Regulations and standards

Definitions and provisions which generally apply to marine orders.

Requirements for seafarers working on and ships registered on the Australian International Shipping Register.

Transitional arrangements for marine orders made under the previous Navigation Act.

Improving standards for the welfare of seafarers.

Stable and mechanically sound vessels.

The construction and equipping of vessels to reduce fire risks.

Meeting load line requirements.

Carrying dangerous liquids and liquefied gases.

Enhancing maritime safety through additional survey and identification means.

Tonnage measurement and certificates.

Safety measures and emergency procedures

Lifesaving equipment regulations and the recovery of persons from the water.

Navigation and radio equipment, communication and emergency signals.

Watchkeeping standards, fatigue management and emergency operations.

Safe navigation of vessels to prevent collisions.

Surveys and certification of vessels.

Cargo handling equipment on vessels.

Vessels carrying grain.

Vessels carrying solid bulk cargo.

Safety of bulk carriers.

This marine order provides information about keeping dangerous goods safe.

Carriage, stowage and securing of cargoes and containers.

Vessels carrying livestock.

Keeping container ships safe.

Requirements for offshore industry units.

Requirements for high speed craft.

Special purpose vessels.

Requirements for fishing vessels on overseas voyages.

Yachts, super yachts and training vessels

Requirements for vessels travelling in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Guidance for coastal pilots and vessels requiring a coastal pilot.

Requirements for vessel carrying industrial personnel in Australia

Helicopters working from vessels.

Keeping vessels safe.

Ship tracking and reporting systems.

Provides the regulatory framework for vessel traffic services in Australia.

Seafarer certification and qualifications.

Qualify as a master or deck officer.

Qualify as an engineer.

Eligibility, training and experience needed to become a qualified rating.

Become a master or deck officer of an Australian regulated yacht.

Requirements for medical certificates.

Protecting the marine environment from oil pollution.

Protecting the marine environment from contaminating liquids and chemicals.

Protecting the marine environment from packaged harmful substances.

Protecting the marine environment from garbage.

Protecting the marine environment from sewage pollution.

Protecting the marine environment from air pollution.

Protecting aquatic organisms in our marine environment.

Link to the legislation on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Applying, displaying and communications about a unique vessel identifier.

Certificates of survey details.

Understand the legal requirements for domestic commercial vessels operating in Australian waters, including certificates of operation, crewing, and safety management systems.

Updated MO504
An updated version of Marine Order 504 came into effect on 1 June 2025. Read more about the changes.

General information about certificates of competency. 

How to apply, the conditions and how to vary a certificate.