The major changes to Qualifying Sea Service (QSS) since 1 January 2023 are as follows:

  • The definitions for days of QSS have been clarified. This means that:
    • One day of QSS is defined as 8 hours of work on board a vessel.
    • Extra hours in a day (e.g. overtime) cannot be used to make up another day. For example, 10 hours is considered one day, and the extra 2 hours cannot be used to make up another day of QSS.
  • 24-hour days in voyages totalling over 20 days duration no longer count as additional days of QSS.
  • There are no restrictions on using older sea service towards QSS on initial applications.

For more details, contact AMSA Connect from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday Australia-wide, by calling 1800 627 484 or emailing AMSAConnect@amsa.gov.au.