New requirements for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches

We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 12 and Marine Order 32 that align requirements for lifting appliances and anchor handling with international standards.

About the changes

New requirements for lifting appliances and anchor-handling winches have been introduced in SOLAS Chapter II-1 under IMO Resolution MSC.532(107).  To align with these changes, we are updating Australian law. 

The main amendments are to Marine Order 12 (Construction—subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations), which sets standards for vessel construction and implements SOLAS Chapter II-1. Minor changes will also be made to Marine Order 32 (Cargo handling equipment) to ensure consistent application of the new requirements without overlap.

These updates will bring Australia’s requirements in line with international standards.

Key dates

12 January 2026: Consultation opens

8 February 2026: Consultation closes

1 April 2026: Consultation feedback report

1 May 2026: Amendments come into effect 

Who the changes apply to

  • Owners and operators of regulated Australian vessels (RAVs)  
  • Foreign-flagged vessels operating in Australian waters  
  • Seafarers and crew  

Draft marine order and summary of changes

Draft Marine Orders Miscellaneous Amendment 2026 PDF322.3 KB

Change summary and explanation PDF364.23 KB

Proposed changes

Changes to Marine Order 12

  • Define who is considered a competent person for:
    • testing and examining lifting appliances and anchor handling winches
    • determining and marking the safe working load
  • Introduce a new division covering requirements for lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and associated loose gear, including:
    • design, construction and installation
    • testing, examination and inspection
    • safe working load marking
    • record-keeping
    • managing inoperative equipment
  • Remove an outdated clause about lifting gear and machinery space cranes for non-classed vessels.

Changes to Marine Order 32

Make minor amendments to align with new requirements for:

  • determining and marking safe working load marking, and
  • testing, examining and inspecting lifting appliances. 

Have your say

AMSA welcomes your feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 12 and Marine Order 32.

You can submit feedback by:

  • making a submission using this online form
  • contacting AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484 - a Customer Service Officer will take your feedback over the phone
  • sending an email to consultation@amsa.gov.au.

Please submit your feedback by 8 February 2026.

Last updated: 12 January 2026

Please submit your feedback by midnight on 8 February 2026.

Your details

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Your submission

Proposed changes

Read the draft marine order and change summary and let us know your comments.

Please choose the stakeholder category that best reflects your role in the maritime industry. You can choose more than one category:
Seafarer: i.e. master, crew, skipper
i.e. shipping agent, naval architect, maritime surveyor
i.e. Vessel Traffic, Services providers, safety equipment supplier, maintenance provider
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