Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014

Marine Order 25 (Equipment , lifesaving) 2014 prescribes detailed equipment, approval and servicing requirements for lifesaving appliances and equipment on regulated Australian vessels and certain foreign vessels, giving domestic effect to parts of SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code, and implementing matters required by the Navigation Act 2012 (see s 2 and s 3). Mechanically, the Order:

Defines the classes of vessel to which specific requirements apply and sets out application, exemption and equivalence processes (see ss 4-10, 6-8).
Requires owners and masters to ensure lifesaving appliances are manufactured, serviced and repaired in accordance with systems approved by an issuing body (s 19), and to use approved servicing stations for inflatable liferafts (s 21).
Establishes an approvals regime through issuing bodies for lifesaving appliances and servicing stations, including certificates of approval and conditions for revocation (s 20, s 22).
Imposes prescriptive equipment standards for classes and sizes of cargo, passenger and fishing vessels, including lifeboats, liferafts, rescue boats, lifejackets, immersion and anti-exposure suits, lifebuoys, distress signals, alarm systems and emergency electrical installations (Divs 4-6, ss 33-48; Schedule 1).
Applies specific requirements to foreign vessels where Chapter III of SOLAS applies, with exceptions, and requires foreign vessels to carry their administration’s relevant certificates where Chapter III does not apply (ss 11-14).
Creates criminal offences and civil penalty exposures for damaging lifesaving appliances or altering labelling outside “proper use”, and for certain failures to comply with prescriptive equipment rules; multiple offences are strict liability (see ss 17-18, 21, 25, 28, 31, 52, and associated civil penalties).

The coat of arms of the Commonwealth is depicted with agency name.

made under the Navigation Act 2012

Compilation no. 3

Compilation date: 1 January 2024

This compilation was prepared on 28 February 2024 taking into account amendments up to Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 27 — consequential changes) Order 2023

Prepared by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Division 1 Preliminary

1 Name of Order

2 Purpose

3 Power

4 Definitions

5 Meaning of certain expressions

6 Application

7 Exemptions

8 Equivalents

9 Transitional — previous approvals

10 Pre–1998 vessels — transitional

Division 2 Foreign vessels

11 Application of Division 2

12 Foreign vessels to which Chapter III applies

13 Foreign vessels to which Chapter III does not apply

14 Foreign vessels — damage or alteration to equipment

Division 3 Equipment — general

15 Replacement of survival craft

16 Additional appliances or equipment

17 Damage to appliances or equipment

18 Alteration or defacement of labels or markings on appliances or equipment

19 Systems for manufacture, service and repair

20 Certificate of approval

21 Servicing of inflatable liferafts

22 Approval of servicing stations

Division 4 Requirements for cargo vessels at least 500 GT and for all passenger vessels

23 Application of Division 4

24 Vessels other than passenger vessels certified Class 1D or 1E

25 Passenger vessels certified Class 1D or 1E

26 Additional requirements

Division 5 Requirements for cargo vessels less than 500 GT

Subdivision 5.1 Vessels certified as Class 2D or 2E

27 Application of Subdivision 5.1

28 Cargo vessels certified Class 2D or 2E

Subdivision 5.2 Vessels certified as Class 2C

29 Application of Subdivision 5.2

30 Cargo vessels certified Class 2C — survival craft and rescue boats

31 Cargo vessels certified Class 2C — all other equipment

Subdivision 5.3 Vessels certified as Class 2A or 2B

32 Application of Subdivision 5.3

33 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels at least 85 m long

34 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels between 35 and 85 m long

35 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels between 25 and 35 m long

36 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels less than 25 m long

37 Survival craft and rescue boats — oil tankers, chemical tankers and gas carriers

38 Lifebuoys

39 Lifejackets

40 Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits

41 Line-throwing appliances

42 Distress signals

43 Alarm signal

44 Emergency electrical installation

45 Lifesaving signals

46 Stowage, launching and recovery arrangements

47 Approval, testing, servicing and maintenance

48 Communications

Division 6 Fishing vessels

49 Application of Division 6

50 Requirements for fishing vessels at least 500 GT

51 Requirements for fishing vessels less than 500 GT

Division 7 Recovery of persons from the water

52 Recovery of persons from the water

Schedule 1 Regulated Australian vessels — additional requirements for cargo vessels at least 500GT and for all passenger vessels

Schedule 2 First aid outfit requirements

Division 1 Preliminary

1 Name of Order

This Order is Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014.

2 Purpose

This Order:

(a) gives effect to parts of Chapter III of SOLAS which incorporates requirements of the LSA Code; and

(b) prescribes matters for paragraphs 339(2)(b) and (g) of the Navigation Act.

3 Power

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

(a) paragraph 339(2)(b) of the Navigation Act which provides that the regulations may provide for the machinery and equipment to be carried on board vessels for sending or receiving distress, urgency and other signals;

(b) paragraph 339(2)(g) of the Navigation Act which provides that the regulations may provide for the equipment to be carried on board vessels and the measures to be carried out, for saving life at sea;

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

(3) Subsection 341(1) of the Navigation Act provides for the imposition of penalties in regulations.

(4) Subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act provides that AMSA may make a Marine Order about anything that may or must be made by regulation.

4 Definitions

(1) In this Order:

AIS-SART means a search and rescue transmitter, with an automatic identification system, approved by an issuing body.

Chapter III means Chapter III of SOLAS.

GNSS means Global Navigation Satellite System.

GT, for a vessel, means the gross tonnage of the vessel worked out under regulation 3 of Annex 1 to the Tonnage Convention.

launching appliance means a means of transferring a survival craft or rescue boat from its stowed position safely to the water.

lifesaving appliance includes any appliance required by this Order to be fitted to, or carried on, a vessel.

lifesaving equipment means equipment that is:

(a) stored in, or belonging to, a lifesaving appliance; or

(b) required by this Order to be fitted to, or carried on, a vessel.

LSA Code means the International Life-Saving Appliance Code adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.48 (66), as in force from time to time.

Note A copy of each IMO resolution that adopts or amends this Code is available on AMSA’s website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.

proper use, for a lifesaving appliance or item of lifesaving equipment, means:

(a) use in an emergency; or

(b) use for training for an emergency; or

search and rescue locating device means a SART or an AIS-SART.

SART means a search and rescue transponder, approved by an issuing body.

Note 1 For information on obtaining copies of IMO documents mentioned in this Order — see AMSA’s website at http://www.amsa.gov.au. These documents may also be purchased from the IMO — see the IMO website at http://www.imo.org/publications.

Note 2 Some terms used in this Order are defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, including:

Note: cargo vessel

Note: decision maker

Note: EPIRB

Note: equivalent

Note: IMO

Note: length

Note: NSCV

Note: passenger vessel

Note: recognised organisation

Note: SOLAS

Note: use

Note: USL Code.

Note 3 Other terms used in this Order are defined in the Navigation Act, including:

Note: AMSA

Note: foreign vessel

Note: inspector

Note: issuing body

Note: regulated Australian vessel

Note: seafarer

Note: Tonnage Convention.

Note 4 For delegation of AMSA’s powers under this Order — see the AMSA website Marine Orders link at http://www.amsa.gov.au.

(2) The approval by an issuing body of a search and rescue locating device or an EPIRB applies to fitting the device or EPIRB on a vessel only if it meets the performance standard that applies to it at the time it is fitted.

5 Meaning of certain expressions

(1) A reference to the Administration in Chapter III, the LSA Code, an IMO resolution or a document mentioned in this Order is taken to mean:

(a) for a regulated Australian vessel — AMSA; or

(b) for a foreign vessel — the registering authority of the country in which the vessel is registered.

(2) However, a requirement in Chapter III, the LSA Code or an IMO resolution, or in another document mentioned in this Order, that an appliance, item of equipment or arrangement must be approved by the Administration means, for a regulated Australian vessel, that the appliance, item of equipment or arrangement must be approved by an issuing body.

(3) A term that is used in this Order but is not defined for this Order, and is defined in SOLAS or in a code mentioned in this Order, has the meaning given by SOLAS or the code.

(4) For this Order, a vessel is taken to have been constructed when:

(a) the keel is laid; or

(b) construction identifiable with the vessel starts and the lesser of at least 50 tonnes, or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material, of the vessel is assembled.

(5) For this Order, the number of persons that a vessel is certified to carry is taken to be the number of persons for whom lifesaving appliances are provided as mentioned in the record of equipment annexed to the vessel’s passenger ship safety certificate, cargo ship safety equipment certificate or certificate of survey.

6 Application

(1) This Order applies to the following vessels:

(a) a regulated Australian vessel;

(b) a foreign vessel as set out in Division 2.

(2) A cargo vessel that is converted to a passenger vessel is taken to be a passenger vessel constructed on the date when the conversion commences.

(3) If a vessel is certified in accordance with a code mentioned in Marine Order 49 (High speed craft) 2009 or the code mentioned in Marine Order 50 (Special purpose vessels) 2012, and a provision of the code is inconsistent with a provision of this Order, the vessel is taken to comply with this Order if it complies with the code.

7 Exemptions

(1) A person may apply to AMSA, in accordance with the application process set out in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, for an exemption of a vessel from a requirement of this Order.

(2) AMSA may give an exemption only if satisfied that:

(a) compliance with the requirement would be unnecessary or unreasonable having regard to the vessel, its equipment and its intended voyage; and

(b) giving the exemption would not contravene SOLAS.

(3) An exemption granted or continued under Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2009, and in force immediately before this Order came into force, is taken to have been granted or continued in force under this Order.

Note Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 deals with the following matters about exemptions and equivalents:

Note: making an application

Note: seeking further information about an application

Note: the time allowed for consideration of an application

Note: imposing conditions on approval of an application

Note: notification of a decision on an application

Note: review of decisions.

8 Equivalents

(1) A person may apply to AMSA, in accordance with the application process set out in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013, for approval to use an equivalent.

(2) AMSA may approve use of an equivalent only if satisfied that:

(a) use of the equivalent would be at least as effective as compliance with the requirement to which the equivalent is an alternative; and

(b) approving use of the equivalent would not contravene SOLAS.

9 Transitional — previous approvals

An appliance, equipment or an arrangement approved under Marine Orders Part 25, Issue 7 or Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2009, and in service on a vessel immediately before the commencement of this Order, is taken to have been approved under this Order.

10 Pre–1998 vessels — transitional

[SOLAS Chapter III-1.4]

(1) An appliance, equipment or an arrangement on a vessel constructed before 1 July 1998 that complied with Marine Orders Part 25, Issue 3 is taken to comply with this Order.

(2) However, if an appliance, equipment or an arrangement is replaced or added to, subsection (1) applies only in the circumstances mentioned in section 15.

Division 2 Foreign vessels

11 Application of Division 2

This Division applies to a foreign vessel.

12 Foreign vessels to which Chapter III applies

If Chapter III applies to the vessel, it must comply with Chapter III other than Regulations 8, 19, 27, 29, 30 and 37.

Note Chapter III incorporates requirements of the LSA Code. Marine Order 21 (Safety and emergency arrangements) 2016 gives effect to Regulations 8, 19, 27, 29, 30 and 37 of Chapter III for foreign vessels.

13 Foreign vessels to which Chapter III does not apply

A vessel to which Chapter III does not apply must carry and comply with any certificate or other document that:

(a) is issued by or for the administration of the country in which it is registered; and

(b) deals with:

(i) lifesaving equipment, appliances, arrangements or procedures; or

(ii) testing of the matters mentioned in subparagraph (i).

14 Foreign vessels — damage or alteration to equipment

Sections 17 and 18 apply to a foreign vessel as if it were a regulated Australian vessel.

Division 3 Equipment — general

15 Replacement of survival craft

(1) This section applies to the replacement of:

(a) a survival craft, other than an inflatable liferaft; or

(b) a launching appliance for a survival craft mentioned in paragraph (a).

(2) If an item mentioned in subsection (1) is replaced on a vessel, the replacement equipment is taken to comply with this Order if it is:

(a) of the same make and model as the item replaced; and

(b) either:

(i) a survival craft mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) that is replaced without replacing its launching appliance; or

(ii) a launching appliance mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) that is replaced without replacing its survival craft.

16 Additional appliances or equipment

Any appliance or equipment on the vessel that is not required by this Order must comply with the requirements of this Order that apply to the kind of appliance or equipment.

17 Damage to appliances or equipment

(1) A person must not engage in conduct that:

(a) results in damage to:

(i) a lifesaving appliance on the vessel; or

(ii) an item of the vessel’s lifesaving equipment; and

(b) is not proper use of the appliance or item of equipment.

Penalty: 50 penalty units.

Note For engage in conduct — see Criminal Code, s 4.1.

(2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.

(3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty: 50 penalty units.

18 Alteration or defacement of labels or markings on appliances or equipment

(1) A person must not engage in conduct that:

(a) results in the alteration or defacement of a label or marking on:

(i) a lifesaving appliance on the vessel; or

(ii) an item of the vessel’s lifesaving equipment; and

(b) is not proper use of the appliance or item of equipment.

Penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.

(3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty: 50 penalty units.

19 Systems for manufacture, service and repair

The owner of the vessel must ensure that lifesaving appliances or equipment used on the vessel are manufactured, serviced and repaired in accordance with systems approved by an issuing body.

20 Certificate of approval

[SOLAS Chapter III-4]

(1) An issuing body may issue a certificate of approval as evidence that a lifesaving appliance, item of equipment or arrangement, or make or kind of appliance or equipment, has been approved under this Order.

(2) A certificate of approval:

(a) is in force until the date shown on the certificate; and

(b) may be renewed for a further period if the issuing body is satisfied that the appliance, item of equipment or arrangement, or make or kind of appliance or equipment, continues to comply with this Order.

(3) A certificate of approval may be revoked by an issuing body if AMSA is satisfied that the appliance, item of equipment or arrangement, or make or kind of appliance or equipment, no longer complies with this Order.

(4) An issuing body may approve a lifesaving appliance, item of equipment or arrangement under this Order only if it:

(a) complies with this Order; or

(b) has passed:

(i) any tests that apply to it under IMO Resolution MSC.81(70) Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances as in force from time to time; or

(ii) if it is of novel design — any tests that apply to it under IMO Resolution A.520(13) Code of Practice for the Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of Prototype Novel Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements as in force from time to time; or

(iii) tests substantially equivalent to those mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii).

(5) For an inflatable liferaft that is subject to extended service intervals:

(a) only AMSA may issue or renew a certificate of approval; and

(b) in addition to the requirements for approval mentioned in subsection (4), the liferaft will only be approved in accordance with IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ. 1328 Guidelines for the approval of inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals not exceeding 30 months, as in force from time to time.

21 Servicing of inflatable liferafts

(1) The owner or master of the vessel must ensure that the inflatable liferafts installed in the vessel are serviced by an approved servicing station.

Penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.

(3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).

22 Approval of servicing stations

(1) The owner of a servicing station may apply to an issuing body for approval to service inflatable liferafts.

(2) An issuing body may approve the servicing station if it complies with IMO Resolution A.761 (18), Recommendation on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for inflatable liferafts, as in force from time to time.

(3) However, if the servicing station does not comply with IMO Resolution A.761 (18) only because it has not been accredited for servicing by a manufacturer of liferafts, AMSA may approve the servicing station if it considers that it is necessary in the circumstances.

(4) An issuing body that approves a servicing station under this section may issue a servicing station certificate to the service provider for the servicing station.

(5) The issue of a servicing station certificate is taken to be a decision to approve a servicing station under subsection (2).

(6) The service provider to whom a servicing station certificate is issued must ensure that the following certificates are prominently displayed on the premises of the approved servicing station:

(a) the servicing station certificate;

(b) any certificates issued by the liferaft manufacturer in accordance with IMO Resolution A.761 (18), for persons trained in the repair and servicing of the liferafts.

(7) It is a condition of approval of a servicing station that each liferaft it services must be serviced in accordance with IMO Resolution A.761 (18), as in force from time to time.

Division 4 Requirements for cargo vessels at least 500 GT and for all passenger vessels

23 Application of Division 4

This Division applies to a regulated Australian vessel that is:

(a) a passenger vessel; or

(b) a cargo vessel that is at least 500 GT.

24 Vessels other than passenger vessels certified Class 1D or 1E

The owner or master of a vessel other than a passenger vessel mentioned in section 25 must ensure that the vessel complies with Chapter III other than regulations 8, 19, 27, 29, 30 and 37.

Note Chapter III incorporates requirements of the LSA Code. Marine Order 21 (Safety and emergency arrangements) 2016 gives effect to Regulations 8, 19, 27, 29, 30 and 37 of Chapter III for regulated Australian vessels.

25 Passenger vessels certified Class 1D or 1E

(1) If a vessel is a passenger vessel that is certified as Class 1D or 1E, the owner or master of the vessel must ensure that the vessel has equipment that complies with:

(a) subsection 7A of Part C of the NSCV if:

(i) the vessel was constructed after 30 September 2008; or

(ii) the vessel was constructed before 1 October 2008 and has been upgraded in service or is subject to initial survey; or

(b) for a vessel not mentioned in paragraph (a) — the pre-2008 USL Code.

Penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.

(3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty: 50 penalty units

26 Additional requirements

The owner or master of the vessel must ensure that the requirements mentioned in Schedule 1 are met for the vessel.

Division 5 Requirements for cargo vessels less than 500 GT

Subdivision 5.1 Vessels certified as Class 2D or 2E

27 Application of Subdivision 5.1

This Subdivision applies to a vessel that is:

(a) a regulated Australian vessel; and

(b) a cargo vessel less than 500 GT; and

28 Cargo vessels certified Class 2D or 2E

(1) The owner or master of the vessel must ensure that the vessel has equipment that complies with:

(a) subsection 7A of Part C of the NSCV if:

(i) the vessel was constructed after 30 September 2008; or

(ii) the vessel was constructed before 1 October 2008 and has been upgraded in service or is subject to initial survey; or

(b) for a vessel not mentioned in paragraph (a) — the pre-2008 USL Code.

Penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.

(3) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty: 50 penalty units.

Subdivision 5.2 Vessels certified as Class 2C

29 Application of Subdivision 5.2

This Subdivision applies to a vessel that is:

(a) a regulated Australian vessel; and

(b) a cargo vessel less than 500 GT; and

30 Cargo vessels certified Class 2C — survival craft and rescue boats

(1) The vessel must comply with sections 33, 34 and 35 as if it were certified as Class 2A or 2B.

(2) If the vessel is less than 25 m long it must:

(a) comply with section 36 as if it were certified as Class 2A or 2B; and

(b) have at least 1 liferaft that complies with Table 3 of subsection 7A of Part C of the NSCV.

31 Cargo vessels certified Class 2C — all other equipment

(1) The owner or master of the vessel must ensure that the vessel has equipment that complies with:

(a) subsection 7A of Part C of the NSCV if:

(i) the vessel was constructed after 30 September 2008; or

(ii) the vessel was constructed before 1 October 2008 and has been upgraded in service or is subject to initial survey; or

(b) for a vessel not mentioned in paragraph (a) — the pre-2008 USL Code.

Penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) For subsection (1), equipment does not include survival craft and rescue boats.

(3) An offence against subsection (1) is a strict liability offence.

(4) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (1).

Civil penalty: 50 penalty units.

Subdivision 5.3 Vessels certified as Class 2A or 2B

32 Application of Subdivision 5.3

This Subdivision applies to a vessel that is:

(a) a regulated Australian vessel; and

(b) a cargo vessel less than 500 GT; and

33 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels at least 85 m long

(1) If the vessel is at least 85 m long, it must comply with the requirements mentioned in subsection (2) or (3).

(2) For subsection (1), the requirements are that the vessel carries:

(a) on each side of the vessel — at least 1 lifeboat with a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry; and

(b) either:

(i) on each side of the vessel — at least 1 liferaft with a total capacity of at least half the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry; or

(ii) at least 1 liferaft that has a total capacity of at least half the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry and that is stowed to allow easy side-to-side transfer at a single open deck level.

(3) For subsection (1), the requirements are that the vessel carries:

(a) at least 1 free-fall lifeboat that:

(i) complies with section 4.7 of the LSA Code; and

(ii) has a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry; and

(b) on each side of the vessel — at least 1 inflatable or rigid liferaft that:

(i) complies with section 4.2 or 4.3 of the LSA Code; and

(ii) has a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry; and

(iii) is served by a launching appliance.

34 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels between 35 and 85 m long

(1) If the vessel is at least 35 m but less than 85 m long, it must have 1 of the following:

(a) lifeboats and liferafts in accordance with section 33;

(b) both:

(i) liferafts in accordance with paragraph 33 (b); and

(ii) at least 1 lifeboat that has a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry and that can be launched from either side of the vessel;

(i) a rescue boat; and

(ii) at least 2 liferafts with a total capacity of at least twice the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry.

(2) For subparagraph (1)(c)(ii), a liferaft’s capacity is:

(a) if the liferaft’s normal capacity is not more than the total number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry — the actual capacity of the liferaft; or

(b) if the liferaft’s normal capacity is greater than the total number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry — the total number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry.

35 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels between 25 and 35 m long

(1) If the vessel is at least 25 m but less than 35 m long, it must have 1 of the following:

(a) lifeboats, liferafts and rescue boats in accordance with section 34;

(b) a rescue boat and 1 of the following:

(i) on each side of the vessel — at least 1 liferaft with a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry;

(ii) at least 1 liferaft that has a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry and that is stowed to allow easy side-to-side transfer at a single open deck level;

(c) at least 2 liferafts with a total capacity of at least twice the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry.

(2) For paragraph (1)(c), a liferaft’s capacity is determined in accordance with subsection 34(2).

36 Survival craft and rescue boats — vessels less than 25 m long

If the vessel is less than 25 m long, it must have 1 of the following:

(a) on each side of the vessel — at least 1 liferaft with a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry;

(b) at least 1 liferaft that has a total capacity of at least the number of persons that the vessel is certified to carry and that is stowed to allow easy side-to-side transfer at a single open deck level.

37 Survival craft and rescue boats — oil tankers, chemical tankers and gas carriers

(1) A lifeboat for a chemical tanker or gas carrier that is certified to carry cargoes emitting toxic vapours or gases must comply with section 4.8 of the LSA Code.

(2) A lifeboat for an oil tanker, a chemical tanker or gas carrier, certified to carry cargoes having a flash-point not exceeding 60°C (closed cup test) must comply with section 4.9 of the LSA Code.

38 Lifebuoys

A vessel mentioned in the following table must have the number and kind of lifebuoys mentioned in the table for the vessel.

Item	Vessel length	Lifebuoys
1	≥60 m long	(a) ≥8 lifebuoys, of which at least half must be fitted with self-igniting lights(b) ≥2 of the lifebuoys with self-igniting lights must also have self-activating smoke signals(c) Of the lifebuoys without self-igniting lights, ≥2 must have buoyant lines
2	≥45 m and <60 m long	(a) ≥ 6 lifebuoys, of which at least half must be fitted with self-igniting lights(b) ≥2 of the lifebuoys with self-igniting lights must also have self-activating smoke signals(c) Of the lifebuoys without self-igniting lights, ≥2 must have buoyant lines
3	≥25 m and <45 m long	≥4 lifebuoys, of which ≥2 must be fitted with self-igniting lights and ≥2 with buoyant lines
4	≥15 m and <25 m long	≥2 lifebuoys, of which ≥1 must be fitted with self-igniting lights and ≥1 with buoyant lines
5	<15 m long	≥1 lifebuoy that is fitted with a self-igniting light

39 Lifejackets

(1) The vessel must carry:

(a) a lifejacket for each person that the vessel is certified to carry, including a suitable lifejacket for each person aboard the vessel who weighs less than 32 kg; and

(b) a sufficient number of lifejackets stowed in working spaces for the use of seafarers who may be required to remain on duty in those spaces.

(2) A lifejacket for an adult must:

(a) be designed to fit a person weighing up to 140 kg and with a chest measurement of at least 1 750 mm; or

(b) have available suitable accessories to enable its use by that person.

40 Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits

If the vessel enters an operational area that has an average monthly sea water temperature of not more than 15oC, each person assigned to a rescue boat must be provided with an appropriately sized:

(a) immersion suit that complies with section 2.3 of the LSA Code; and

(b) anti-exposure suit that complies with section 2.4 of the LSA Code.

41 Line-throwing appliances

A line-throwing appliance must be carried in a vessel that is at least 45 m long.

42 Distress signals

(1) If the vessel is at least 25 m long, it must carry at least 12 rocket parachute flares.

(2) If the vessel is less than 25 m long, it must carry:

(a) at least 12 rocket parachute flares; or

(b) all of the following distress signals:

(i) 6 rocket parachute flares;

(ii) 4 hand flares;

(iii) 2 buoyant smoke signals.

43 Alarm signal

If the vessel is at least 25 m long, it must have an alarm signal for summoning the seafarers to muster stations if efficient mustering cannot be carried out by voice.

44 Emergency electrical installation

(1) If the vessel is at least 50 m long, it must have, in addition to the main generating set, a self-contained electrical installation capable of simultaneously operating emergency lighting, alarm signals, navigation lights and communication equipment.

(2) The installation must be capable of continuous operation:

(a) for a vessel that is less than 125 m long — for at least 3 hours; or

(b) for a vessel that is at least 125 m long — for at least 6 hours.

(3) If the vessel is less than 50 m long, it must have:

(a) for each seafarer — an electric torch or hand lamp; and

(b) an emergency installation capable of operating for at least 3 hours all of the following:

(i) navigation lights that are solely electric;

(ii) signalling lamps that are normally operated from the main electrical power source;

(iii) communication equipment.

(4) The emergency installation may be the vessel's starting batteries if they are in a location approved by an issuing body.

45 Lifesaving signals

The vessel must have a copy on waterproof card or in a waterproof container of the lifesaving signals mentioned in the Table of Life-saving Signals in Appendix 3 to the latest edition of the International Code of Signals, published by the IMO.

Note At 1 July 2016, the latest edition of the International Code of Signals was the 4th edition published in 2005.

46 Stowage, launching and recovery arrangements

Arrangements for stowage, launching and recovery of survival craft and rescue boats on the vessel must comply with the regulations in Chapter III that apply to the vessel.

47 Approval, testing, servicing and maintenance

(1) A lifesaving appliance or arrangement mentioned in sections 33 to 46, including an arrangement for testing, may be used for the vessel only if it is approved by an issuing body.

(2) Servicing and maintenance of a lifesaving appliance or arrangement mentioned in sections 33 to 46 must be carried out in accordance with Chapter III or other approved equivalent standards, or manufacturer’s specifications.

48 Communications

If the vessel is a cargo vessel of less than 300 GT, or a cargo vessel of at least 300 GT not on an overseas voyage, it must carry at least 1 two-way VHF radiotelephone and 1 search and rescue locating device.

Division 6 Fishing vessels

49 Application of Division 6

This Division applies to a fishing vessel that is a regulated Australian vessel.

50 Requirements for fishing vessels at least 500 GT

The vessel must meet the equipment requirements mentioned in section 24 for a cargo vessel of an equivalent size if the vessel is:

(a) at least 500 GT; and

(b) certified to be a Class 3A vessel under the NSCV.

51 Requirements for fishing vessels less than 500 GT

The vessel must meet the equipment requirements mentioned in sections 33 to 48 for a cargo vessel of an equivalent size if the vessel is:

(a) less than 500 GT; and

(b) certified to be a Class 3A vessel under the NSCV.

Division 7 Recovery of persons from the water

52 Recovery of persons from the water

(1) This section applies to a vessel to which section 25, Division 5 or Division 6 applies.

(2) The owner or master of the vessel must ensure that the vessel complies with Regulation 17-1 of Chapter III for plans and procedures for the recovery of a person from the water.

Penalty: 50 penalty units.

(3) For a vessel constructed before 1 July 2014, subsection (2) applies from the earlier of:

(a) the date when a renewal survey for a certificate of survey is required; or

(b) the date when a periodic survey for a certificate of survey is required.

(4) An offence against subsection (2) is a strict liability offence.

(5) A person is liable to a civil penalty if the person contravenes subsection (2).

Civil penalty: 50 penalty units.

Note For a vessel to which Division 4, other than section 25, applies — see section 24.

Schedule 1 Regulated Australian vessels — additional requirements for cargo vessels at least 500GT and for all passenger vessels

(section 26)

Division 1 Narcotic drugs and goods for therapeutic use

1 Narcotic drugs

(1) The vessel must carry narcotic drugs for use in survival craft as follows:

(a) for a vessel certified to carry up to 15 persons — at least 1 pack;

(b) for any other vessel — at least 2 packs.

(2) For subclause (1), a pack must contain:

(a) 5 doses of morphine sulphate injection 15 mg, each in a 1 ml disposable syringe pack; or

(b) 5 doses of morphine sulphate injection 15 mg, each in a 1 ml ampoule, with 5 sterile disposable syringes, complete with needles, per ampoule; or

(3) The narcotic drugs must:

(a) be ready to transfer to lifeboats or liferafts if there is an emergency; and

(b) be stowed in:

(i) the locked inner cupboard of the vessel's medical cabinet; or

(ii) a secure location in the wheelhouse or normal navigating position.

2 Goods for therapeutic use

Any articles in a first-aid outfit, or narcotic drugs carried on a vessel for use on survival craft, that are goods for therapeutic use for the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 must comply with the standards that apply to the goods under that Act.

Division 2 Requirements for Regulations under Chapter III

3 Immersion suits, anti‑exposure suits and thermal protective aids

[SOLAS, Chapter III, regulations 7.3, 22.4 and 32.3]

For Regulations 7.3, 22.4. and 32.3 of Chapter III, a vessel need not carry immersion suits, anti‑exposure suits or thermal protective aids if the vessel is engaged on voyages only in areas where the average monthly sea water temperature is more than 15oC.

4 Requirements for remotely located survival craft

[SOLAS, Chapter III, regulation 31.1.4]

(1) If a liferaft is provided in accordance with regulation 31.1.4 of Chapter III, the liferaft is taken to be a remotely located survival craft for regulation 7.2.1.4 of Chapter III.

(2) A remotely located survival craft must be stowed with:

(a) at least 2 lifejackets and 2 immersion suits; and

(b) fixed or portable illumination that:

(i) complies with regulation 16.7 of Chapter III; and

(ii) is capable of illuminating the liferaft stowage position and the area of water into which the liferaft is to be launched; and

(iii) if portable — has brackets so that it can be positioned on either side of the vessel; and

(c) a means of embarkation, approved by an issuing body, that provides for controlled descent to the water in accordance with regulation 11.7 of Chapter III.

Note A ladder may be approved by the issuing body if it is made of materials containing wood or aluminium and the material has been accepted by a recognised organisation.

5 Stowage of rescue boats

[SOLAS, Chapter III, regulation 14]

A rescue boat may be stowed on the tank deck of a tanker only if AMSA is satisfied that:

(a) the rescue boat is stowed as far as practicable away from any hazardous area; and

(b) the rescue boat is powered by a diesel engine; and

(d) the installation is intrinsically safe.

7 Servicing of search and rescue locating devices and EPIRBs in liferafts

(1) This section applies to a search and rescue locating device or an EPIRB that:

(a) is in a liferaft; and

(b) is part of the equipment of the liferaft.

(2) When the liferaft is serviced, any search and rescue locating device or EPIRB must:

(a) be inspected and tested in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer; and

(b) if the instructions of the manufacturer require it — have its battery replaced.

(3) However, if the expiry date of the battery is any time before the next liferaft service is due, it must be replaced at the time of the current service.

Note 1 There is more information about the testing of EPIRBS in IMO circulars MSC/Circ.1040 Guidelines on annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs and MSC/Circ.1039 Guidelines for shore-based maintenance of satellite EPIRBs.

Note 2 The IEC testing standards for radar SART is IEC 61097-1 Ed. 2.0 (English 2007): Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) - Part 1: Radar transponder - Marine search and rescue (SART) - Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results.

Note 3 The IEC testing standards for AIS-SART is IEC 61097-14 Ed. 1.0 (English 2010): Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) - Part 14: AIS search and rescue transmitter (AIS-SART) - Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results.

Note 4 The testing standards for radar reflectors are ISO 8729-1:2010: Ships and marine technology - Marine radar reflectors - Part 1: Passive type and ISO 8729-2:2009 Ships and marine technology - Marine radar reflectors - Part 2: Active type.

8 Lifejackets

[SOLAS, Chapter III, regulation 32]

(1) In addition to the lifejackets required by Regulation 7 of Chapter III, a cargo vessel must carry another lifejacket for each person that the vessel is certified to carry.

(2) The additional lifejackets required by subclause (1) may be used to comply with Regulation 7.2.1.4 of Chapter III.

(3) Any additional lifejackets mentioned in subclause (1) that are not required to comply with Regulation 7.2.1.4 of Chapter III must be kept in a locker that is:

(a) float-free; and

(b) accessible quickly and easily; and

(d) easily identified by seafarers in an emergency.

Division 3 Requirements of the LSA Code

9 Lifejackets

[LSA Code, paragraph 2.2]

(1) If lifejackets requiring different methods of adjustment are carried on the vessel, no more than 2 types of lifejacket may be carried.

(2) If 2 kinds of lifejacket are carried, illustrated directions for donning the lifejackets must be placed near the stowage position for each kind of lifejacket.

10 Liferaft equipment

[LSA Code, paragraph 4.1.5]

(1) The normal equipment of a liferaft mentioned in paragraph 4.1.5.1 of the LSA Code is varied as follows:

(a) the first-aid outfit must comply with Schedule 2;

(b) in addition to the requirement of an efficient radar reflector or search and rescue locating device mentioned in the LSA Code, the liferaft must also have an EPIRB that:

(i) is suitable for the operational area of the vessel; and

(ii) is registered with AMSA; and

(iii) meets:

(A) AS/NZS 4280.1:2017 406 MHz satellite distress beacons — Marine emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), as amended from time to time; or

(B) another standard approved by AMSA.

Note 1 Depending on the vessel’s intended area of operation, a Class 3, 406 MHz beacon as described in AS/NZS 4280.1:2017, as amended from time to time, may be suitable for a liferaft. A Class 3 beacon, however, is not suitable for use in temperatures below -20ºC. Under section 8 of this Order, AMSA may exempt a ship from the requirement that a liferaft carry an EPIRB. Serialised coding of EPIRBs is recommended.

Note 2 See AMSA’s website at http://www.amsa.gov.au for information about how to register a 406 MHz EPIRB.

(2) For paragraph 4.1.5.2 of the LSA Code, a liferaft must be marked ‘SOLAS A PACK’ if it complies with the LSA Code as varied by subclause (1).

(3) If AMSA has exercised the discretion mentioned in paragraph 4.1.5.3 of the LSA Code to reduce the quantity of items of equipment carried in a liferaft on a passenger vessel engaged on voyages other than overseas voyages, and the liferaft otherwise complies with the LSA Code as varied by subclause (1), the liferaft must be marked as follows:

(a) if the minimum equipment is carried — ‘SOLAS B PACK’;

(b) if the equipment carried is more than the B Pack standard but less than the A Pack standard — ‘SOLAS B+ PACK’.

11 Lifeboat propulsion

[LSA Code, paragraph 4.4.6]

The batteries for a lifeboat:

(a) must be totally sealed; and

(b) must not emit hydrogen during charging.

12 Lifeboat equipment

[LSA Code, paragraph 4.4.8]

The normal equipment of a lifeboat mentioned in paragraph 4.4.8 of the LSA Code is varied as follows:

(a) a compass must comply with clause 4.6 of ISO 18813:2006: Ships and marine technology - Survival equipment for survival craft and rescue boats or an equivalent international standard approved by AMSA;

(b) a sea-anchor, whether installed or spare, must comply with ISO 17339:2002: Ships and marine technology - Sea anchors for survival craft and rescue boats or an equivalent international standard approved by AMSA;

(d) the manual pump required for bailing must comply with clause 4.3 of ISO 18813:2006 or an equivalent international standard approved by AMSA;

(e) a motor lifeboat must carry 2 portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires that are approved by an issuing body.

13 Rescue boat equipment

[(LSA Code, paragraph 5.1.2]

AMSA may approve a search and rescue locating device that is stowed in a rescue boat as an equivalent to an efficient radar reflector mentioned in paragraph 5.1.2.2 of the LSA Code if the device complies with IMO Resolution A.802 (19) Performance Standards for survival craft radar transponders for use in search and rescue operations, as amended from time to time.

14 Launching and embarkation appliances

[LSA Code, paragraph 6.1.2]

For paragraph 6.1.2 of the LSA Code, the maximum lowering speed is:

(a) 1.3 m per second; or

(b) a greater speed that AMSA considers reasonable, taking account of:

(i) the design of the survival craft or rescue boat; and

(ii) the protection of its occupants from excessive forces; and

(iii) the strength of the launching arrangements taking into account inertia forces during an emergency stop.

15 General alarm and public address system

[LSA Code, paragraph 7.2]

In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 7.2.1 of the LSA Code, the general emergency alarm required by Regulation 6.4.2 of Chapter III must also comply with IMO Resolution A.1021(26): Code on Alarms and Indicators 2009.

16 Visibility of colours

A requirement in the LSA Code to use a highly visible colour may be met by using 1 of the following colours listed in AS 2700—2011 Colour standards for general purposes:

(a) X 15: orange;

(b) R 11: international orange;

Schedule 2 First aid outfit requirements

(paragraphs 10(1)(a) and 12(c) of Schedule 1)

1 Contents

(1) The contents of, and instructions for, the first-aid outfit must be adequate to treat most conditions likely to be encountered during emergencies at sea including severe wounds, pain, shock, burns, fractures, immersion foot and semi-drowning.

Note See clause 3 for guidance on recommended minimum quantities of medicine and equipment.

(2) The contents of the first-aid outfit must be maintained within their use-by date, taking into account servicing arrangements.

2 Container

A container used for the first-aid outfit must meet the following requirements:

(a) be fit for the purpose intended;

(b) be waterproof and rustproof;

(d) be indelibly marked on the outside with:

(i) the words ‘FIRST AID KIT’; and

(ii) the supplier’s name and contact details.

3 Quantities of medicine and equipment

The first-aid outfit must include at least each of the following items of medicine and equipment in the quantities mentioned:

(a) 4 standard dressings No.14 (medium), measuring approximately 15 cm by 10 cm;

(b) 4 standard dressings No.15 (large), measuring approximately 15 cm by 20 cm;

(d) 10 open weave bandages, measuring approximately 7.5 cm by 5 m (paper bandages are not acceptable);

(e) A self adhesive waterproof dressing of at least 1 m length by 60 mm width or an equivalent alternative treatment;

(f) 10 paraffin gauze dressings for burns, individually wrapped, measuring approximately 10 cm by 10 cm;

(g) 3 units of 30 ml applications each of antiseptic liquid (Centrimide solution, 0.5%), clearly marked ‘NOT FOR USE ON EYES’;

(h) 50 units of 500 mg analgesic tablets (e.g. Paracetamol);

(i) 1 pair of rustless, stainless metal scissors measuring at least 10 cm with a sharp and a blunt point;

(j) 1 pair of tweezers for removing foreign objects;

(k) 12 rustless stainless metal safety pins of assorted sizes;

(l) 1 small packet of silica gel;

(m) 3 units of 30 ml applications each of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (for irrigating eyes);

(n) 10 small antiseptic cleaning wipes;

(o) 1 mouldable wire splint approximately 10 cm by 60 cm;

(p) Simple first-aid instructions, including instructions:

(i) for the use of the outfit’s contents and narcotic drugs, printed on a durable surface, in English; and

(b) with the words: ‘Silica gel is included as a drying agent – do not remove – not to be taken’;

(q) 1 resuscitation shield;

(r) 5 pairs of disposable gloves.

Notes to Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014

Note 1

Note: Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014 (in force under subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act 2012) as shown in this compilation comprises Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014 amended as indicated in the following tables.

Note: > Note: Table of

Orders

Year and number	Registration date	FRLI number	Commencement date
Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014 (MO 2014/17)	20 November 2014	F2014L01564	1 December 2014
Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) Amendment 2016 (No. 1) (MO 2016/8)	21 June 2016	F2016L01048	1 July 2016
Marine Orders (Navigation Act) Administrative Amendment Order 2017(MO 2017/5)	10 October 2017	F2017L01336	11 October 2017
Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 27 — consequential changes) Order 2023 (MO 2023/10)	12 December 2023	F2023L01657	1 January 2024

Note: > Note: Table of amendments

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="width:425.25pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmendHead" style="margin-right:0pt"><span>ad. = added or inserted</span><span> </span><span>am. = amended</span><span> </span><span>rep. = repealed</span><span> </span><span>rs. = repealed and substituted</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableColHead"><span>Provision affected</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableColHead"><span>How affected</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>1A</span><span style="width:102.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">..................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt"><span>rep. </span><span style="font-style:italic">Legislation Act 2003</span><span>, s. 48D</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>1B</span><span style="width:102.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">..................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt"><span>rep. </span><span style="font-style:italic">Legislation Act 2003</span><span>, s. 48C</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>2</span><span style="width:108.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>am. MO 2016/8</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>4</span><span style="width:108.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>am. MO 2017/5; am. MO2023/10</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>12</span><span style="width:103.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>am. MO 2016/8</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>24</span><span style="width:103.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>am. MO 2016/8</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>30</span><span style="width:103.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>rs. MO 2017/5</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>33</span><span style="width:103.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>rs. MO 2017/5</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>45</span><span style="width:103.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>rs. MO 2016/8</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>48</span><span style="width:103.39pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">...................</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>am. MO2023/10</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:78.6pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-left:0pt; text-indent:0pt"><span>Schedule 1</span><span style="width:68.36pt; font-family:'Lucida Console', monospace; display:inline-block">............</span></p></td><td style="width:335.85pt; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.4pt; padding-left:5.4pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="TableOfAmend" style="margin-right:0pt; margin-bottom:3pt"><span>am. MO 2016/8, am. MO 2017/5</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

1 Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014

Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014

made under the Navigation Act 2012

Compilation no. 3

Compilation date: 1 January 2024

This compilation was prepared on 28 February 2024 taking into account amendments up to Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 27 — consequential changes) Order 2023

Prepared by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Division 1 Preliminary

1 Name of Order

2 Purpose

3 Power

4 Definitions

5 Meaning of certain expressions

6 Application

7 Exemptions

8 Equivalents

9 Transitional — previous approvals

10 Pre–1998 vessels — transitional

Division 2 Foreign vessels

11 Application of Division 2

12 Foreign vessels to which Chapter III applies

13 Foreign vessels to which Chapter III does not apply

14 Foreign vessels — damage or alteration to equipment

Division 3 Equipment — general

15 Replacement of survival craft

16 Additional appliances or equipment

17 Damage to appliances or equipment

18 Alteration or defacement of labels or markings on appliances or equipment

19 Systems for manufacture, service and repair

20 Certificate of approval

21 Servicing of inflatable liferafts

22 Approval of servicing stations

Division 4 Requirements for cargo vessels at least 500 GT and for all passenger vessels

23 Application of Division 4

24 Vessels other than passenger vessels certified Class 1D or 1E

25 Passenger vessels certified Class 1D or 1E

26 Additional requirements

Division 5 Requirements for cargo vessels less than 500 GT

Subdivision 5.1 Vessels certified as Class 2D or 2E

27 Application of Subdivision 5.1

28 Cargo vessels certified Class 2D or 2E

Subdivision 5.2 Vessels certified as Class 2C

29 Application of Subdivision 5.2

30 Cargo vessels certified Class 2C — survival craft and rescue boats

31 Cargo vessels certified Class 2C — all other equipment

The Order’s central concepts are the incorporation of SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code, the delegation of technical approvals to issuing bodies, the allocation of duties to owners and masters, and the tiered, size-and-class based approach to equipment requirements.

Incorporation of international instruments: The Order is explicitly designed to give effect to SOLAS and the LSA Code (s 2(a); s 3(1)(c)). Where the international instruments require approval by “the Administration”, the Order treats AMSA as the Administration for regulated Australian vessels, but allows issuing bodies to perform approvals in practice, subject to limits (see s 5(1)-(2); s 20). Many provisions require compliance with SOLAS/LSA provisions “other than” specified regulations (s 12, s 24), and Schedule 1 and the textual notes identify specific SOLAS, LSA and IMO instruments that provide technical performance standards.
Owners’ and masters’ responsibilities: The statutory duty-structure places compliance obligations on the owner or master of a vessel to ensure prescribed equipment is carried, that appliances are serviced and maintained and that approved systems are in place for manufacture, service and repair (ss 19, 21, 23-26, 47, 52). For example, s 21 imposes an obligation on the owner or master to ensure inflatable liferafts are serviced by an approved servicing station, with a 50 penalty unit criminal fine for non-compliance.
Approval and issuing bodies: The regime centralises technical approvals through issuing bodies, who may issue certificates of approval, servicing station certificates and must comply with testing standards identified in the Order (s 20, s 22). AMSA retains oversight, including power to revoke approvals where AMSA is satisfied the appliance no longer complies (s 20(3)), and exclusive power in specific cases (extended liferafts , s 20(5)).
Class and size triggers: Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the Order sets differentiated equipment obligations based on vessel type, gross tonnage and class certification (ss 23-26, 27-36, 49-51). For example, Division 4 applies to passenger vessels and cargo vessels of at least 500 GT (s 23), while Division 5 addresses cargo vessels under 500 GT and breaks them down into classes 2A-2E with tailored survival craft and equipment rules (ss 27-37).
Prescriptive technical requirements: The Order sets precise minimums for lifesaving appliances , numbers and types of lifebuoys (s 38 and table), lifejackets (s 39), immersion suits (s 40), rocket parachute flares (s 42), emergency electrical installations (s 44), and detailed configurations of lifeboats and liferafts by vessel length and class (ss 33-36). Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 supply additional prescriptive standards such as narcotic drug packs, EPIRB standards, and first aid kit contents.
Strict liability and civil penalties: Several contraventions are expressed as strict liability offences (for example ss 17-18, 21, 25, 28, 31, 52). Civil penalty liability is also attached to the same conduct, providing both criminal penalties and civil enforcement alternatives (see ss 17(3), 18(3), 21(3), and others).
Administrative discretion: Exemptions and equivalents are available on application to AMSA under the processes set out in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 (see ss 7-8 and the notes). AMSA may grant exemptions if compliance would be unnecessary or unreasonable and would not contravene SOLAS (s 7(2)). Equivalents are conditional on being “at least as effective” and not contravening SOLAS (s 8(2)(a)-(b)).

The definitions section (s 4) sets terms such as “lifesaving appliance”, “lifesaving equipment”, “proper use”, “GT” and “LSA Code”. Notable definitional mechanics include the treatment of “Administration” and the requirement that approvals by issuing bodies apply only where the device meets the performance standard that applies at the time it is fitted (s 4(2), s 5(1)-(2)). The Order therefore combines technical prescription with procedural and administrative mechanisms to implement international lifesaving standards in an Australian regulatory architecture.

The Order allocates legal obligations and decision-making roles across several identifiable actors: owners and masters of vessels, regulated Australian vessels and certain foreign vessels, issuing bodies, AMSA, servicing stations and manufacturers/suppliers.

Owners and masters: The principal on‑the‑ground duty-holders are the owner and the master. Owners or masters must ensure that vessels carry the required lifesaving appliances and equipment, that appliances are serviced by approved stations (s 21), that manufacturing, servicing and repairs comply with approved systems (s 19), and that vessels have required plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the water (s 52). Where the vessel is a passenger vessel certified 1D or 1E, the owner or master must ensure the vessel complies with specified NSCV or pre-2008 USL Code provisions (s 25). Penalties for non-compliance (criminal and civil) are directed at persons who engage in prohibited conduct or fail to meet equipment duties; the repeated phrasing identifies “the owner or master” as the responsible party for many positive obligations (for instance s 21, s 24, s 26, s 28, s 31, s 52).
Regulated Australian vessels and foreign vessels: The Order applies primarily to regulated Australian vessels (s 6(1)(a)). It applies also to foreign vessels as set out in Division 2 (ss 11-14). If Chapter III of SOLAS applies to a foreign vessel, the vessel must comply with Chapter III except for specified Regulations (s 12). If Chapter III does not apply, the foreign vessel must carry relevant certificates or documents issued by its own administration (s 13). Sections 17 and 18 (prohibiting damage and alteration to lifesaving appliances and labels) apply to foreign vessels as if they were regulated Australian vessels (s 14).
Issuing bodies: Technical approvals and certification are intended to be carried out by issuing bodies (s 20). An issuing body may issue certificates of approval for an appliance or kind of equipment (s 20(1)), may renew certificates, and may issue servicing station certificates (s 22(4)-(5)). Issuing bodies also have responsibilities to ensure approvals are based on compliance with the Order or on passing specified IMO testing standards (s 20(4)).
AMSA: AMSA plays both an oversight and decision role. AMSA is identified as the Administration for regulated Australian vessels (s 5(1)(a)), may make Marine Orders (s 3(4) , Navigation Act), may approve servicing stations in certain circumstances (s 22(3)), and may revoke certificates of approval where AMSA is satisfied the appliance no longer complies (s 20(3)). AMSA also conducts exemption and equivalent decision-making under processes set out in Marine Order 1 (s 7, s 8).
Servicing stations and service providers: Servicing stations for inflatable liferafts must be approved (s 22). A service provider with an issued servicing station certificate must display the servicing station certificate and any manufacturer training certificates prominently on the premises (s 22(4)-(6)). The insured working relationship among owner/master, servicing station and issuing body governs legal compliance for liferaft servicing (s 21).
Manufacturers and suppliers: The Order affects manufacturers through testing and approval requirements (s 20(4)), the requirement to use approved systems for manufacture and repair (s 19), and the technical standards imposed in Schedule 1 (for example standards for EPIRBs and rescue devices). Novel designs must pass relevant IMO prototype testing or equivalent tests before being approved by an issuing body (s 20(4)(b)(ii)).
Crews and passengers: Although the Order’s legal duties sit with owners and masters, crewmembers and passengers are affected operationally , for example, lifejackets for all persons certified to be carried must be provided (s 39) and recovery plans must be in place (s 52). The definition of “proper use” (s 4) protects legitimate training and maintenance activity, but the strict liability offences for damage to appliances (s 17) and alteration of labels (s 18) mean that crew conduct that damages equipment outside proper use exposes the responsible person to criminal and civil penalties.

Costs and compliance burdens are therefore distributed: owners and masters bear capital and operating costs to fit, service and maintain approved appliances; issuing bodies and AMSA bear administrative and oversight costs; servicing stations bear accreditation and display obligations; manufacturers must meet testing standards and certification. Foreign administrations and their registered vessels are affected to the extent SOLAS applies to them or where they must carry their home administration records under s 13. The Order’s incorporation of external standards and reliance on issuing bodies means compliance requires coordination across technical, administrative and operational actors.

The Order establishes concrete duties for owners/masters, obligations for issuing bodies and AMSA, and rights to administrative relief such as exemptions and equivalents. These manifest as positive duties, approval processes and limited enforcement protections.

Duties of owners and masters

Fit and carry required equipment: Owners and masters must ensure their vessel carries lifesaving appliances and equipment required by the relevant Division or Schedule for the vessel’s class and size. For example, Division 4 applies to passenger vessels and cargo vessels of at least 500 GT (s 23), and the owner or master must ensure compliance with Chapter III requirements except where noted (s 24), with additional Schedule 1 requirements (s 26).
Manufacture, service and repair systems: The owner must ensure lifesaving appliances are manufactured, serviced and repaired in accordance with systems approved by an issuing body (s 19). This imposes a systems-based obligation rather than a simple item-by-item check.
Servicing of inflatable liferafts: Inflatable liferafts installed on the vessel must be serviced by an approved servicing station, enforced by a criminal penalty and civil penalty exposure (s 21). The offence is strict liability (s 21(2)) and civil penalty is specified at 50 penalty units (s 21(3)).
Record, stowage and emergency arrangements: Owners/masters must ensure stowage, launching and recovery arrangements comply with Chapter III regulations as applicable (s 46), maintain lifesaving signals (s 45), and ensure recovery plans per Regulation 17-1 of Chapter III (s 52). Survival craft arrangements are tied to vessel length and class (ss 33-36).
Equipment specifics: Owners/masters must provide lifejackets for each person the vessel is certified to carry, including children under 32 kg (s 39). Lifejackets for adults must fit persons up to 140 kg and chest measurement 1 750 mm, or have accessories to do so (s 39(2)). Lifebuoy numbers and fittings are specified by vessel length table (s 38). Distress signals, immersion suits, alarms and emergency electrical installations have defined thresholds (ss 40-44).

Duties and powers of issuing bodies and AMSA

Issuing bodies may issue certificates of approval for appliances, equipment or arrangements (s 20(1)), issue servicing station certificates (s 22(4)), renew approvals (s 20(2)) and are expected to rely on specified testing standards, including IMO testing recommendations or equivalent tests (s 20(4)). Issuing bodies must ensure servicing stations service liferafts per IMO Resolution A.761(18) or, in limited circumstances, AMSA may approve a station that is not manufacturer-accredited (s 22(3)).
AMSA’s discrete powers include revoking certificates of approval if AMSA is satisfied the appliance no longer complies (s 20(3)), approving servicing stations where manufacturer accreditation is lacking but necessary (s 22(3)), and being the decision-maker for exemptions and equivalents under the test of being unnecessary or unreasonable or “at least as effective” respectively (ss 7-8). AMSA is also specifically the approving authority for inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals (s 20(5)).

Rights to exemptions and equivalents

Owners may apply for exemptions from requirements if compliance would be unnecessary or unreasonable and would not contravene SOLAS (s 7(1)-(2)). The application process is governed by Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 (s 7 note).
Owners may apply to AMSA for approval to use an equivalent instead of a specified requirement, but AMSA may approve only if the equivalent is at least as effective and approving it would not contravene SOLAS (s 8(1)-(2)).
Transitional rights: Appliances approved under previous Marine Orders or that complied with pre-1998 Part 25 arrangements in certain circumstances are treated as complying with the Order (ss 9-10).

Enforcement duties and sanctions

Criminal offences with 50 penalty unit fines: The Order sets out criminal offences such as damaging lifesaving appliances (s 17), altering or defacing labels (s 18), failing to ensure passenger vessel equipment conformity for Classes 1D/1E (s 25), obligations for cargo vessels in certain classes (ss 28, 31) and recovery plan failures (s 52). The text explicitly labels multiple of these offences as strict liability (see s 17(2), s 18(2), s 21(2), s 25(2), s 28(2), s 31(3), s 52(4)).
Civil penalties: Parallel civil penalty exposures mirror some criminal provisions, for instance ss 17(3), 18(3), 21(3) and others specify a 50 penalty unit civil penalty.
Revocation power: AMSA may cause revocation of issuing body approvals where AMSA is satisfied non-compliance exists (s 20(3)), which imposes practical consequences for owners and issuing bodies dependent on approvals.

Operational rights and constraints

Approval conditions: Issuing bodies may only approve appliances that comply with the Order or have passed the IMO testing standards or equivalent tests listed (s 20(4)). For novel designs, the specific IMO Code for prototypes applies (s 20(4)(b)(ii)).
Display obligations: Servicing stations that receive a servicing station certificate must ensure certificates and manufacturer-issued training certificates are prominently displayed (s 22(6)).
Exemption and equivalence process: The Marine Order 1 process gives applicants rights to seek further information, have time for consideration, face conditions on approval and request review of decisions (s 7 note). The Order itself does not set timeframes but delegates procedural specifics to Marine Order 1.

Documentary and technical interfaces

The Order creates cross‑cutting obligations to register and to meet standards, such as EPIRBs registered with AMSA and meeting AS/NZS 4280.1:2017 or an AMSA-approved alternative (Schedule 1 cl 10(1)(b)(ii)-(iii)), and liferaft marking obligations (Schedule 1 cl 10(2)-(3)). The rights to use equivalents are constrained by the international obligation not to contravene SOLAS.

In sum, the Order places operational duties on owners/masters, technical duties on issuing bodies and manufacturers, oversight duties on AMSA and gives procedural rights to seek exemptions and equivalents under defined substantive tests. Sanctions are immediate and in several instances strict liability, creating a regime that is both technical and administratively enforceable.

The Order combines criminal offences, civil penalties and administrative enforcement powers. Enforcement is both rule-based through fixed monetary penalties and discretionary through approvals, revocations and exemption/equivalence decisions.

Monetary penalties and strict liability

Fixed offence penalties: Several contraventions attract a criminal penalty of 50 penalty units. Examples include causing damage to lifesaving appliances or equipment outside “proper use” (s 17), altering or defacing labels or markings (s 18), failure to have inflatable liferafts serviced by an approved station (s 21), failure of passenger vessels certified Class 1D or 1E to meet equipment provisions (s 25), failures by cargo vessels in Classes 2D/2E and 2C/2A/2B to carry the required equipment (ss 28, 31), and failure to have recovery plans per Regulation 17-1 of Chapter III where applicable (s 52).
Civil penalties: Parallel civil penalty liabilities of 50 penalty units are explicitly specified for many of the same contraventions (see e.g. ss 17(3), 18(3), 21(3), 25(3), 28(4), 31(4), 52(5)). This dual regime allows enforcement by civil remedy in addition to criminal prosecution, consistent with broader Navigation Act enforcement practice under which civil pecuniary penalties are an enforcement tool.

Strict liability classification

Several offences are strict liability offences, which affects evidentiary burdens , for example sections 17(2), 18(2), 21(2), 25(2), 28(2), 31(3) and 52(4) state explicitly that the offences are strict liability. The Order therefore lowers prosecutorial evidentiary thresholds for those contraventions, making the mere occurrence of the prohibited conduct, absent a statutory defence, sufficient for conviction or civil liability. At least for these provisions, fault is not an element.

Administrative enforcement and oversight

Issuing bodies’ role: Issuing bodies have the power to issue certificates of approval and servicing station certificates (s 20(1); s 22(4)-(5)). Certificates may be renewed or revoked, and the issuing body may revoke only where AMSA is satisfied that the appliance no longer complies (s 20(2)-(3)). This creates an administrative enforcement lever: revocation of approvals effectively withdraws the compliance certification on which owners/managers rely.
AMSA’s oversight: AMSA exercises supervisory and decision-making authority over exemptions and equivalents (ss 7-8). AMSA also approves servicing stations where lack of manufacturer accreditation would otherwise prevent approval but AMSA considers approval necessary (s 22(3)). AMSA also stands as the Administration for regulated Australian vessels for the purposes of SOLAS obligations (s 5(1)(a)), which places AMSA at the centre of international compliance and enforcement.
Crafted administrative checks: Servicing stations must display servicing station certificates and manufacturer training certificates prominently (s 22(6)), providing a visible compliance cue to inspectors and owners. Record-keeping and equipment annexes to safety certificates determine the number of persons for whom lifesaving appliances must be provided (s 5(5)), anchoring enforcement to documentary evidence.

Interaction with external enforcement systems

Foreign vessel enforcement: For foreign vessels to which Chapter III applies, the vessel must comply with Chapter III except for specific Regulations (s 12). If Chapter III does not apply, the foreign vessel must carry its administration’s certificates concerning lifesaving equipment (s 13). The Order also applies ss 17 and 18 to foreign vessels as if they were regulated Australian vessels (s 14), directly subjecting foreign crews and operators in Australian jurisdictional waters to the damage/defacement prohibitions and their penalties.
Reliance on external standards for proof: Approval and enforcement will frequently turn on compliance with SOLAS, LSA Code, and IMO testing resolutions incorporated by reference (s 20(4) and Schedule 1). Enforcement may therefore depend on technical testing outcomes and conformity with international testing standards.

Practical enforcement mechanics and risks

Inspection and decision review: The Order refers to Marine Order 1 for the application process, for notification and for review of decisions regarding exemptions and equivalents (s 7 note). While the Order itself sets penalties and duties, the practical enforcement pathway will commonly begin with port inspections, issuing body certifications and AMSA administrative action. The Order’s strict liability framing increases the immediacy of enforcement risk for owners and masters, particularly for damage or improper handling of equipment: for example a crew member who causes damage to lifesaving appliances outside “proper use” can trigger criminal or civil enforcement without the need for the prosecution to prove mens rea (s 17).
Revocation and operational consequences: Revocation of a certificate of approval (s 20(3)) can lead to immediate non-compliance exposure for vessels that rely on the certificate to meet the Order’s requirements. Owners must therefore monitor the status of approvals and be cognisant that AMSA can trigger revocations.

In short, enforcement under the Order is a mix of prescriptive financial penalties, strict liability offences, administrative controls through issuing bodies and AMSA, and reliance on documentary proof of compliance with international technical standards. The combination of criminal and civil penalties, and the strict liability framing on key duties, places a compliance premium on proactive maintenance, accurate records and timely approvals.

Marine Order 25 is expressly designed to operate within a network of international instruments and domestic Marine Orders, and to leverage the Navigation Act 2012 as its parent enabling statute. Its interactions are both hierarchical and functional, involving SOLAS/LSA, other Marine Orders (notably Marine Orders 1, 21, 49 and 50), AS/NZS standards, and the broader Navigation Act enforcement regime.

Primary statutory basis and delegation

Navigation Act 2012: The Order is made under the Navigation Act 2012. Section 3 of the Order lists the enabling provisions under the Act, such as paragraphs 339(2)(b) and (g) and paragraph 340(1)(a) which permit regulations for distress signalling and lifesaving equipment and to give effect to SOLAS (s 3(1)(a)-(c)). Subsections 339(1), 341(1) and 342(1) of the Navigation Act are referenced for the regulations, penalties and AMSA’s power to make Marine Orders (s 3(2)-(4)). This situates the Order as an instrument exercising delegated regulatory power under the Navigation Act.

Interaction with other Marine Orders and domestic codes

Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013: Procedural matters including applying for exemptions and equivalents, notification, conditions on approvals and review of decisions are governed by Marine Order 1, which is directly referenced in ss 7-8 and in several notes. This means that procedures and administrative review rights for exemptions/equivalents are not in MO25 itself but in MO1.
Marine Order 21 (Safety and emergency arrangements) 2016: The Order carves out certain Chapter III regulations and directs that Marine Order 21 gives effect to those regulations for regulated Australian vessels (ss 12 note; s 24 note). Specifically, s 12(1) exempts foreign vessels from certain Chapter III regulations which Marine Order 21 covers for regulated Australian vessels, creating a domestic partitioning of responsibilities between Marine Orders.
Marine Orders 49 and 50: Section 6(3) preserves the primacy of prescribed high-speed craft and special purpose vessel codes where they are inconsistent with this Order. Vessels certified under those codes may be taken to comply with MO25 if they comply with the applicable code.

International instruments and standards

SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code: The Order often requires compliance with Chapter III “other than” named Regulations (s 12), and incorporates LSA Code provisions either directly or by reference in Schedule 1. When the Order requires approvals by the “Administration” in SOLAS or the LSA Code, the Order interprets that term as AMSA for regulated Australian vessels but requires certain approvals to be made by issuing bodies in practice (s 5(1)-(2)).
IMO resolutions and testing standards: Approval criteria for appliances and testing requirements reference IMO Resolution MSC.81(70) on testing, IMO Resolution A.520(13), MSC.1/Circ.1328 for extended liferaft service intervals and other IMO instruments (s 20(4)-(5); Schedule 1). The Order thereby embeds dynamic external standards into domestic regulation, requiring owners and issuing bodies to maintain awareness of amendments to those instruments.
Australian and international technical standards: The Order mandates specific national standards in places, for example AS/NZS 4280.1:2017 for EPIRBs in liferafts (Schedule 1 cl 10(1)(b)(iii)(A)), and references ISO/IEC testing standards for radar SARTs and AIS‑SARTs (Schedule 1 cl 7 notes). These references create cross-compliance obligations between the Order and technical standards bodies.

Regulatory overlap and allocation of responsibilities

Shared regulatory space: The Order interacts with other regulatory domains such as maritime safety, occupational safety, environmental protection (via cargo and tankers), and therapeutic goods law. For example, Schedule 1 Division 1 cl 2 requires that any narcotic drugs or first-aid outfit goods that are therapeutic goods under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 must comply with the standards under that Act. This creates an intersection where compliance requires satisfying maritime equipment rules and pharmaceutical regulatory standards.
Foreign vessels and recognition of foreign certificates: For foreign vessels, the Order defers to the administration of the vessel’s flag state where Chapter III does not apply (s 13). Where Chapter III applies, foreign vessels must comply with Chapter III as applied by the Order (s 12). Sections 17 and 18 apply to foreign vessels as well (s 14), bringing certain domestic prohibitions to foreign vessels in Australian jurisdictional waters.

Enforcement framework

Criminal law and civil penalty regimes in the Navigation Act ecosystem: The Order’s penalties sit within the Navigation Act enforcement architecture , civil penalty procedures and prosecution paths under the Act are applicable (s 3(3) references s 341(1) of the Navigation Act for imposition of penalties). Administrative actions, such as revocation of approvals by issuing bodies at AMSA’s direction (s 20(3)), operate alongside criminal/civil sanctions.

Transitional and saving interactions

Transitional provisions and previous approvals: Appliances approved under prior Marine Orders and older compliance configurations are taken to comply under specified conditions (ss 9-10). This reduces friction where vessels already hold approvals under earlier instruments, and it indicates how MO25 was aligned with predecessor instruments.

In summary, MO25 is embedded in a layered regulatory and standards environment. Compliance requires attention to overlapping international obligations (SOLAS/LSA/IMO instruments), domestic Marine Orders (notably MO1 and MO21), national technical standards, AMSA oversight, and other statutory regimes such as the Therapeutic Goods Act where medical supplies are concerned. The Order delegates implementation detail to issuing bodies while preserving AMSA’s supervisory role.

The compilation materials identify the making and subsequent amendments of Marine Order 25. The key milestones and affected provisions are recorded in the compilation notes and the table of amendments included in the instrument.

Chronology and commencements

Original instrument: Marine Order 25 (Equipment , lifesaving) 2014 (MO 2014/17) was registered on 20 November 2014 and commenced on 1 December 2014 (Notes table).
Amendment 2016: Marine Order 25 Amendment 2016 (No. 1) (MO 2016/8) was registered 21 June 2016 and commenced 1 July 2016 (Notes table). The table of amendments records MO 2016/8 amending provisions including s 2, s 12, s 24, s 45 and Schedule 1 (as indicated in the amendments table).
Administrative amendment 2017: Marine Orders (Navigation Act) Administrative Amendment Order 2017 (MO 2017/5) registered 10 October 2017 and commenced 11 October 2017 (Notes table). The amendments table records that MO 2017/5 repealed and substituted provisions including s 30 and s 33 and amended Schedule 1 among others.
Consequential changes 2023: Marine Orders Amendment (Marine Order 27 , consequential changes) Order 2023 (MO 2023/10) was registered 12 December 2023 and commenced 1 January 2024. The compilation notes state that this compilation takes into account amendments up to MO 2023/10, and lists that s 4 and s 48 were amended by MO2023/10 (am. MO2023/10).

Specific provision changes indicated in the amendments table

Sections noted as amended or repealed in the table include:
- s 2: amended by MO 2016/8 (table entry for Provision 2 , "am. MO 2016/8");
- s 4: amended by MO 2017/5 and MO 2023/10 (table entry indicates "am. MO 2017/5; am. MO2023/10");
- s 12: amended by MO 2016/8 ("am. MO 2016/8");
- s 24: amended by MO 2016/8 ("am. MO 2016/8");
- s 30: repealed and substituted by MO 2017/5 ("rs. MO 2017/5");
- s 33: repealed and substituted by MO 2017/5 ("rs. MO 2017/5");
- s 45: repealed and substituted by MO 2016/8 ("rs. MO 2016/8");
- s 48: amended by MO 2023/10 ("am. MO2023/10");
- Schedule 1: amended by MO 2016/8 and MO 2017/5 ("am. MO 2016/8, am. MO 2017/5").

Transitional provisions

The Order preserves prior approvals and allows transitional compliance for pre-1998 vessels subject to earlier Marine Orders (ss 9-10). Section 9 takes appliances and equipment approved under earlier Marine Order 25 instruments or Part 25 Issue 7 as approved under this Order where they were in service immediately before commencement. Section 10 treats appliances on pre-1 July 1998 constructed vessels that complied with Marine Orders Part 25 Issue 3 as complying with this Order, subject to section 15 where replacements or additions occur.

Compilation date and currency

The compilation note records that the compilation date is 1 January 2024 and that the compilation was prepared on 28 February 2024, taking into account amendments up to MO 2023/10. That identifies the legislative text as current to the start of 2024 for the purposes of this compilation.

Practical significance of amendments

The amendments reflected in the table include both technical substitutions (rs) and narrower amendments (am). The presence of repeals and substitutions of sections such as s 30 and s 33 indicates substantive redrafting affecting survival craft provisions for certain cargo vessel classes. Amendments to Schedule 1 and technical references (for example in s 4 and s 48) also indicate ongoing alignment with international standards and domestic codes.

For practitioners advising owners, issuing bodies or servicing stations, the amendment history shows the need to track Marine Order changes and their interactions with SOLAS/LSA/IMO instrument updates. The compilation and table make explicit which provisions were altered by particular Marine Order amendments, and the notes point users to Marine Order 1 for procedural and review processes relating to exemption and equivalent decisions.

The compilation of Marine Order 25 (Equipment , lifesaving) 2014 supplied here does not itself list any litigation or judicial decisions concerning the Order. The instrument contains no case law references and the accompanying notes do not record legal challenges or reported judicial interpretation of its provisions.

Matters that could give rise to litigation or administrative review

Revocation and administrative decisions: Section 20 provides that an issuing body may revoke a certificate of approval if AMSA is satisfied the appliance no longer complies. Decisions under Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 concerning exemptions and equivalents are the procedural pathway for review of AMSA decisions, as the Order’s notes indicate that Marine Order 1 covers notification and review of decisions (see s 7 note). Those administrative decisions are potential grounds for review in administrative tribunals or courts, subject to the procedural rights in Marine Order 1 and applicable judicial review principles. The Order therefore creates predictable administrative decision points that may be litigated or challenged if dissatisfied applicants or affected parties seek review.
Enforcement (strict liability): Several offences in the Order are strict liability (for example ss 17-18, 21, 25, 28, 31, 52). Strict liability offences reduce the prosecutorial burden of proof and can give rise to defences being litigated about the boundaries of “proper use” (s 4 definition). Challenges in court may focus on whether particular conduct fell within “proper use” such as maintenance or training, or on whether procedural requirements for notice and review were followed by AMSA or issuing bodies.
Interpretation of international standards and equivalence: The Order requires conformity with SOLAS, the LSA Code and various IMO testing recommendations or allows equivalents where AMSA is satisfied they are “at least as effective” (s 8(2)). Litigation may arise when parties contest whether a proposed equivalent is indeed “at least as effective” or whether some particular appliance meets the referenced international standard, especially where the technical evidence is complex and the applicable standards are updated over time.
Revocation effects and commercial consequences: Revocation by AMSA of an issuing body approval (s 20(3)) may have sizeable commercial impacts for vessel owners who relied on that approval to demonstrate compliance. That revocation could prompt administrative review or judicial challenges, especially where a vessel faces detention or commercial interruption as a result.

Absence of reported cases in the text and practical implications

Because the Order’s compilation contains no litigation history, practitioners must search case law databases and AMSA administrative records to determine whether particular provisions have been judicially tested. The lack of reported litigation in the instrument does not mean the Order is immune from legal challenge; rather it reflects that the compilation is legislative text only. Users should consult AMSA enforcement records, tribunal decisions and court judgments outside this compilation to identify any reported litigation.

Procedural rights and review pathways

The Order explicitly directs applicants for exemptions and equivalents to Marine Order 1 for the application process and for review of decisions (s 7 note). Marine Order 1 therefore contains procedural protections and review mechanisms which may be invoked by applicants dissatisfied with AMSA decisions. Where disputes progress beyond administrative review, judicial review in courts may be available in accordance with administrative law principles.

In sum, the instrument contains multiple decision points and enforcement provisions that are plausible loci for litigation or administrative review. The compilation contains no direct litigation history; practitioners should therefore consult external judicial and tribunal databases and AMSA records to determine whether particular provisions have been the subject of legal dispute.

The Order contains several technical traps and compliance pitfalls that can catch owners, masters, issuing bodies and servicing stations if not anticipated. These “gotchas” flow from strict liability framing, cross-references to external standards and separate approval pathways for particular items. Practitioners should pay attention to the following concrete mechanics.

Strict liability and “proper use”

Several offences are strict liability (for example ss 17(2), 18(2), 21(2), 25(2), 28(2), 31(3), 52(4)). A typical pitfall is misunderstanding the scope of “proper use” in s 4 which narrowly defines it to include (a) use in an emergency, (b) training for an emergency, and (c) maintenance or testing. Actions that damage a lifesaving appliance that do not fall clearly within maintenance, training or emergency contexts can attract criminal or civil liability without proof of intent. For instance, removing or disassembling a label or a lifejacket component during regular operations, if not part of maintenance or testing, could breach s 18.

Differences between issuing body approvals and AMSA approvals

Not all approvals are fungible. Section 5(2) states that where SOLAS/LSA require approval by the Administration, for a regulated Australian vessel that means approval by an issuing body. But s 20(5) reserves exclusive AMSA approval for inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals. The practical effect is that certain approvals cannot be delegated to issuing bodies, and owners must ensure AMSA-issued approvals where the Order requires it. Confusion over who must approve an item is a common compliance risk.

Extended service interval liferafts

The Order imposes a specific requirement that only AMSA may issue or renew certificates of approval for inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals (s 20(5)(a)), and that such liferafts will only be approved in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1328 guidelines (s 20(5)(b)). Owners relying on extended service intervals must ensure AMSA approval is obtained and that the liferaft meets the referenced IMO Circular. An incorrect assumption that an issuing body approval suffices is a trap.

EPIRB standards, registration and liferaft marking

Schedule 1 cl 10(1)(b) requires liferafts to have an EPIRB suitable for the vessel’s operational area, registered with AMSA, and meeting AS/NZS 4280.1:2017 or an AMSA‑approved alternative. Liferaft EPIRBs not registered with AMSA or not meeting the stated standard will not satisfy the Order. Additionally, cl 10(2)-(3) requires liferafts that meet the LSA Code as varied by the Order to be marked ‘SOLAS A PACK’ or other appropriate marking if AMSA exercises certain discretions. Failure to mark liferafts correctly can complicate compliance verification during inspection.

Interplay with NSCV and pre‑2008 USL Code

Several provisions permit compliance via subsection 7A of Part C of the NSCV for vessels constructed after 30 September 2008 or upgraded in service, but allow pre-2008 USL Code compliance for other vessels (see ss 25(1), 28(1), 31(1)). This creates an administrative complexity: determining whether a vessel’s construction or upgrade date triggers NSCV obligations or allows USL Code compliance. Misreading a vessel’s class or construction/upgrade date risks applying the wrong standard.

Counting persons and equipment capacity

Section 5(5) takes the number of persons a vessel is certified to carry as the number of persons for whom lifesaving appliances are provided as mentioned in the record of equipment annexed to the vessel’s passenger ship safety certificate, cargo ship safety equipment certificate or certificate of survey. Owners who attempt to calculate required liferaft or lifejacket capacity based on a different crew/passenger list, rather than the record of equipment, risk non-compliance. For example, liferaft capacity calculations in ss 33-36 depend on that certified number.

Servicing station accreditation and display obligations

Servicing stations must be approved by an issuing body, and the service provider must display the servicing station certificate and any manufacturer training certificates prominently (s 22(4)-(6)). Servicing stations that are not manufacturer-accredited may be approved by AMSA only where necessary (s 22(3)). A servicing station that fails to display required certificates or that services liferafts without approval exposes both itself and owners who rely on its services to compliance failures.

Rescue boat stowage on tank deck and safety systems

Schedule 1 cl 5 prohibits stowage of rescue boats on a tanker’s tank deck unless AMSA is satisfied with placement away from hazardous areas, diesel power, gas detection and intrinsically safe installation. Owners of tankers wishing to stow a rescue boat on the tank deck must obtain AMSA satisfaction before doing so; otherwise s 5(1) applies as a prohibition. Attempting retrofitting without AMSA clearance is a compliance risk.

Transitional rights and replacement rules

Section 15 contains a narrow transitional rule for replacement of survival craft and launching appliances: replacements are taken to comply only where they are the same make and model as the item replaced and either replaced without replacing its launching appliance or vice versa (s 15(2)). Owners who replace liferafts or launching appliances with different models may thereby inadvertently trigger full compliance requirements and potential non-conformity.

Foreign vessels and applicability of Chapter III

For foreign vessels, Chapter III applies in a specific way (s 12), and certain Chapter III Regulations are handled by Marine Order 21 for regulated Australian vessels (s 12 note; s 24 note). Foreign operators must determine whether Chapter III applies and whether their own administration’s certificates are sufficient under s 13. Failure to correctly classify the foreign vessel’s status under SOLAS and this Order is a practical trap at inspection.

“Proper use” as a defence is narrow

The definition of “proper use” in s 4 is limited to emergencies, training and maintenance/testing. Claims of “routine use” or ad hoc adjustments are unlikely to qualify. Because several offences are strict liability, the narrowness of the proper use definition is a frequent source of unexpected exposure when equipment is unintentionally damaged or altered.

Collectively, these “gotchas” turn on the Order’s mix of technical prescription, strict liability enforcement, cross-references to external instruments and divided approval responsibilities. They underline the need for owners and managers to maintain rigorous records, seek AMSA and issuing body advice where there is doubt, and ensure servicing stations and certificates are current and displayed.

Compliance with Marine Order 25 requires a practical programme addressing approvals, inventory and capacity, servicing, documentation, training and liaison with issuing bodies and AMSA. Below are concrete steps and checklists grounded in the Order’s provisions.

Identify applicable provisions for your vessel

Determine whether the vessel is a regulated Australian vessel or a foreign vessel to which Division 2 applies (s 6(1); ss 11-13). Ascertain vessel class and certification (e.g. passenger Class 1D/1E; cargo Class 2A-2E; fishing Class 3A) and gross tonnage, and confirm the vessel’s construction date and whether it was upgraded in service (s 6(2); ss 23, 27, 32).
Use the record of equipment annexed to the vessel’s safety certificate to determine the number of persons for whom lifesaving appliances must be provided (s 5(5)).

Fit and mark required equipment according to class and size

For vessels to which Division 4 applies (passenger vessels and cargo vessels ≥500 GT), ensure compliance with Chapter III requirements other than the specifically excluded Regulations as noted, and meet Schedule 1 additional requirements (ss 23-26; Schedule 1).
For cargo vessels <500 GT certificated 2A-2E, follow the survival craft and other equipment rules in Division 5 (ss 27-36). Pay special attention to lifeboat and liferaft capacity and stowage rules by vessel length (ss 33-36).
Provide lifejackets for every person certified to be carried, including suitable jackets for persons under 32 kg, and ensure adult lifejackets meet sizing requirements (s 39). Check Schedule 1 cl 9 for lifejacket type rules and illustrated donning information where multiple types are carried.
Ensure lifebuoys meet the table requirements in s 38 according to vessel length, including self‑igniting lights, smoke signals and buoyant lines where specified.

Secure approvals and certificates

For lifesaving appliances, obtain certificates of approval from an issuing body where required (s 20(1)-(2)). Ensure the issuing body bases approvals on compliance with MO25 or the relevant IMO testing recommendations (s 20(4)).
For inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals, apply to AMSA for the specific certificate of approval required under s 20(5) and ensure compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1328.
For servicing stations, ensure the servicing station is approved by an issuing body or, where manufacturer accreditation is not available, seek AMSA approval under s 22(3). Obtain and display servicing station certificates and manufacturer training certificates as required by s 22(6).

Establish approved systems for manufacture, service and repair

Owners must ensure appliances are manufactured, serviced and repaired under systems approved by an issuing body (s 19). Liaise with issuing bodies to establish and document these systems, and keep records of service schedules and approvals.

Liferaft servicing and EPIRBs

Ensure inflatable liferafts are serviced only by an approved servicing station (s 21). Confirm servicing intervals, battery replacements for EPIRBs and SARTs per Schedule 1 cl 7, including replacing batteries if expiry occurs before the next scheduled service.
Fit liferafts with EPIRBs that are suitable for the operational area, registered with AMSA and compliant with AS/NZS 4280.1:2017 or an AMSA-approved alternative (Schedule 1 cl 10(1)(b)).

Maintenance, testing and training

Integrate the “proper use” definition into training and maintenance policies (s 4). Document maintenance, testing and training activities to demonstrate that damage or label alterations were for maintenance or testing to avoid strict liability exposure under ss 17-18.
For recovery from the water, ensure compliance with Regulation 17-1 of Chapter III by having documented plans and procedures in place (s 52). For vessels constructed before 1 July 2014, ensure compliance from the date of the next renewal or periodic survey as specified (s 52(3)).

Records, marking and stowage

Maintain the record of equipment annexed to safety certificates, and use it to calculate required capacities (s 5(5)). Ensure liferafts are marked as ‘SOLAS A PACK’, ‘SOLAS B PACK’ or ‘SOLAS B+ PACK’ where relevant (Schedule 1 cl 10(2)-(3)). Ensure additional lifejackets required under Schedule 1 cl 8(1) are stored in float-free lockers meeting the listed conditions (cl 8(3)(a)-(d)).

Engage with AMSA and issuing bodies for exemptions or equivalents

If a requirement is unnecessary or unreasonable in your vessel’s particular circumstances, apply to AMSA for an exemption under s 7. If you seek to use an alternative solution, apply for approval of an equivalent under s 8, ensuring you can demonstrate the alternative is “at least as effective” as the specified requirement and does not contravene SOLAS. Follow the application process in Marine Order 1.

Monitor standards and amendment risk

Keep abreast of changes to SOLAS Chapter III, the LSA Code, relevant IMO resolutions (identified in s 4 notes and s 20), AS/NZS standards, and amendments to Marine Orders such as MO2016/8, MO2017/5 and MO2023/10. The Order ties approval and compliance to instruments that evolve; plan for periodic review and re-certification where required.

Inspection readiness and compliance audit

Maintain documentation of approval certificates, servicing records, EPIRB registration, training records and evidence of compliance with testing standards. Because many offences are strict liability and enforcement can be immediate, treat inspections as predictable and prepare documentary proof of compliance.
For servicing stations and service providers, ensure required certificates are prominently displayed (s 22(6)) and that liferaft servicing follows IMO Resolution A.761(18) unless AMSA has approved an alternative (s 22(2)-(3)).

Special cargo vessel considerations

For tankers carrying cargoes emitting toxic vapours or with low flash points, ensure lifeboats comply with LSA Code sections 4.8 or 4.9 as required (s 37). For rescue boats stowed on tank decks, obtain AMSA satisfaction on placement, power source, gas detection and intrinsic safety before stowage (Schedule 1 cl 5).

First-aid outfit compliance

Ensure the first-aid outfit in liferafts and lifeboats meets Schedule 2 contents and container requirements and that medicinal goods comply with the Therapeutic Goods Act when applicable (Schedule 1 Division 1 cl 2; Schedule 2).

Implement governance and insurance checks

Formalise roles and responsibilities for owner, master and safety officer, and ensure insurance policies reflect compliance status and servicing arrangements. Where approvals are revoked or certificates lapse, have contingency plans to rectify and re-certify promptly.

By following these steps , identifying applicable provisions, securing correct approvals, implementing approved systems for manufacture and servicing, training crews on proper use and recovery procedures, registering EPIRBs, and maintaining documentary proof , owners and operators will address the primary compliance risks set out in Marine Order 25. Regular liaison with issuing bodies and AMSA is necessary where ambiguity exists or where exemptions/equivalents are sought.

Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014

Plain English Summary

Deep Dive

What it does

Current sections

Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Marine Order 25 (Equipment — lifesaving) 2014

Main concepts

Who it affects

Key duties and rights

Penalties and enforcement

How it interacts with other laws

Amendment history

Litigation history

Gotchas

How to comply