. A December 2015 Supplement is also available. See the IMO website at http://www.imo.org/publications. The STCW Convention (ATS series number \\[1984\\] ATS 7) and STCW Code (ATS series number \\[1997\\] ATS 33) including any amendments in force are in the Australian Treaties Series accessible from the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website at http://www.austlii.edu.au.\n\n3 Power\n\n(1) The following provisions of the Navigation Act provide for this 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 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, among other things:\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);\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, among other things for certificates, criteria to be satisfied for the issue of 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, among other things for certificates, for the renewal of certificates.\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\n(1) In this Order:\n\n> certificate of medical fitness has the meaning:\n\n(a) for the issue of a seafarer certificate — 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 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> length, for a vessel other than a vessel mentioned in Schedule 1, means the overall length of the vessel.\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 seafarer training course, means monitored by the seafarer training organisation providing the course.\n\n> sailing vessel has the same meaning as in Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2022.\n\n> trainee has the same meaning as in Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2022.\n\n> watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions means the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper on the watch that are specified by STCW Code, Table A‑II/1, column 1.\n\n> yacht means a vessel that:\n\n(a) is less than 3000 GT; and\n\n(b) is for commercial use for sport or pleasure; and\n\n(c) does not carry cargo; and\n\n(d) does not carry more than 12 passengers.\n\n> Note A yacht need not be designed to carry sail and may be a training vessel, a sail training vessel or a short range yacht.\n\n(2) For paragraph (b) of the definition of yacht, a training vessel is taken to be:\n\n(a) used for sport or pleasure; and\n\n(b) if trainees are charged fees to travel on the vessel — for commercial use.\n\n> (3)\n\n \n\n> Terms defined in\n\n \n\n> Marine Order 70 (Seafarer qualifications) 2014\n\n \n\n> and used in this Order have the meaning given by that Order.\n\n> Note 1 Some terms used in this Order are defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 including:\n\n> Note: IMO\n\n> Note: Navigation Act\n\n> Note: STCW Code.\n\n> Note 2 Other terms used in this Order have the same meaning that they have 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 3 For delegation of AMSA’s powers under this Order — see the AMSA website Marine Orders link at http://www.amsa.gov.au.\n\n5 Application\n\nThis Order applies to the following persons:\n\n(a) a person performing or intending to perform, duties or functions as a master or deck officer on a regulated Australian vessel that is a yacht;\n\n(b) a person who holds a seafarer certificate mentioned in Schedule 1.\n\n6 Certification taken to be qualification to perform duties\n\nFor section 35 of the Navigation Act, a person is qualified to perform the duties or functions of a master or deck officer for a regulated Australian vessel that is a yacht if:\n\n(a) the person holds a seafarer certificate that this Order requires the person to hold to perform those duties or functions; and\n\n(b) the certificate permits the person to perform duties or functions mentioned in Schedule 1 for the grade of certificate.\n\n> Note A seafarer certificate issued under the Navigation Act, including a certificate of recognition, may include endorsements permitting the certificate holder to perform stated duties or functions — see section 8 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014.\n\n7 Grades of certificate — permitted duties or functions\n\nFor paragraph 35(1)(a) of the Navigation Act, a person must hold either of the following kinds of seafarer certificates to perform the duties or functions mentioned in Schedule 1 for a regulated Australian vessel that is a yacht:\n\n(a) if the person is to perform the duties or functions mentioned in Schedule 1 for a grade of certificate — a seafarer certificate of that grade that is mentioned in Schedule 1; or\n\n(b) a seafarer certificate of a grade mentioned in Schedule 1 of Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023 that permits the holder to perform the duties or functions.\n\n> Note A certificate of recognition is a kind of seafarer certificate — see subsection 7(2) of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014.\n\n8 Endorsements of certificates\n\n> (1)\n\n \n\n> A person who holds a master or deck officer — yachts certificate of competency and performs on a sailing vessel master duties or functions for the grade of certificate must also hold a sailing vessel endorsement of the kind that applies to the vessel.\n\n> (2)\n\n \n\n> A person who holds a seafarer certificate that is a master or deck officer — yachts certificate of competency and performs, on a yacht equipped with ECDIS, duties or functions mentioned in Schedule\n\n 1 \n\n> for the grade of certificate must also hold an endorsement of certificate of proficiency as ECDIS trained.\n\nDivision 2 Requirements\n\n9 General requirements\n\nFor paragraph 31(1)(b) of the Navigation Act, the criteria for the issue by AMSA to a person of a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer for yachts 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 performance of the duties permitted under the certificate;\n\n(b) the person satisfies the eligibility requirements for the certificate that are mentioned in Schedule 2.\n\n10 Qualifying seagoing service — general requirements\n\n(1) A qualifying seagoing service eligibility requirement mentioned in Schedule 2 for a certificate must comply with Schedule 3.\n\n(2) A qualifying seagoing service revalidation requirement mentioned in Schedule 4 for a certificate must comply with Schedule 3.\n\n> Note See also Subdivision 3.1 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 for the general rules for the calculation of qualifying seagoing service.\n\n11 Revalidation requirements\n\nAMSA may revalidate a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer for yachts or a certificate of recognition of that kind of certificate if satisfied that:\n\n(a) the certificate is not suspended, cancelled or revoked; and\n\n(b) the applicant satisfies the revalidation requirements mentioned in Schedule 4.\n\nSchedule 1 Grades of certificate — permitted duties or functions\n\n(section 7)\n\n| Grade of certificate | Permitted duties or functions |\n| ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT (Yachts) | (a) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on yachts <3000 GT in any operating area(b) Duties as Rating forming part of a navigational watch(c) if endorsed, master duties or functions on yachts <200 GT and <24 m long in any operating areaNote for paragraph (c) This means a yacht that is less than 24 m in load line length — see definition of length in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013. |\n| Chief Mate <3000 GT (Yachts) | (a) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on yachts <3000 GT in any operating area(b) Duties as Rating forming part of a navigational watch(c) if endorsed, master duties or functions on yachts <200 GT and <24 m long in any operating areaNote for paragraph (c) This means a yacht that is less than 24 m in load line length — see definition of length in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013. |\n| Master <500 GT (Yachts) | (a) Master duties or functions on yachts <500 GT in any operating area(b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on yachts <3000 GT in any operating area(c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n| Master <3000 GT (Yachts) | (a) Master or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on yachts <3000 GT in any operating area(b) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |\n\nSchedule 2 Eligibility requirements for certificates\n\n(paragraph 9(b))\n\n| Grade of certificate | Eligibility requirements |\n| ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT (Yachts) | Person must:(a) be at least 18 years old; and(b) have completed at least 36 months documented 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 long, of which:(i) at least 8 months was served on vessels ≥20 m long on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and(ii) at least 6 months of the 8 months mentioned in subparagraph (b) (i) was served as:(A) understudy of the officer in charge of a navigation watch on a vessel; or(B) an officer in charge of a navigation watch on a vessel, that AMSA considers equivalent to the watchkeeping service mentioned in sub‑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) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and(d) have completed an approved program of study, that includes vocational training, that complies with STCW Code section A-II/4; and(e) 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(f) have passed a final assessment; and(g) for endorsement as Master <200 GT (Yachts) have passed a final assessment for the endorsementFor sub-subparagraph (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) 100 hours performing duties as lookout;(ii) 100 hours performing duties in daylight hours;(iii) 100 hours performing duties in darkness;(iv) 180 hours performing watchkeeping duties under supervision.Note See subsection 20(4) of Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2015 for when seafarers under 18 may perform night work for training purposes for approved programs. |\n| Chief Mate <3000 GT (Yachts) | Person must:(a) satisfy the eligibility requirements for a Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT (Yachts) certificate mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e); and(b) include in the approved program of study mentioned in paragraph (c) for that certificate:(i) training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/3); and(ii) training in medical first aid (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3); and(c) have passed a final assessment; and(d) for endorsement as Master <200 GT (Yachts) have passed a final assessment for the endorsement.Note for paragraph (a) The eligibility requirements for a Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT (Yachts) certificate include holding a certificate of medical fitness. |\n| Master <500 GT (Yachts) | Person must:(a) hold or have held:(i) a Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT (Yachts) certificate of competency; or(ii) another certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i); and(b) have completed at least 12 months documented qualifying seagoing service as an officer in charge of a navigation watch on vessels of ≥12 m long:(i) of which at least 4 months was served on vessels ≥20 m long and at least 4 months was served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and(ii) 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 in command navigation, shipmasters business and management, and vessel operations and administration;(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(d) have completed an approved program of study, that includes vocational training, that complies with STCW Code section A-II/4; and(e) 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 certificate of proficiency as ECDIS trained;(iii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2);(iv) a certificate of medical fitness; and(f) have passed a final assessment |\n| Master <3000 GT (Yachts) | Person must:(a) hold or have held:(i) a Master <500 GT (Yachts) certificate of competency; or(ii) another certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i); and(b) have completed at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥12 m long, of which at least 8 months was served on vessels ≥20 m long, while holding any of the following certificates:(i) a certificate of competency as Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT (Yachts), Master <500 GT (Yachts) or Chief Mate <3000 GT (Yachts); or(ii) another certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); and(c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the relevant standards specified in section A‑II/1 and section A‑II/2 of the STCW Code and includes the following:(i) approved modules in command navigation, shipmasters business and management, and vessel operations and administration;(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) have completed an approved program of study, that includes vocational training, that complies with STCW Code section A-II/4; and(e) 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 certificate of proficiency as ECDIS trained;(iii) a GMDSS General Radio Operators Certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2);(iv) a certificate of medical fitness; and(f) have passed a final assessment |\n\nSchedule 3 Qualifying seagoing service — general requirements\n\n(section 10)\n\n3.1 Service must have been performed as a master, deck officer, trainee deck officer, deck cadet or rating.\n\n3.2 Qualifying seagoing service is calculated as follows:\n\n(a) if the person is undertaking master or deck officer duties or functions for at least 8 hours in a 24 hour period, the sea service is taken to be served as a whole day;\n\n(b) if the person is undertaking master or deck officer duties or functions for less than 8 hours in a 24 hour period, the sea service is taken to be for the actual hours served plus 25% of that time.\n\n3.3 For clause 3.2, sea service calculated to be at least 8 hours in any 24 hour period is taken to be served as a whole day and no more than a whole day.\n\nSchedule 4 Requirements for revalidation of certificates\n\n(paragraph 11(b))\n\n4.1 The person must have at least 1 of the following:\n\n(a) documented qualifying seagoing service calculated in the same way as required for the issue of the certificate to be revalidated, of:\n\n(i) 12 months in the 5 years before the application for revalidation; or\n\n(ii) 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 grade of certificate to be revalidated;\n\n(c) performed duties or functions and completed approved courses appropriate for the grade 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 grade of certificate; and\n\n(ii) have passed a final assessment.\n\n4.2 The person must hold the following certificates:\n\n(a) a certificate of medical fitness;\n\n(b) a GMDSS General Radio Operators 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 If the certificate to be revalidated is a Watchkeeper Deck <30000 GT (Yachts) certificate of competency, the person must also have maintained the STCW Code required standard of competence in:\n\n(a) fire prevention and fire fighting (as specified in STCW Code Table A-VI/1‑2); and\n\n(b) proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (as specified in STCW Code Table A-VI/2-1).\n\n4.5 If the certificate to be revalidated is a Chief Mate <3000 GT (Yachts), Master <500 GT (Yachts) or a Master <3000 GT (Yachts) certificate of competency, the person must also have maintained the STCW Code required standard of competence in:\n\n(a) advanced firefighting (as specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/3); and\n\n(b) proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (as specified in STCW Code Table A-VI/2-1).\n\n4.6 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> Note 1\n\n> Note: Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015 (in force under subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act 2012) as shown in this compilation comprises Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015 amended as indicated in the following tables.\n\n> Note: > Note: Table of\n> \n> Orders\n\n```html\n

Year and number

Registration date

FRLI number

Commencement date

Application, saving or transitional provisions

Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015 (MO 2015/6)

1 Dec 2015

F2015L01895

1 January 2016

Marine Order 75 (Seafarer certification amendment) 2016 (MO 2016/5)

9 June 2016

F2016L01017

10 June 2016

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

18 Dec 2017

F2017L01635

1 January 2018

Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 52 — consequential changes) Order 2022 (MO 2022/6)

19 Dec 2022

F2022L01684

1 January 2023

Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 71 — consequential changes) Order 2023 (MO 2023/6)

21 Nov 2023

F2023L01534

1 July 2024

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

Provision affected

How affected

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

rep. Legislation Act 2003, s.48D

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

am. MO 2016/5

4...................

am. MO 2017/9; am. MO 2022/6

7...................

am. MO 2023/6

\n```","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"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"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This compilation incorporates several consequential and updating amendments (notably to align other Marine Orders and to add endorsements such as ECDIS and sailing vessel qualifications), but those amendments do not materially expand the Order’s core scope. The instrument remains focused on prescribing STCW‑based standards, eligibility, service calculation and revalidation rules for masters and deck officers on regulated Australian yachts (section 2; Schedules 1–4). The changes are primarily alignment, clarification and technical updates rather than a broad change of purpose or extension to additional vessel types."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple external cross‑references: STCW Convention and Code, Navigation Act 2012, Marine Orders 70, 71, 76, 52 and 1 (sections 2, 3, 4; Schedule notes).","Four detailed Schedules containing nested eligibility, service‑counting and revalidation rules (Schedules 1–4).","Numerous conditional requirements and endorsements (e.g. sailing vessel endorsement, ECDIS endorsement) (section 8; Schedule 4).","Detailed, granular sea‑service calculations (hours vs days, specific minimums for voyage length and vessel length, specified lookout/ darkness/understudy hour breakdowns) (Schedule 3 and Schedule 2 watchkeeper requirements).","Multiple certificate types and stepwise progression with equivalence discretion by AMSA (Schedule 1 and Schedule 2; AMSA discretion noted throughout).","Several required ancillary certificates and proficiencies (basic safety, GMDSS, survival craft, advanced firefighting, medical care, security awareness, ECDIS) tied differently to different grades (Schedule 2; Schedule 4).","Revalidation has multiple alternative pathways (service, short/ revalidation courses, combinations) with time windows (Schedule 4).","Administrative complexity from required documentary proof, monitored courses, and final assessments for each grade (sections 9–11; Schedule 2).","History of amendments and consequential changes across years creating interpretative alignment issues (compilation notes with 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023 amendments)."],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Order does (mechanically)**\n\n- Specifies the maritime competency standards and documentary criteria a person must meet to be a qualified master or deck officer on a regulated Australian vessel that is a \"yacht\" (see definition) (section 2, section 4). It implements required standards from the STCW Convention and STCW Code by reference and must be read with Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) (section 2).\n\n- Lists the grades of seafarer certificates that are acceptable for yacht duties and exactly which duties each grade permits (Schedule 1; section 7). Grades range from Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT up to Master <3000 GT, with associated permitted functions (Schedule 1).\n\n- Sets the eligibility and training requirements for each grade (Schedule 2). These include minimum age, quantities and kinds of documented qualifying seagoing service, approved courses and modules (STCW‑specified), required short certificates (e.g. basic safety training, survival craft, GMDSS), and passing a final assessment (Schedule 2; sections 9–10).\n\n- Prescribes how qualifying seagoing service is to be counted and what kinds of prior service qualify (Schedule 3; section 10). It includes rules for converting hours to days and what roles count toward sea service (clause 3.1–3.3 of Schedule 3).\n\n- Requires certain endorsements where relevant: a sailing vessel endorsement for masters/deck officers working on sailing vessels, and an ECDIS proficiency endorsement for duties on ECDIS‑equipped yachts (section 8).\n\n- Sets revalidation (renewal) criteria for certificates, including options to revalidate by documented recent sea service, approved revalidation courses, a combination of duties and courses, or a set of short courses plus a final assessment; and maintenance of specified STCW proficiencies and certificates (Schedule 4; section 11).\n\n- Gives AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) the role of issuing and revalidating certificates and of deciding equivalence where an applicant has a non‑standard qualification (see sections 3 and 11, Schedule 2 notes).\n\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Individuals: people performing or intending to perform master or deck officer duties on regulated Australian yachts must hold the appropriate seafarer certificate and any required endorsements (sections 5–7).\n\n- Employers/owners/operators of regulated Australian yachts: they must ensure officers on their vessels hold the correct certificates and endorsements before those persons perform duties (section 6 and Schedule 1 permissions).\n\n- AMSA: responsible for assessing eligibility, recognising equivalence, issuing, endorsing and revalidating certificates (sections 3, 9, 11).\n\n\n**Why it matters (stated purpose and practical effect)**\n\n- The Order implements STCW (international) competency and training standards for masters and deck officers on yachts so that holders of prescribed certificates are \"qualified\" under the Navigation Act to perform those duties on regulated Australian yachts (section 2; section 6). Practically, possession of the specified certificate(s) and endorsements is the legal route to take on those roles (section 6–7).\n\n\n**Practical costs, incentives and decision points (mechanical implications)**\n\n- Costs borne by individuals/operators: time at sea to accumulate documented qualifying seagoing service (Schedules 2 and 3), course fees for approved STCW modules, short courses and ECDIS or other proficiencies, medical fitness certificates, and the administrative process of application and revalidation (Schedules 2 and 4; section 9).\n\n- Compliance burden: applicants must document service with particular breakdowns (e.g. months on vessels ≥20 m, hours as lookout and in darkness, understudy watchkeeping hours) and hold multiple STCW‑aligned certificates before final assessment (Schedule 2; Schedule 3). Revalidation likewise requires recent service or attendance at approved revalidation training plus ongoing maintenance of specific proficiencies (Schedule 4).\n\n- Discretion and equivalence: AMSA may accept other certificates it considers \"at least equivalent\" and decides on approved courses and equivalence of sea service (Schedule 2 entries; section 11). That creates an administrative discretion point for applicants to resolve if their background is non‑standard.\n\n- Behavioural effect: people who wish to be masters or deck officers on regulated Australian yachts must plan training and sea service to meet these precise requirements; employers must staff and verify certificates accordingly. The Order therefore channels career progression (watchkeeper → chief mate → master) via prescribed service, courses and assessments (Schedules 1–3).\n\n\n**Trade‑offs and implementation risks (concrete mechanisms, not judgements)**\n\n- Trade‑offs: meeting STCW course and service requirements improves internationally recognised competence but requires time (sea service) and money (courses), which are direct costs to trainees or operators (Schedule 2; Schedule 4).\n\n- Concentrated benefits and diffuse costs: certificate holders obtain the legal ability to perform specified duties (concentrated benefit). Costs (time and fees) are distributed across prospective seafarers and operators (Schedules 2 and 4).\n\n- Substitution effects: operators faced with higher certification costs or administrative burden may alter hiring (e.g. recruit already‑certified officers or reduce crew rotations) — the Order sets the competency gate but does not mandate hiring choices beyond that gate (Schedule 1; section 6).\n\n- Implementation risks: AMSA’s assessments of equivalence and approvals for courses and programs are consequential to applicants; inconsistent application of discretion or delays in approval/remediation would affect individuals’ ability to work (sections 3, 9, 11; Schedule 2 notes).\n\n\n**Key sections to look at when acting on the Order**\n\n- Purpose and cross‑references: section 2 (purpose and STCW linkage).\n- Definitions and scope: section 4 (includes definition of \"yacht\").\n- Who must hold what: section 5 (application), section 6 (certification as qualification), section 7 (grades and permitted duties), Schedule 1 (detailed permissions).\n- Eligibility, service and courses: section 9 and Schedule 2 (eligibility), Schedule 3 (how sea service is calculated).\n- Revalidation: section 11 and Schedule 4 (options and required proficiencies/ certificates).\n\n\n**Bottom line**\n\nThis Marine Order sets the specific STCW‑based training, sea service and documentary requirements that make a person legally \"qualified\" to act as a master or deck officer on a regulated Australian yacht. It operationalises the international competency standard by tying permitted duties to certificate grades, prescribing exact service and course requirements, requiring endorsements in particular circumstances (sailing vessel, ECDIS), and creating revalidation pathways that rely on either recent service or approved refresher training (sections 2, 6–11; Schedules 1–4)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears to maintain its original scope as a specialised certification regime for yacht masters and deck officers. While it has been amended several times (as shown in the compilation table), these appear to be technical and consequential amendments updating cross-references to other Marine Orders rather than expanding the substantive scope beyond yacht certification."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive cross-referencing to other Marine Orders (70, 71, 76, 52, 11) and the STCW Convention/Code","Multiple defined terms with nested definitions (e.g., 'yacht' has 4 criteria, 'certificate of medical fitness' points to another Order)","Detailed eligibility tables in Schedules 2-4 with multiple sub-paragraphs and cross-references","Conditional logic for sea service calculations (8-hour rule vs. actual hours plus 25%)","Endorsement requirements that layer on top of base certificates (sailing vessel, ECDIS)","Alternative pathways and equivalency provisions ('AMSA considers at least equivalent')","Revalidation requirements with multiple alternative pathways (sea service OR courses OR combined)","Integration with international treaty obligations (STCW Convention) requiring external reference"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets qualifications and training for masters and deck officers on commercial yachts in Australian waters, defining certificate grades, mandatory sea time, approved courses, medical and English fitness, and endorsements (e.g., sailing, ECDIS). \n\nIt affects anyone seeking or renewing yacht officer certification and ensures masters have the skills and experience to safeguard passengers and crew while aligning yacht certification with international STCW standards."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/marine-order-74-masters-and-deck-officers-yachts-2015","history":"/api/acts/marine-order-74-masters-and-deck-officers-yachts-2015/history","analysis":"/api/acts/marine-order-74-masters-and-deck-officers-yachts-2015/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/marine-order-74-masters-and-deck-officers-yachts-2015/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/marine-order-74-masters-and-deck-officers-yachts-2015/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/marine-order-74-masters-and-deck-officers-yachts-2015/documents"}}