Working in Maritime in Australia
To work on a Australian flagged ship or domestic vessel within the Australian EEZ you will require:
1.
A certificate of competency to be qualified to work in the Australian maritime industry relevant to the size and type of vessel you want to work on.
2.
Legal rights to work in Australia via an appropriate class of visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs
Are NZ Domestic or NZ International qualifications recognised?
Eligible for: Domestic NZ certificate holders (e.g. deck, engineer, skipper) who wish to serve on Australian-flagged vessels operating near shores.
What you will get: A letter of Registration certifying the same conditions, endorsements, and limitations as your NZ certificate – valid until your NZ certificate expires 9max 5 years for legacy / perpetual ones)
Process:
- Complete Form 887 Notice of Registration under the TTMRA.
- Gather the required documents:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of NZ certificate of competency (valid)
- Australian medical fitness certificate
- Evidence of NZ citizenship or residence
- Pay the required fee · Send application via email to SCSApplications@amsa.gov.au
- Processing time is up to 28 days from a complete application
Eligible for: NZ STCW-qualified seafarers (e.g. Master, Chief Mate, Engineer Unlimited) under international conventions.
What you will get: A Certificate of Recognition replicating your NZ STCW certificate’s limits and conditions
Process:
- Complete Form 887 Notice of Registration under the TTMRA.
- Gather the required documents:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of valid NZ STCW certificate
- Medical fitness certificate from an AMSA-approved medical examiner
- Evidence of NZ citizenship or residence
- Pay the required fee · Send application via email to STCW.applications@amsa.gov.au
- Processing time is up to 28 days from a complete application
AMSA will conduct verification with MNZ before recognition. If documents are incomplete or inaccurate, processing may be delayed.
Who can legally provide immigration advice in Australia?
Planning Tips
When a NZ citizen moves to Australia to work, there are several practical and legal steps beyond just getting the Special Category Visa (SCV) on arrival. These include:
This is essential to legally work and avoid the higher tax rates.
Apply online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
You’ll need:
- A valid NZ passport
- An Australian address (can be temporary)
- No cost to apply
Needed to receive your wages or salary and daily living.
Open an account with a major bank like:
- Commonwealth Bank
- ANZ Australia
- NAB
- Westpac
Most banks allow you to open an account online before arriving, then verify your ID in-person once in Australia.
As a NZ citizen on an SCV, you’re eligible for Medicare.
You must enrol – it’s not automatic.
Visit a Medicare office with:
- Your passport
- Proof of SCV (arrival stamp)
- Proof of Australian address
- Your employer must contribute to a super fund
- You can choose your own fund or use the default fund your employer provides.
- If you later return to NZ, your super can usually stay in Australia or be transferred under the Trans-Tasman retirement savings portability scheme.
- You can drive on your NZ license temporarily.
- After 3 months (in most states), you’ll need to convert it to an Australian licence.
- Rules vary by state or territory
You may need:
- A bank account
- Employment or income proof
- Rental references
The rental market in some cities (e.g. Sydney, Melbourne) can be competitive, so prepare documentation in advance.
- NZ citizens can enrol their children in public schools
- Some states may charge international student fees for tertiary study if you’re not a permanent resident, but recent changes are improving access for long-term NZ citizens.
Disclaimer
The information provided by Manaaki Marine is intended as a general guid only and may be subject to change. We recommend that individuals seek official advice and refer directly to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Manaaki Marine does not provide immigration or legal advice.
