Tuesday 8 July 2025

The revised Marine Order 28 (Operations standards and procedures) 2025 willcome into effect on 1 September 2025.
The changes will apply to seafarers working on regulated Australian vessels (RAVs), owners and operators of RAVs, and foreign vessels operating in Australian waters.
What’s new in Marine Order 28
- New alcohol limit provision: A new section gives full effect to alcohol provisions under the 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention and Code.
- Clearer and more consistent language: Provisions throughout the marine order have been clarified and reworded to better reflect STCW and SOLAS requirements.
- Modernised format and drafting style: The order has been restructured using contemporary drafting practices, with updated definitions and the removal of repetitive content to improve usability.
The updates ensure Australia’s regulations stay aligned with international standards while supporting safer and more effective maritime operations.
A public consultation on the proposed amendments was undertaken from October to December 2024.