We have been working to develop a nationally consistent and simplified qualifications framework that is relevant to a wide range of roles and operations, while maintaining safety standards.

We are now in the final stages of completing the review, preparing guidelines, transitional arrangements and related amendments to other legislative instruments.

We now invite industry to provide feedback on the proposed final draft marine order and the supporting guidelines.

The draft marine order contains a range of changes – some of which are a result of feedback industry provided during the 2019 consultation. Areas that have changed as a result of feedback in 2019 include:

• clarifying the operating limits and minimum training requirements to obtain a Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal certificate of competency (CoC)
• applying appropriate eligibility requirements and duties for the General Purpose Hand Near Coastal CoC
• detailing sea service requirements, including obtaining a CoC with and without a task book.

Following this final consultation, we aim to have the new domestic commercial vessel qualifications framework and amended Marine order 505 finalised, and ready to come into effect in 2022 with a suitable transition period.

The consultation closes 17 November 2021.