Overview
Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2026 is a federal legislative instrument that came into force on 27 August 2026. It is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts under the Navigation Act 2012. The order replaces Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014.
What the Order Covers
The order sets out rules in the following areas:
- Licensing of coastal pilotage providers and individual pilots
- How to apply for licences
- Licence conditions and duration
- How licences can be varied, suspended or revoked
- Compliance audit powers held by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
- Compulsory pilotage areas
- Duties of licensed pilots and pilotage providers
Transitional Provisions
The order includes transitional provisions covering existing licences and training arrangements held under the 2014 order. These provisions are set out in Division 7 (sections 30 and 31) of the new order at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01121.
Licence Conditions and Schedules
Updated licence conditions are set out in the following schedules:
- Schedule 2 - pilotage provider licence conditions
- Schedule 3 - pilot licence criteria
- Schedule 4 - pilot licence conditions
- Schedule 5 - check pilot licence conditions
Training Courses
Sections 21 and 23 of the order address AMSA's audit power over coastal pilotage training courses and the approval process for training providers.
Key Actions
- Licensed pilotage providers and pilots operating under the 2014 Marine Order are required to check the transitional provisions in Division 7 (sections 30 and 31) of the new order at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01121 to confirm how existing licences carry over.
- The updated licence conditions in Schedules 2, 3, 4 and 5 set out the requirements that must be met under the 2026 order.
- Parties providing or enrolled in a coastal pilotage training course are required to check sections 21 and 23 regarding AMSA's audit powers and the training provider approval process.
- For compliance questions or information about AMSA's powers under this order, contact AMSA via https://www.amsa.gov.au/contact-us.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.