Maritime Crew (988)

The Maritime Crew visa (Subclass 988) is a temporary visa for foreign-crew members of eligible non-military ships who will join a ship in Australia by sea travel. It allows you to enter, stay and work in Australia as a ship’s crew member under your employment duties. 

What You Can Do with This Visa

• Enter and stay in Australia lawfully while working as a crew member on an eligible non-military ship.
• Remain in Australia for the duration of your ship’s stay or voyage.
• Travel frequently by sea without needing to apply for separate visitor or work visas.

Eligibility / Requirements

• Must be employed or to be employed as a crew member on a non-military ship on an international voyage entering Australia by sea.
• Must be offshore when applying.
• Must meet health and character requirements, have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, and hold a valid passport.
• The ship must be eligible, such as a commercial, passenger, or research vessel private yachts and fishing boats are excluded.

How to Apply

• Ensure you are outside Australia before applying.
• Gather all the supporting documents
• Submit the application online (or on paper if required) to the Department of Home Affairs.
• Wait for the visa decision before travelling to Australia.