Marine Order 505 Implementation

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Marine Order 505 Implementation

This project will support RTOs with the implementation of updated maritime training package products which reflect Marine Order 505 licensing and regulatory requirements.

Latest update
Latest update Project Launch Webinar 12 August 2025
About the project

Project overview

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 the project will do

Community of practice

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.

Outcomes

What this project will deliver

1 Support materials for RTOs
2 Training product transition support
3 Communication and stakeholder engagement
4 Implementation guidance for new products
Project timeline

Latest updates

General updates

Project Launch Webinar

ISA held a webinar on 12 August 2025 to discuss the drivers, objectives and deliverables of the Marine Order 505 Implementation Project.

Webinar Agenda Highlights

  • 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.
  • 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)

Marine Order 505 Implementation Project launched

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 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.

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
  • Training Product Transition Support
  • Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Implementation Guidance for New Products

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

ISA held a webinar on 12 August 2025 to discuss the drivers, objectives and deliverables of the Marine Order 505 Implementation Project.

Webinar Agenda Highlights

  • Project overview
  • Introduction of Marine Order 505 (MO505)
  • Challenges faced by learners in successfully completing the AMSA Oral examination
  • Key actions and support to RTOs

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.

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

Timeline

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