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Record of Practical Experience and Sea Service (ROPES)

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ROPES is a national onboard program of tasks, available to the following 'entry-level' Certificates of Competency:
  • Coxswain
  • Master Class 5
  • Skipper Grade 3
  • Marine Engine Driver Grade 3
  • Marine Engine Driver Grade 2
Successful completion (including formal MSV approval) of the ROPES program may result in a remission of the amount of sea-service required- up to a maximum of 50 per cent. At the discretion of MSV, pro-rata reductions for partially-completed ROPES books may be granted.

Applications for enrolment should be made to Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) on the prescribed form.

An initial application fee of $25.00 will be charged for issue of the ROPES book.

The ROPES program starts from the date that MSV issues the candidate with a ROPES book. Tasks can't be back-dated prior to the book being issued, however, service obtained prior to that date will be acceptable for the appropriate reduction.

Candidates need to ensure that they read and understand Section One of the ROPES book. If you're unsure, contact Marine Safety Victoria.

ROPES service may be completed on any type of vessel, Recreational or Commercial, provided the signatory is appropriately qualified. Tasks must be completed “on board” or via “on the job” training.

Tasks need to be signed off and dated by the vessel’s Master or Engineer immediately after completion of each task. With prior approval from MSV, other competent persons may sign-off tasks.

The Master and/or Engineer and/or other competent person who verifies that a task has been duly completed should hold the same or higher grade of Certificate that the task addresses, unless otherwise approved by MSV i.e. a Coxswain is not permitted to sign off a Master Class 5 or MED 3 task.

Summary of Sea Service should be recorded as the example below:

Vessel Name and Class
Employed
Period of service claimed
Summary of voyage and operations
Supervisor's name and signature
Marine Authority's verification
From
To
MV Buttercup
Class 1D
12/01/10
18/04/10
62 days, 372 hours
Area D - Duty Q,X
working as deckhand on passenger charter boat in Port Phillip Bay, etc.
Harry Signofski

Please note:
  • Period of service claimed must include the total number of days and total hours worked.
  • Summary of voyage and operations must include details of the area of operations and duties carried out.