THE HON. ANTHONY ALBANESE MP
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Friday, 28 November 2008
187/2008
BRINGING TOGETHER MILITARY AND CIVILIAN MARINERS
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, and Minister for
Defence, Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, today announced a landmark
agreement which will enable easier transfer between the civilian and military life at
sea.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) have
agreed to recognise equivalent qualifications, providing a wider range of career
opportunities for both RAN Seaman officers and their civilian counterparts.
“With appropriate bridging courses, naval officers are now able to obtain the
competencies required for certification to master civilian vessels – an important
outcome at a time when the local maritime industry is facing the challenges of an
ageing workforce,” Mr Albanese said.
“Conversely, the qualifications of civilian mariners would be more easily recognised
by Navy, providing career opportunities in the service of their country.”
Mr Snowdon said mutual recognition of qualifications has long been raised as an
issue within Navy.
“Navy provides excellent training opportunities and experience, which would serve a
sailor well in any maritime career,” Mr Snowdon said.
“This initiative not only enhances the desirability of being a RAN Seaman officer, but
it potentially creates a greater pool of mariners who may like to sample life on a
patrol boat or frigate, even as reservists.”
The agreement enables joint recognition of the qualifications gained by RAN Seaman
Officers towards an internationally recognised certificate of competency issued under
the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, As Amended (STCW).
It recognises the RAN’s commitment to high training standards and outlines the
training pathway that Naval officers are able to undertake in order to gain AMSA
issued STCW civilian qualifications.
Media contacts:
Jeff Singleton (Mr Albanese)
0410 476 890
Kate Sieper (Mr Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
