More on what you need to know in relation to Marine Order 505 which was released this January 2023 and how they may impact your operations.
We’ve had ongoing detailed discussions with AMSA over what I’m about to detail for you.
If you operate a DCV with deckhands then they need to have a General Purpose Hand (GPH) certificate.
No matter what industry sector you operate in, commercial fishing, charter, etc. all deckhands are required to hold a GPH certificate.
Here is what’s required!
Below is an extract from AMSA advice. What is basically means is that if you provide direct supervision to a deckhand they do not require a GPH certificate.
With a GPH certificate they only require general supervision.
When is a General Purpose Hand NC certificate required?
General Purpose Hand NC can:
- Assist with deck work on a vessel <100 m long and <3000 GT <EEZ under general supervision of the Master of the vessel or an appropriately certified crew member to whom the Master delegates the supervision
- Assist with engine work on a vessel with engine power <3000 kW <EEZ under general supervision of the Chief Engineer of the vessel or an appropriately certified crew member to whom the chief engineer delegates the supervision
Note: This means that a person assisting with deck work or engine work under direct supervision rather than general supervision is not required to hold a certificate
Under the new MO505, section 4:
Deck work means operation or lookout tasks for any of the following:
- navigation
- mooring
- anchoring
- cargo
Engine work means tasks relating to main or auxiliary machinery used for any of the following:
- propulsion
- mooring
- anchoring
- cargo
Direct supervision means that the person being supervised is frequently within sight and hearing of the supervisor.
General supervision means that the person being supervised receives instruction and direction on tasks, and recurrent personal contact from the supervisor, but is not frequently attended by the supervisor.
To download Marine Order 505 click on this link Marine order 505—Certificates of competency—national law (amsa.gov.au)
There are transitional arrangements for GPH’s, you can read these by clicking on the link below.
Transitional arrangements for General Purpose Hand (amsa.gov.au)
In summary if you can provide direct supervision to your deckhand or deckhands they do not need to hold a GPH certificate.
If they have a GPH certificate they still must be supervised under the General Supervision rule.
We would be more than happy to hear your response to these changes. Please email your comments to wayne@shorlink.com as he is keen to hear them.
Recommendations
Our only recommendation is consider your operations and how the requirements for deckhands to hold a GPH certificate and how it impacts on you both operationally and financially.
You then have to determine if your operations allow you to provide direct supervision or if you are going to require deckhands to hold a GPH certificate.
Tip
If you need help with any of the new laws please contact our office as these changes can have a major impact on your business both operationally and financially.
