Lets foreign crew of a Maritime Crew visa eligible ship enter Australia by sea on an international voyage, and their partner or dependent child on the same ship.
At a Glance
- Stay: As long as you are a crew member of an eligible ship that is in Australia
- Visa cost: Free
Who It Is For
- Be outside Australia when you apply
- Be a crew member, or have a job offer as one, on an eligible ship such as a cargo or passenger ship on an international voyage
- Meet health and quarantine requirements
- Not be an Australian citizen or permanent visa holder
What You Can Do With This Visa
- Arrive in and depart Australia by sea as crew of an eligible ship
- Stay while signed on as crew
- Sign off to join another eligible ship or leave Australia
- Do only normal crew duties
Good to Know
- Arrival by sea only; to fly in you need another valid visa
- Not for crew on ineligible ships such as private research vessels, most fishing vessels, yachts or superyachts
Getting Advice
Our registered migration agents can talk through your situation, explain whether this visa suits you and help you prepare. This page is general information only, summarised from the Department of Home Affairs and checked in November 2026. Fees and rules change, so always check the official page before you apply.
Official information: the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa.