Marine Order 505 Implementation

25 July 2025

The Maritime Industry 2025 Workforce Plan identified that skilled workforce shortages pose a major challenge for Australia’s Maritime industry. A recommended action to address this includes upskilling trainers and assessors to effectively implement updated Maritime Training Package products in response to regulatory change.

• Marine Order 505 the regulation governing Certificates of Competency under the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012, came into effect on 1 January 2023. The updated regulatory and licensing requirements in Marine Order 505 aim to enable seafarers to meet the highest standards of competence and safety in their roles.
• This resulted in changes to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Certificates of Competency including:
  • introduction of a new licensing category Coxswain Grade 3
  • replacement of the Master <35m with Master <45m
  • replacement of the Master <80m with Master <100m
  • phasing out of Mate <80m certificate of competency. 

Industry Skills Australia subsequently revised Maritime Training Package to ensure alignment with Marine Order 505 for domestic commercial vessels and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines.

This alignment helps safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of maritime training, benefitting both the industry and the seafaring community.

What does this mean for industry? 

The Marine Order 505 Implementation Project has been established to assist Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in transitioning to the updated Marine Order 505 training products endorsed by Skills Ministers on 14 November 2024. 

This initiative supports RTOs in understanding, adopting, and delivering revised training products that align with the regulatory changes introduced under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – National Law). These changes affect qualifications and units of competency for Near Coastal maritime roles and aim to enhance safety, consistency, and career progression across the sector.

To support this transition, the project will provide practical guidance, resources for trainers and assessors, and tools to help RTOs implement the updated Maritime Training Package effectively and confidently.

Support Materials for RTOs
Guides and templates to help you align your training with Marine Order 505 requirements.

Training Product Transition Support
Resources and advice to support the transition from superseded qualifications and units to the new and updated training products for Near Coastal maritime roles.

Professional Development Opportunities
Webinars and workshops to build confidence in delivering updated qualifications.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Ongoing communication with RTOs, industry, and regulatory bodies to ensure awareness, alignment, and consistent implementation of the revised training package.

Implementation Guidance for New Products
Targeted support for the integration of:

• The new Skill Set for Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal
• The new Unit of Competency: Command and manage a voyage on a vessel up to 45 metres (Near Coastal).

The project will be delivered over several months with key milestones including resource development, professional development sessions, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Join us for an introductory webinar to hear about the drivers, objectives and deliverables of the Marine Order 505 Implementation Project 

Date: Tuesday, 12 August 2025, 11:30 – 12:15 AEST

Duration: 45 minutes

Audience: Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), maritime educators, assessors, and industry stakeholders

Webinar Agenda Highlights

1. Project overview
   • Introduction of Marine Order 505 (MO505): New regulations governing Certificates of Competency under the National Law for domestic commercial vessels, effective from 1 January 2023.
   • Challenges faced by learners in successfully completing the AMSA Oral examination.
2. Key actions and support to RTOs

To address these challenges, ISA is leading a coordinated response that includes:

• Explaining changes to units of competency impacted by MO505.
• Developing implementation guidance for RTOs.
• Creating targeted training materials for:
  • The new Skill Set for Coxswain Grade 3
  • The new Unit of Competency: Command and manage a voyage on a vessel up to 45 metres (Near Coastal)

Why Attend?
Gain clarity on the Marine Order 505 regulatory changes, understand their impact on the delivery of maritime qualifications, and learn how your organisation can confidently transition to the updated training products.

Register to Attend
Secure your spot and stay informed about the future of maritime training.

As part of the Marine Order 505 Implementation Project, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), industry stakeholders, and maritime educators are encouraged to participate in a Community of Practice.

This community provide a collaborative space to:

• Share implementation experiences and best practices
• Discuss challenges and solutions related to the updated training products
• Stay informed about project updates and professional development opportunities
• Connect with peers and contribute to continuous improvement in maritime training delivery.

Getting involved in a Community of Practice is a valuable way to build capability, foster innovation, and ensure a nationally consistent approach to implementing Marine Order 505 training products.