We have eligibility requirements for sailing vessels (fore and aft, and square rigged) regarding:
- endorsement and revalidation requirements for certificates
- requirements for the safety of trainees on sailing vessels.
The eligibility requirements for endorsement and revalidation of certificates for service as a Master on a fore and aft rig sailing vessel and a square rigged sailing vessel are set out in Schedule 2.1 and 2.3 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014. Our standards for the safety of sail trainees is set out in Marine Order 52 (Yachts and training vessels) 2016. For the purposes of the order, the requirements apply to a sailing vessel that is a regulated Australian vessel.
Endorsement and revalidation of certificates
| Endorsement | Revalidation of endorsements |
|---|---|
| Sailing vessel – fore and aft | Sailing vessel – fore and aft |
A Certificate of competency as a master may be endorsed if the person: (a) holds one of the following certificates
and (b) has served as a deck officer on a fore and aft rig sailing vessel
| A person must: (a) have approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate for the endorsement, for a total period of at least 3 months in the 5 years before the date of application for the revalidation, or (b) have completed an approved seafarer training course, including assessment, in knowledge of sailing vessels, in the 5 years immediately before the date of application. |
| Sailing vessel – square rigged | Sailing vessel – square rigged |
A Certificate of competency as a Master may be endorsed if the person: (a) completed an approved square rigged training assessment (b) has served as a deck officer on a square rigged sailing vessel
| A person must: (a) have approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate for the endorsement, for a total period of at least 3 months in the 5 years before the date of application for the revalidation, or (b) have completed an approved seafarer training course, including assessment, in knowledge of sailing vessels, in the 5 years immediately before the date of application. |
Safety of trainees
Our requirements are summarised as follows:
The Master of a sailing vessel carrying sail trainees must ensure that each sail trainee:
(a) within 24 hours after joining the vessel for the first time, is given instruction designed to make the trainee familiar with the layout of the vessel
(b) within 24 hours after joining the vessel and at intervals thereafter not exceeding one week, is given training in safety procedures, including the use of the firefighting and lifesaving appliances of the vessel.
Penalties apply if a Master does not carry out these requirements.
Deck watchkeeper certificate of competency
For those seafarers that are working towards gaining a Watchkeeper deck (STCW Reg II/1) certificate of competency by completing sea service in accordance with Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023, Schedule 2, Watchkeeper deck, paragraphs (b)(i) to (iii), We will accept one of the following:
(a) up to a maximum of one-month, qualifying sea service as a sail trainee either on a fore and aft rigged or square-rigged sailing vessel of at least 24 metres in length, or a combination of both
(b) up to two weeks, qualifying sea service while performing ship keeping duties on board the sailing vessel ‘Duyfken’.
For the purpose of Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2023, Schedule 2, Watchkeeper deck, paragraphs (b) (i) to (iii) the sea service will be accepted towards the sea service required for the issue of a Watchkeeper deck (STCW Reg II/1) certificate of competency as being equivalent to a vessel of greater than or equal to 500 GT.
This is provided the qualifying sea service is served as a sail trainee on the vessel and is documented as such, including the duties performed, in a letter written on company letterhead paper from the owner or operator of the sailing vessel.