We are seeking feedback on proposed changes to Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 (MO54). These updates aim to modernise coastal pilotage regulations by introducing competency-based standards, flexible entry pathways, and strengthening safety management systems.
About the changes
Marine order 54 sets out the requirements for:
- licensing pilotage providers and pilotage provider operations
- licensing coastal pilots and performance of pilotage duties
It also prescribes:
- compulsory pilotage areas
- required information for an exemption from the requirement to navigate with a pilot.
The proposed updates aim to modernise coastal pilotage regulations by focusing on competency-based standards, introducing flexible entry pathways, and strengthening safety management systems.
They also streamline licensing processes and enhance compliance and enforcement measures to maintain high safety standards and improve regulatory effectiveness.
Key dates
9 February 2026: Consultation opens
5 April 2026: Consultation closes
June 2026: Consultation feedback report
1 July 2026: Amendments come into effect
Who the changes apply to
- Coastal pilots
- Check pilots
- Pilotage providers
- Coastal pilotage training course providers
Key proposed changes
Update licensing and renewal requirements
- Move from time-served criteria to competency-based training for licensing coastal pilots
- Introduce mandatory check-pilot-specific courses and a Coastal Pilotage Proficiency Check
Introduce new training, CPD and alternative pathways
- Remove the trainee licence model
- Remove set sea-time and only master-certificate requirements
- Introduce alternative entry pathway for candidates with STCW A-II/1 (or Navy equivalent)
- Require competency-based training aligned to STCW A-II/2 for all pilots as a minimum
Strengthen risk management and safety management systems (SMS)
- Expand risk management content
- Mandate ISO31000 alignment
- Add clearer criteria for significant amendments
- Implement a structured three-tier audit and review program
- Policy and procedures for cybersecurity threats, drug and alcohol, carriage of Portable Pilotage Units
Streamline licensing framework
- Align licensing application and renewal framework aligned with AMSA processes
- Remove fixed licence durations for pilotage providers (conditional on maintaining an audited SMS)
- Introduce stricter licensing conditions for pilots and pilotage providers
Improve oversight and compliance
- Replace current demerit point system
- Expand enforcement powers, including immediate suspensions without a show-cause process
- Update procedures, improve data capture, and enhance assessment processes
Draft marine order and change summary
Draft marine order PDF629.8 KB
Have your say
AMSA welcomes your feedback on the proposed changes.
Feedback closes at midnight on 5 April 2026.
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.
Submit your feedback
Last updated: 9 December 2026