Overview
Marine Order 57 (Helicopter operations) 2026 is a federal legislative instrument that replaces Marine Order 57 from 2016. The order came into force on 19 August 2026 and is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
What the order covers
The order sets out rules that apply to helicopter operations conducted on vessels. The rules address the following areas:
- Vessel arrangements for helicopter operations
- Safety management system responsibilities for vessel owners
- The master's responsibilities for equipment and training
- How landing and winching areas are required to be marked and assessed
- Deck surface load limits
- Communications requirements
Commencement and repeal
Sections 1A and 1B of the order contain the commencement date and repeal provisions, including when the 2016 version ceased to apply and when the 2026 version took effect.
Owner and master responsibilities
Section 7 of the order sets out the responsibilities of vessel owners in relation to their Safety Management System (SMS). Sections 8 to 12 set out the updated equipment, training, and landing and winching area requirements that apply to the master.
Key actions
- Vessel owners and masters who conduct helicopter operations are required to read the full text of Marine Order 57 (Helicopter operations) 2026 at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01067 to confirm their compliance obligations.
- The commencement date and repeal provisions in sections 1A and 1B confirm exactly when the 2016 version ceased to apply and when the 2026 version took effect.
- Section 7 sets out the owner responsibilities against which a Safety Management System (SMS) is required to be reviewed, and sections 8 to 12 set out the updated equipment, training, and landing and winching area requirements for the master.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.