Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2026made under the Navigation Act 2012Compilation no. 1Compilation date: 22 September 2026This compilation was prepared on 22 September 2026 including amendment by Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) Amendment Order 2026Prepared by the Australian Maritime Safety AuthorityDivision 1 Preliminary1 Name of Marine Order2 Purpose3 Power4 Definitions5 Interpretation6 Application7 Review of decisionsDivision 2 Licensed pilotage providers8 Application for pilotage provider licence9 Licence issue — pilotage provider10 Licence conditions — pilotage provider11 Licence duration — pilotage providerDivision 3 Licensed pilots12 Application for pilot licence13 Licence issue — pilot14 Licence conditions — pilot15 Licence duration — pilotDivision 4 Dealing with licences16 Variation, suspension and revocation17 Requirements for variation, suspension or revocation — decisions on the initiative of AMSA18 Effect of suspensionDivision 5 Inquiry, compliance audit, approval and other powersSubdivision 5.1 Inquiry and audit19 Powers of inquiry20 Compliance audit power — coastal pilotage services21 Audit power — coastal pilotage training course22 Requirement to complySubdivision 5.2 Approvals and other powers23 Approval — provider for coastal pilotage training course24 Other approvals and equivalence determinations25 AMSA may notify certain information26 AMSA may give directionsDivision 6 Other prescribed matters27 Compulsory pilotage areas28 Prescribed information for application for exemption from requirement to navigate with a pilot29 Duties of licensed pilots and licensed pilotage providersDivision 7 Transitional provisions30 Licences31 TrainingSchedule 1 Safety management systemsSchedule 2 Pilotage provider licence conditionsSchedule 3 Pilot licence criteriaSchedule 4 Pilot licence conditionsSchedule 5 Check pilot licence conditionsDivision 1 Preliminary
A person who held a pilotage training course approval under Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014, whose approval was in force on 31 August 2026, is taken to be an approved training course provider under this Marine Order until the end of 31 August 2027.Schedule 1 Safety management systems(sections 4, 9, 10 and 29)1 Objective for safety management systemThe safety management system of the pilotage provider must support the safe provision of coastal pilotage services by providing a systematic framework for managing risks to navigation, persons, piloted vessels and the marine environment.2 Requirements for safety management systemThe safety management system of the pilotage provider must set out the following:(a) how the pilotage provider’s work practices are conducted to ensure safety including mitigating the following associated with the provision of coastal pilotage services:(i) risks arising from pilot transfer;(ii) navigational error;(iii) equipment failure;(iv) lack of situational awareness;(v) fatigue;(vi) grounding;(vii) collision;(viii) human error (e.g., poor bridge resource management);(b) the pilotage provider’s fatigue management plan including how compliance with the plan is achieved;(c) a policy for information exchange between the master and licensed pilot taking into account requirements of the Navigation Act, this Marine Order or other applicable laws relating to each compulsory pilotage area;(d) a procedure for identifying and minimising risks;(e) how compliance with the requirements of the Navigation Act and Marine Orders is achieved;(f) how the pilotage provider ensures that pilots under training and licensed pilots are adequately trained, including compliance with requirements of the Navigation Act, this Marine Order or other applicable laws;(g) how the pilotage provider ensures that licensed pilots comply with clause 4 of Schedule 4;(h) a procedure to ensure safe pilot transfer arrangements;(i) a register for recording any high-risk activity;(j) a contingency planning arrangement for each high-risk activity taking into account risk management principles;(k) a policy and procedure for managing cybersecurity threats;(l) an emergency response plan for likely emergency scenarios that a pilot might encounter;(m) for drug and alcohol — as follows:(i) a policy for operational staff and each licensed pilot;(ii) a procedure for pre-boarding verification of compliance with the drug and alcohol policy;(n) if the pilotage provider conducts pilot transfers by helicopter or pilot launch — a procedure for induction, familiarisation and regular training of any pilot transferred by helicopter or launch, including helicopter escape training;(o) a policy and procedure for continuous improvement, including:(i) regular review of competency assessments to identify areas for improvement in the performance of duties of licensed pilots; and(ii) training and professional development for operational staff and licensed pilots; and(iii) identifying information concerning local, national and international pilotage-related incidents, and sharing lessons learned with each licensed pilot; and(iv) sharing findings from compliance audits with key operational staff and each licensed pilot; and(v) implementing recommendations and corrective actions, and sharing appropriate outcomes at industry level consultation forums;(p) a policy and procedure for Portable Pilotage Unit (PPU) which must include:(i) use of PPU with independent Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) input; and(ii) training of pilots on the use of PPUs including how to update software, interpret data and troubleshoot; and(iii) refresher training of pilots at least annually; and(iv) maintenance requirement and record keeping;(q) for the role of designated person — how the pilotage provider ensures:(i) the independence and authority of the designated person to report to the senior management of the pilotage provider; and(ii) that the recommendations of the designated person are taken into account and implemented if appropriate;(r) a policy for implementing audit requirements including compliance audits;(s) a procedure for revision of their safety management system and updating;(t) a procedure for carrying out corrective actions;(u) a procedure for incident reporting and investigation;(v) a procedure for giving the latest edition of the pilotage advisory notes published by AMSA to pilots when issued and making appropriate consequential changes to the system if needed;(w) a method for keeping a record of changes made to their safety management system.Note for paragraphs (p) and (v) Pilotage Advisory Notes are published on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au. The notes provide guidance relevant to the use of Portable Pilotage Units and other matters relevant to the safe provision of coastal pilotage services.3 Responsibilities of designated person(1) The pilotage provider must appoint a person who performs the role of a designated person for their safety management system.(2) A person appointed by the pilotage provider as a designated person must:(a) have experience in pilotage services; and(b) be trained in relation to, and familiar with, the safety management system of the pilotage provider.(3) A person appointed by the pilotage provider as a designated person for their safety management system is responsible for the following:(a) monitoring the safety and pollution risks or threats to the marine environment in relation to the operation of each pilotage;(b) ensuring that there are adequate resources and shore based support when required;(c) maintaining the safety management system, in particular:(i) verifying the effectiveness and implementation of the system; and(ii) reporting any deficiencies to the senior management of the pilotage provider including making recommendations for corrective action; and(iii) identifying 1 or more individuals responsible for correcting deficiencies;(d) being fully conversant with the safety management system and policies and procedures;(e) managing audits required under paragraph 10(2)(e) for the safety management system and ensuring appropriate corrective action is taken after an audit.Schedule 2 Pilotage provider licence conditions(section 10)1 Pilot performance and remedial action(1) For each licensed pilot employed or contracted — a licensed pilotage provider must:(a) monitor the performance of their duties; and(b) put in place measures to continuously improve their performance and competency; and(c) monitor emerging technology to assist the pilot perform their duties; and(d) put in place measures to reduce risks that might arise when the pilot is performing their duties.(2) Following any unsatisfactory finding related to a check pilot voyage — the pilotage provider must:(a) facilitate the following in relation to the pilot:(i) implementation of a remedial action plan that AMSA has approved; and(ii) a further check pilot voyage; and(b) not assign pilotage of a vessel to the pilot until they have satisfactorily completed the measures mentioned in paragraph (a).(3) The pilotage provider must facilitate AMSA observing any coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC), or check pilot voyage, if requested by AMSA.2 Pilot trainingThe pilotage provider must provide training to a licensed pilot as set out in the provider’s safety management system.3 Pilot to hold Certificate of Medical FitnessThe pilotage provider may only assign a licensed pilot to the transit of a vessel through a compulsory pilotage area if the pilot holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness.4 Pilot to remain on duty when in compulsory pilotage areaIf the pilotage provider assigns a licensed pilot to the transit of a vessel (the piloted vessel) through a compulsory pilotage area, the pilotage provider must have arrangements in place to ensure that the pilot remains on duty when the piloted vessel is in the pilotage area unless otherwise authorised by AMSA.5 Pilot to comply with fatigue management planIf the pilotage provider assigns a licensed pilot to the transit of a vessel, the pilotage provider must ensure the licensed pilot complies with the pilotage provider’s fatigue management plan.6 Under keel clearance requirements — including pilot’s use of UKCM system for certain transitsIf the pilotage provider assigns a licensed pilot to the transit of a vessel through Prince of Wales Channel, Gannet Passage or Varzin Passage, the provider must ensure the pilot complies with clause 4 of Schedule 4.7 Reporting for compulsory pilotage areas(1) If the pilotage provider assigns, or intends to assign, a licensed pilot to the transit of a vessel through a compulsory pilotage area, the pilotage provider must tell AMSA the pilotage detail:(a) if the pilotage provider receives the request for a licensed pilot within 48 hours before the pilot is needed — as soon as reasonably practicable; or(b) in any other case — no later than 48 hours before a licensed pilot commences their duties.(2) In this clause:pilotage detail, for a pilotage of a compulsory pilotage area, means the following:(a) name of the licensed pilot;(b) booking number for the pilotage;(c) name of the vessel to be piloted;(d) call sign of the vessel to be piloted;(e) IMO number of the vessel to be piloted;(f) when the pilot will board the vessel;(g) where the pilot will board the vessel;(h) whether any competency check will take place during transit and, if so, the name of the check pilot conducting the check pilot voyage.8 Incident reporting(1) The pilotage provider must tell AMSA in writing as follows:(a) any occurrence of an incident in relation to a piloted vessel — within 4 hours after the incident;(b) more detailed information about the incident if requested by AMSA — within 72 hours after the request is made.Note 1 See the definition of incident in section 4 that includes marine incident. For sections 185 and 186 of the Navigation Act, it is an offence for the owner or master of a vessel not to report to AMSA a marine incident involving the vessel. See AMSA Form 18 which may be used to give the initial incident report and AMSA Form 19 which may be used to give the detailed incident report.Note 2 Sections 88 and 89 of the national law also require the owner or master of a domestic commercial vessel to report certain marine incidents to AMSA. For a marine incident involving a domestic commercial vessel, AMSA Form 18 and Form 19 may be used.(2) A report of an incident to AMSA by a pilot employed or contracted by the pilotage provider in accordance with the periods mentioned in subclause (1) is taken to be a report by the pilotage provider.(3) An incident that is reported to REEFVTS is taken to have been reported to AMSA in accordance with subclause (1).9 InvestigationsThe pilotage provider must undertake an investigation as soon as reasonably practicable after either:(a) an incident; or(b) any non-compliance by the pilotage provider, or a licensed pilot, with a requirement of the Navigation Act or this Marine Order that has occurred or is suspected to have occurred.10 Helicopter transfers(1) The pilotage provider must ensure that a helicopter used for pilot transfer is certified, operated and maintained in accordance with the requirements for the helicopter under the Civil Aviation Act 1988.(2) Each pilot carried by helicopter during pilot transfer must be provided with a fitted inflatable life jacket that:(a) is equipped with a transmitter, with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capability, meeting AS/NZS 4280.2 as in force from time to time; and(b) complies with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.Note For further information — see CASR Part 138 and Part 138 of the Manual of Standards available on CASA’s website at www.casa.gov.au.(3) A pilot must undergo a safety briefing conducted by the helicopter pilot before each flight.(4) A pilot may be transferred by helicopter to or from a vessel only if the pilot has undertaken helicopter escape training in accordance with the pilotage provider’s safety management system.11 Pilot launch arrangements(1) The pilotage provider must ensure that any pilot launch used for pilot transfers complies with the requirements of the national law.(2) The pilotage crew working on the deck of the pilot launch must be provided with:a life jacket equipped with the following:(i) a self-activating light, whistle and strobe light for a person overboard situation;(ii) a transmitter, with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capability, meeting AS/NZS 4280.2 as in force from time to time;(iii) a self-activating device for a person overboard situation causing an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmission for locating;(iv) a stainless steel ring or other arrangement, for clipping onto the safety rail system of the pilot launch; and(b) a lanyard or webbing strap capable of:(i) withstanding a load of 1.2 kN; and(ii) being securely clipped to the life jacket and to the safety rail system of the pilot launch.Note for subparagraph (a)(iii) Devices that have both AIS locating and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) alerting functions are commercially available.Note for subparagraphs (a)(i) to (iii) These requirements may be met by one or more devices either fitted or attached to the life jacket.Note for subparagraph (a)(iv) and paragraph (b) Part C1 of the NSCV sets out requirements for the safety rail system of a pilot launch.Note Pilotage crew of the pilot launch must wear any additional personal protective equipment specified in the pilotage provider’s safety management system.(3) The pilot launch must be fitted with equipment capable of receiving and alerting crew members of the AIS transmission mentioned in subparagraph (2)(a)(iii).12 Operational safety meetingsThe pilotage provider must conduct an operational safety meeting at least every 60 days.Note For the definition of operational safety meeting — see section 4.13 Record keeping(1) The pilotage provider must keep each record required by the provider’s safety management system for at least 5 years after the record was made.(2) If the record is in electronic form, the pilotage provider must ensure:(a) that the record is kept by a reliable means of maintaining the integrity of the information; and(b) the record is readily accessible in that period.Note Examples of records to be kept include a register of high-risk activities; pre-boarding verification of drug and alcohol policy; induction, familiarisation and regular training of any pilots transferred by helicopter; training of pilots on the use of PPUs including how to update software, interpret data and troubleshoot; refresher training of pilots at least annually; record of changes made to safety management system.14 Requirement to produce records and informationThe pilotage provider must, on a request from AMSA, produce:(a) for each pilot — the following:(i) evidence that a pilot holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness;(ii) evidence of training courses, professional development courses and drills undertaken;(iii) records demonstrating compliance by the pilot and the pilotage provider with the pilotage provider’s fatigue management plan relevant to the pilot’s assignment to a vessel;(iv) records showing the inspection, servicing and expiry status of each personal flotation device used by a pilot or pilotage crew member engaged by the pilotage provider;(v) number of competency assessments undertaken by a pilot; and(vi) evidence of the conduct and findings of competency assessments; and(b) records of audits arranged under paragraph 10(2)(e), including audit findings, corrective actions and status of implementation; and(c) agendas, minutes and action items for operational safety meetings conducted by the pilotage provider that are relevant to the pilotage provider’s safety management system or compliance with this Marine Order.Note For the definition of operational safety meeting — see section 4.15 Notification of change of name or addressThe pilotage provider must, within 30 days, tell AMSA in writing about any change to:(a) the pilotage provider’s name or address; and(b) the employment or contract status of any licensed pilot including their:(i) employment or engagement;(ii) termination or cessation.Note The pilotage provider may tell AMSA of a matter mentioned in this clause by email to OpsCoastalPilotage@amsa.gov.au.Schedule 3 Pilot licence criteria(sections 13 and 24)1 Restricted pilot licence criteria(1) The criteria for issue to a person of a restricted pilot licence are that the person:(a) is entitled to work in Australia; and(b) has:(i) either:(A) a certificate of competency as Master at least 3000 GT issued by AMSA; or(B) a certificate of recognition or restricted certificate of recognition of a certificate or qualification issued by AMSA because it was satisfied the certificate or qualification was adequate for the duties or functions to be performed by Master at least 3000 GT; or(ii) Royal Australian Navy qualifications in pilotage and navigation that AMSA determines as equivalent to the certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i)(A); or(iii) satisfactorily completed an alternative pathway program within the 4 year period before application; and(c) holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness; and(d) has satisfactorily completed an approved coastal pilotage training course within the 4 year period before application; and(e) has satisfactorily completed an approved bridge resource management course within the 4 year period before application; and(f) has satisfactorily completed an approved fatigue management course; and(g) for transits of the Great North East Channel pilotage area and inner route pilotage area — has satisfactorily completed a competency check in the use of the UKCM system approved by AMSA; and(h) has satisfactorily completed a check pilot voyage; and(i) has satisfactorily completed a written examination approved by AMSA, including a chart exam for the stated compulsory pilotage area applied for, if applicable; and(j) has satisfactorily completed a training workbook approved by AMSA.Note for paragraph (d) Information about approved coastal pilotage training courses is available on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au.Note There is no restricted pilot licence issued by AMSA for the Whitsundays pilotage area.(2) For subparagraph (1)(b)(iii), an alternative pathway program is a program in which:(a) a person may participate only if AMSA has approved the person’s participation on the recommendation of a licensed pilotage provider; and(b) the person has before commencement of the program:(i) held an expired certificate of competency as Master at least 3000 GT issued by AMSA; or(ii) held or holds any of the following certificates whether or not in force:(A) a certificate of competency as Master less than 3000 GT issued by AMSA;(B) a certificate of competency as Master less than 500 GT issued by AMSA;(C) a certificate of competency as Chief Mate at least 3000 GT issued by AMSA;(D) a certificate of competency as Chief Mate less than 3000 GT issued by AMSA;(E) a certificate of competency as Watchkeeper Deck issued by AMSA;(F) a certificate of recognition or restricted certificate of recognition of a certificate or qualifications that was issued because AMSA was satisfied the certificate or qualification was adequate for the duties or functions to be performed by Master at least 3000 GT or Master less than 3000 GT or Master less than 500 GT or Chief Mate at least 3000 GT or Chief Mate less than 3000 GT or Watchkeeper Deck; or(iii) Royal Australian Navy qualifications in pilotage and navigation that AMSA determines as equivalent to any of the certificates mentioned in subparagraph (ii); or(iv) a licence for a port pilot held within the 5 year period before application.Note Information about the alternative pathway program is available on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au.(3) However, a restricted pilot licence may also be issued to a person if the following criteria are met:(a) the person is entitled to work in Australia;(b) the person held an unrestricted pilot licence that expired more than 12 months, but not more than 2 years, before application;(c) the person holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness;(d) the person has satisfactorily completed a coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC) within the 12 month period before application;(e) the person has completed continuing professional development to the satisfaction of AMSA within the 2 year period before application;(f) the person meets the transit requirements, for the stated compulsory pilotage area applied for, set out in subclause 4(3).Note for paragraph (d) Information about continuing professional development for pilots is available on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au.2 Unrestricted pilot licence criteria(1) The criteria for issue to a person of an unrestricted pilot licence for a compulsory pilotage area, that is not the Whitsundays pilotage area, are that the person:(a) holds a restricted pilot licence for the stated compulsory pilotage area applied for; and(b) holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness; and(c) has, while performing the duties of a pilot holding a restricted pilot licence, completed at least the required number of transits to the satisfaction of AMSA.(2) The criteria for issue to a person of an unrestricted pilot licence, for the Whitsundays pilotage area, are that the person:(a) holds an unrestricted pilot licence for:(i) the inner route pilotage area; or(ii) the Hydrographer’s Passage pilotage area; and(b) holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness; and(c) has, while performing the duties of a pilot holding a restricted pilot licence, completed at least the required number of transits to the satisfaction of AMSA; and(d) for a licence in the area permitting anchorage of passenger vessels in cruise ship anchorages:(i) has proceeded to anchor and weighed anchor on a vessel ≥500 GT at least 2 times at 1 or more cruise ship anchorages that are designated anchorages in the Whitsundays pilotage area within the 2 year period before application; and(ii) has completed the approved coastal pilotage training course for Whitsunday Anchoring.(3) As an alternative to the required number of transits mentioned in paragraphs (1)(c) and (2)(c), AMSA may determine the following as equivalent:(a) pilotage experience or service as a check pilot within waters to the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone of Australia;(b) completion of training in an approved bridge simulator.(4) In this clause:required number of transits means:(a) for eligibility to hold an unrestricted pilot licence for the inner route pilotage area:(i) 6 transits of the inner route pilotage area while holding a restricted pilot licence with a draught limit of 11.5 m for the area; and(ii) at least 1 transit mentioned in subparagraph (i) being a check pilot voyage on a vessel with a draught of at least 11 m; and(b) for eligibility to hold an unrestricted pilot licence for the Hydrographer’s Passage pilotage area:(i) 20 transits of the area while holding a restricted pilot licence for the area; and(ii) at least 1 transit mentioned in subparagraph (i) being a check pilot voyage; and(c) for eligibility to hold an unrestricted pilot licence for the Great North East Channel pilotage area:(i) 6 transits of Torres Strait west of Alert Patches while holding a restricted pilot licence for the area permitting piloting of vessels up to 11.5 m draught; and(ii) at least 1 transit mentioned in subparagraph (i) being a check pilot voyage on a vessel with a draught of at least 11 m; and(iii) at least 2 transits mentioned in subparagraph (i) being the full extent of the Great North East Channel pilotage area while holding a restricted pilot licence for the area permitting piloting of vessels up to 11.5 m draught; and(d) for eligibility to hold an unrestricted pilot licence for the Whitsundays pilotage area — at least 2 transits in the Whitsundays pilotage area completed as an observer of the piloting of the vessel within the 2 year period before application.3 Check pilot licence criteria(1) The criteria for the issue of a check pilot licence for a compulsory pilotage area, on or after 1 September 2027, are that the person:(a) holds an unrestricted pilot licence for the stated compulsory pilotage area applied for; and(b) holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness; and(c) has a letter of support from their current employer; and(d) has satisfactorily completed the following:(i) check pilot specific training approved by AMSA;(ii) human factors training approved by AMSA;(iii) mentor training approved by AMSA;(iv) a psychometric assessment approved by AMSA;(v) an oral examination approved by AMSA; and(e) has, while performing the duties of a licensed pilot, completed at least the required number of transits to the satisfaction of AMSA; and(f) has not, while holding the unrestricted pilot licence mentioned in paragraph (a), had their licence suspended more than 5 days within the 2 year period before the determination of eligibility; and(g) has completed a competency assessment to the satisfaction of AMSA within the 2 year period before application.(2) The criteria for the issue of a check pilot licence, for a compulsory pilotage area, before 1 September 2027 are that the person meets either:(a) the criteria mentioned in subclause (1); or(b) the criteria for the issue of a check pilot licence under Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 as if that Marine Order had not been repealed.(3) As an alternative to the required number of transits mentioned in paragraph (1)(e), AMSA may determine the following as equivalent:(a) pilotage experience or service as a check pilot within waters to the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone of Australia;(b) completion of training in an approved bridge simulator.(4) In this clause:required number of transits means:(a) for eligibility to hold a check pilot licence for the inner route pilotage area:(i) 20 transits of the area within the 12 month period before the determination of eligibility; and(ii) 100 transits of the area including:(A) 50 transits on vessels operating under the UKCM system; and(B) 10 transits on container vessels; and(C) 10 transits on tankers; and(D) 50 transits on bulk carriers; and(b) for eligibility to hold a check pilot licence for the Hydrographer’s Passage pilotage area:(i) 6 transits of the area within the 12 month period before the determination of eligibility; and(ii) 35 transits of the area including:(A) 10 transits at night in each direction being 5 east bound and 5 west bound; and(B) 10 transits on cape sized bulk carriers; and(c) for eligibility to hold a check pilot licence for the Great North East Channel pilotage area:(i) 100 transits west of Alert Patches; and(ii) 30 transits of the Great North East Channel (east of Alert Patches) including:(A) 6 transits that have occurred within the 12 month period before the determination of eligibility; and(B) 10 transits that have occurred at night in each direction being 5 north bound and 5 south bound.Note for paragraph (a) Tanker includes a gas carrier, oil tanker or chemical tanker in loaded or ballast conditions.Note for paragraph (b) Cape sized bulk carrier is a bulk carrier with length overall equal to or more than 290 metres.4 Licence re-issue (renewal) criteria(1) The criteria for re-issue (renewal) of a pilot licence, other than a check pilot licence, are as follows:(a) if the person holds a pilot licence or held a pilot licence that expired not more than 6 months before application — the person has satisfactorily completed a coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC) within the 2 year period before application;(b) if the person held a pilot licence that expired more than 6 months, but not more than 12 months, before application — the person has satisfactorily completed a coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC) within the 12 month period before application;(c) if the person held a restricted pilot licence that expired more than 12 months, but not more than 2 years, before application — the person has satisfactorily completed a coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC) within the 12 month period before application;(d) the person has completed continuing professional development to the satisfaction of AMSA within the 2 year period before application;(e) the person holds a Certificate of Medical Fitness;(f) the person meets the transit requirements, for the stated compulsory pilotage area applied for, set out in subclause (3).Note for paragraph (d) Information about continuing professional development for pilots is available on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au.(2) The criteria for re-issue (renewal) of a check pilot licence are as follows:(a) the person meets the criteria mentioned in subclause (1) for re-issue of an unrestricted pilot licence to which the check pilot licence relates;(b) the person has:(i) conducted as a check pilot the minimum number of competency assessments in the 2 year period before application being:(A) 3 check pilot voyages; and(B) 1 coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC); and(ii) conducted at least 1 competency assessment with AMSA observing; and(iii) not been the subject of a suspension of more than 5 days in the 2 year period before application.(3) For paragraph (1)(f), the following transit requirements are re-issue (renewal) criteria:(a) for a licence to pilot in the Hydrographer’s Passage pilotage area — the person has performed duties of a pilot on at least 8 transits of the area within the 2 year period before application, of which:(i) at least 4 transits have been completed within the 12 month period before application; and(ii) 1 transit is satisfactorily completed as a check pilot voyage;(b) for a licence to pilot in the inner route pilotage area — the person has performed duties of a pilot on no less than 8 transits of the area within the 2 year period before application, of which:(i) at least 4 transits have been completed within the 12 month period before application; and(ii) 1 transit is satisfactorily completed as a check pilot voyage;(c) for a licence to pilot in the Great North East Channel pilotage area — the person has performed duties of a pilot on at least 4 transits of the area within the 2 year period before application, of which:(i) at least 2 transits have been completed within the 12 month period before application; and(ii) 1 transit is satisfactorily completed as a check pilot voyage;(d) for a licence to pilot in the Whitsundays pilotage area — the person has performed duties of a pilot in the area within the 2 year period before application;(e) for a licence to pilot in the Whitsundays pilotage area permitting anchorage of passenger vessels in cruise ship anchorages — the person has performed duties of pilot anchoring passenger vessels in cruise ship anchorages in the area within the 2 year period before application.(4) If AMSA is satisfied that circumstances exist in which it would be unreasonable or impracticable for a licensed pilot to meet the requirements of subclause (1), (2) or (3), AMSA may re-issue (renew) the pilot licence as follows:(a) for a specified period; or(b) for a specified number of transits in 1 or more specified compulsory pilotage areas; or(c) following completion of a specified number of transits in the specified pilotage areas as an observer.5 Check pilot voyage considered voyageA check pilot voyage counts as a transit of the compulsory pilotage area where it occurred for both the pilot and the check pilot.Schedule 4 Pilot licence conditions(section 14, clause 2 of Schedule 1 and clause 6 of Schedule 2)1 Restricted and unrestricted pilot licence conditions(1) If the pilot holds a restricted pilot licence or an unrestricted pilot licence, the pilot must:(a) hold a Certificate of Medical Fitness; and(b) not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while performing their duties; and(c) give information and advice to the master of the vessel to assist the master and the vessel’s navigating officers to make safe passage through a compulsory pilotage area; and(d) remain on duty when the piloted vessel is in a compulsory pilotage area unless otherwise authorised by AMSA; and(e) have regard to the latest edition of pilot advisory notes published by AMSA; and(f) prepare a detailed passage plan for the pilotage of a vessel that:(i) uses the passage plan model specific to the vessel being piloted; and(ii) is agreed with the master of the vessel; and(g) take into account relevant information regarding the vessel including information provided by onboard systems and external aids to navigation; and(h) from 1 March 2027 — use a Portable Pilotage Unit (PPU) that:(i) is independent of the vessel’s position system; and(ii) has redundancy features and clear visual and audio warnings for positional accuracy; and(iii) adheres to safety and cybersecurity guidelines; and(i) confirm with the master all emergency plans relevant to the safe navigation of the vessel and the pilot’s role in the plans; and(j) ensure correct communications procedures are used for VHF radio and any other equipment that may be used during the pilotage; and(k) ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are in accordance with the guidance on keeping a navigational watch set out in STCW Code Section A-VIII/2 Part 3; and(l) when piloting a vessel — provide information and advice to ensure that the vessel is operated in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 as in force from time to time; and(m) comply with the safety management system of the pilotage provider engaging the pilot to conduct the pilotage; and(n) comply, as much as practicable, with the safety management system of the vessel being piloted; and(o) comply with the pilotage provider’s fatigue management plan; and(p) use a personal flotation device that complies with any Australian Standard that applies to it; and(q) from 1 March 2027 — wear a helmet, designed to protect the pilot’s head from impact injury including in the event of a fall from height, when being transferred to or from a vessel; and(r) if the pilot holds an unrestricted pilot licence for the Whitsundays pilotage area and is permitted to anchor in the area — anchor in the area in accordance with the conditions of anchoring in the area; and(s) tell the pilotage provider and REEFVTS of any incident, no later than 2 hours after the incident occurs.Examples for paragraph (g)malfunctioning onboard equipmentaids to navigation such as buoys.Note for paragraph (h) See pilot advisory notes published on the AMSA website www.amsa.gov.au.Note for paragraph (k) STCW Code is defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013.Note for paragraph (p) It is a condition of a pilotage provider licence that the pilotage provider must produce records of service dates of personal flotation devices used by pilots or pilot launch crew engaged by the pilotage provider — see subparagraph 14(a)(iv) of Schedule 2.(2) The pilot must provide information and advice to the master of the vessel with the appropriate skill, care and attention to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel in a compulsory pilotage area.2 Restricted pilot licence — draught limit requirements(1) The following draught limits apply to a restricted pilot licence issued for piloting in the inner route pilotage area:(a) for a person who holds a restricted pilot licence for the area who has not completed 12 transits of the full extent of the inner route pilotage area with vessels of 10 m draught or less — 10 m;(b) for a person who holds a restricted pilot licence for the area and has completed 12 transits of the full extent of the inner route pilotage area with vessels of 10 m draught or less — 10.5 m;(c) for a person mentioned in paragraph (b) who has completed an additional 6 transits of the full extent of the inner route pilotage area with vessels of 10.5 m draught or less — 11 m;(d) for a person mentioned in paragraph (c) who has completed an additional 6 transits of the full extent of the inner route pilotage area with vessels of 11 m draught or less — 11.5 m.(2) The following draught limits apply to a restricted pilot licence issued for piloting in Great North East Channel pilotage area:(a) for a person who holds a restricted pilot licence for the area who has not completed 12 transits west of Alert Patches with vessels of 10 m draught or less — 10 m;(b) for a person who holds a restricted pilot licence and has completed 12 transits west of Alert Patches with vessels of 10 m draught or less — 10.5 m;(c) for a person mentioned in paragraph (b) who has completed an additional 6 transits west of Alert Patches, with vessels of 10.5 m draught or less — 11 m;(d) for a person mentioned in paragraph (c) who has completed an additional 6 transits west of Alert Patches, with vessels of 11 m draught or less — 11.5 m.(3) In this clause:Alert Patches means the area of Torres Strait centred on 1029.8S, 14221.2E.Note Information about the UKCM system and a related e-learning course is available on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au.3 Restricted pilot licence — vessel prohibitions(1) A person who holds a restricted pilot licence must not pilot the following:(a) a loaded oil tanker;(b) a loaded chemical carrier;(c) a loaded liquefied gas carrier;(d) for a compulsory pilotage area other than the Hydrographer’s Passage pilotage area — a vessel with draught exceeding the draught endorsed on the pilot licence under clause 2.(2) In this clause — loaded refers to a vessel with cargo onboard for discharge and not including the presence of unpumpable cargo residues.4 Requirements for pilotage through certain areas(1) This clause applies to a pilot if piloting a vessel through Prince of Wales Channel, Gannet Passage or Varzin Passage.(2) A pilot must ensure that the vessel has a draught that is not more than 12.5 m.(3) If the vessel is transiting Gannet or Varzin Passages — the vessel must have an under keel clearance of 1 m or more.(4) If the vessel is transiting Prince of Wales Channel — the vessel must have an under keel clearance of:(a) if the vessel has a draught between 11.9 m and 12.5 m — at least 10% of the draught of the vessel; and(b) if the vessel has a draught of less than 11.9 m — 1 m or more.(5) If a vessel has a draught of 9 m or more, the pilot must:(a) use an active UKCM system transit plan at all times when the vessel is transiting the UKCM system monitoring area; and(b) have at least 1 completed hard copy of the active UKCM system transit plan available on board the vessel; and(c) actively monitor the active UKCM system transit plan at all times when the vessel is in the UKCM system monitoring area.(6) In this clause:active UKCM system transit plan means a transit plan created for the vessel in the UKCM system with transit plan status set as ACTIVE.UKCM system monitoring area means the waters bounded on the north by latitude 10°28’S; on the west by longitude 141°50’E; on the south by latitude 10°41’S; and on the east by longitude 142°27’E.under keel clearance means the vertical distance between the lowest part of the vessel and the seabed as calculated by the UKCM system.Note Table representation of requirements for pilotage through certain areasDraught limit for transit | Under keel clearance requirement | Draught when UKCM system required for transitDraught 11.9 – 12.5 m | Draught <11.9 mPrince of Wales | ≤12.5 m | 10% of draught | ≥1 m | ≥9 mGannet Passage | ≤12.5 m | ≥1 m | ≥1 m | ≥9 mVarzin Passage | ≤12.5 m | ≥1 m | ≥1 m | ≥9 m5 Requirements for training and continuing professional development(1) If AMSA reasonably considers that completion of an approved coastal pilotage training course or continuing professional development is necessary for the pilot to perform their duties safely, AMSA may, by written notice, require the pilot to complete the following within the period specified in the notice:(a) an approved coastal pilotage training course; or(b) continuing professional development published on AMSA’s website.Note A list of approved coastal pilotage training courses and information about continuing professional development for pilots is available on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au.(2) The pilot may only use a UKCM system if the pilot has completed the following to the satisfaction of AMSA:(a) training in the use of the UKCM system;(b) a competency check in the use of the UKCM system.(3) The pilot must complete a coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC) to the satisfaction of AMSA if:(a) the pilot has not performed duties of a pilot for more than 6 months; or(b) AMSA reasonably considers that an event involving a piloted vessel may indicate a concern about the pilot’s performance or competency; or(c) their pilot licence has been suspended.6 Requirements for reporting by pilots(1) A pilot of a vessel must make a report to REEFVTS of the following:(a) vessel name, call sign, GBRMPA permit number (if any) and IMO number;(b) name of pilot boarding ground or position (latitude and longitude);(c) name and Pilot/Seafarer ID of the pilot;(d) name and Pilot/Seafarer ID of any check pilot accompanying the pilot;(e) time the compulsory pilotage area was entered or left, whichever is applicable.(2) The pilot must make the report:(a) within the following time period:(i) no later than 30 minutes after the pilot commences their duties; and(ii) no later than 15 minutes after the pilot ceases their duties; or(b) if it is unsafe to make a report in accordance with paragraph (a) — as soon as it is safe to make the report.(3) In this clause:Pilot/Seafarer ID means the identification number included on the pilot licence issued to each pilot by AMSA.7 Notification of certain mattersThe pilot must within 30 days tell AMSA, in writing, of the following:(a) change to their name or address;(b) if their duties as a licensed pilot have not been performed for at least 6 months.Schedule 5 Check pilot licence conditions(section 14)1 Check pilot voyages(1) For a check pilot voyage — the check pilot must undertake the competency check using the checklist approved by AMSA.Note The checklist includes performance criteria for assessment and is available on the AMSA website at www.amsa.gov.au.(2) Before embarking on the voyage, the check pilot must:(a) tell the pilot being competency checked what the performance criteria are; and(b) ensure the following:(i) the pilot’s last check pilot voyage was not conducted by them; and(ii) the check pilot has not conducted a coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC) with the pilot in that pilot’s licence period.(3) At the conclusion of the voyage:(a) the check pilot and pilot must sign the checklist used on the voyage; and(b) the check pilot must give a copy of the completed checklist to AMSA and pilotage provider within 3 days after the completion of the voyage; and(c) the check pilot must de-brief the pilot.2 Check pilot to be on bridgeThe check pilot must be on the bridge at all times during a check pilot voyage when the pilot being competency checked is performing their duties on the bridge.3 Coastal pilot proficiency checksBefore commencing a coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC), the check pilot must:(a) tell the pilot being competency checked what the performance criteria are; and(b) ensure the following:(i) the pilot’s last coastal pilot proficiency check (CPPC) was not conducted by them;(ii) the check pilot has not conducted a check pilot voyage with the pilot in that pilot’s licence period.4 Unsatisfactory findings to be reportedIf the check pilot makes an unsatisfactory finding related to a competency check — the check pilot must tell the pilot, the pilotage provider and AMSA within 12 hours.5 Impaired by alcohol or drugsThe check pilot’s capacity must not be impaired by the influence of alcohol or any other drug during a competency assessment.Notes to Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2026Note 1Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2026 (in force under subsection 342(1) of the Navigation Act 2012) as shown in this compilation comprises Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2026 amended as indicated in the following tables.Table of OrdersYear and number | Registration date | FRLI number | Commencement date | Application, saving or transitional provisionsMarine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2026 (MO 2026/9) | 27 August 2026 | F2026L01121 | 1 September 2026Marine Order (Coastal pilotage) Amendment Order 2026 (MO 2026/10) | 21 September 2026 | F2026L01244 | 22 September 2026 | –Table of amendmentsad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substitutedProvision affected | How affected1A.................. | rep. Legislation Act 2003, s48D1B.................. | rep. Legislation Act 2003, s48C4................... | am. MO 2026/10
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at legislation.gov.au, © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Compilations may have been reformatted.