This consultation closed on 16 March 2026
What changes did we seek feedback on?
From 1 January 2026, amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XIV extend some Polar Code requirements to the following non-SOLAS vessels operating in polar waters:
- fishing vessels of 24 metres in length overall and above
- pleasure yachts of 300 gross tonnage and above not engaged in trade
- cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and above but below 500 gross tonnage.
We need to amend and reissue MO53 to give effect to these changes under Australia’s treaty obligations.
We also want to update the order to improve clarity, consistency with international standards, and usability.
This is a full review of MO53 and the first since it was introduced in 2016.
About Marine Order 53
Marine Order 53 (Vessels in polar waters) ensures vessels are certified to meet the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Polar Code survey requirements and operate safely in polar waters.
Key dates
16 February 2026 - Consultation open
15 March 2026 - Consultation closes
1 June 2026 - Proposed commencement of revised marine order
Who the changes apply to
- Regulated Commercial fishers
- International operators and crew
- Recreational vessel owners
- Industry bodies/groups
Proposed changes
Ice detection equipment
Requiring the following types of vessels to be equipped to visually detect ice when operating in darkness:
- fishing vessels of 24 metres in length overall and above
- pleasure yachts of 300 gross tonnage and above not engaged in trade
- cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and above but below 500 gross tonnage.
Ice information and navigation equipment
Requiring pleasure yachts of 500 gross tonnage and above not engaged in trade, to have:
- ice information
- navigational equipment for safe transiting in ice
- navigational systems that can function under expected environmental conditions.
Voyage plans
Requiring all vessels mentioned above to have voyage plans that consider potential hazards for the intended voyage.
Draft marine orders and change summary
- Draft Marine Order 53 PDF313.97 KB
- Draft Marine Order 31 Amendment (Marine Order 53 — consequential change) PDF204.96 KB
- Change summary PDF593.37 KB