​​Streamlining Near Coastal to STCW Pathways​

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Maritime

​​Streamlining Near Coastal to STCW Pathways​

Streamlining pathways from Near Coastal to STCW certification to strengthen Australia’s maritime workforce.

Completion due 30 September 2027
About the project

Project overview

This project aims to unlock a critical, underutilised talent pool by creating a clear and integrated pathway from Near Coastal (NC) qualifications to STCW certification. By reducing regulatory and training barriers, it will improve career mobility for seafarers and strengthen Australia’s long‑term maritime workforce capability. 

Why this matters

What it means for industry

ISA’s Strategic Fleet Workforce Supply and Demand Forecast Study shows that, while only 1% of Near Coastal graduates progress to an STCW qualification, they account for almost 7% of all new STCW completions. This highlights the significant potential of Near Coastal seafarers as a valuable but underutilised source of skilled labour.  

Expanding this pathway presents a strong opportunity to grow Australia’s STCW-certified workforce. 

This project will support growth by identifying and addressing barriers in Near Coastal to STCW pathways, mapping end-to-end career transitions, and providing clear, streamlined guidance on training and progression for seafarers.

Project

Deliverables

This project will:  

  • Review domestic Near Coastal (NC) and international STCW certification pathways, including entry and progression points. 
  • Analyse sea‑time requirements across pathways, focusing on accumulation, recognition, and constraints. 
  • Identify and assess financial and geographic barriers affecting progression from NC to STCW certification.