Superyachts are sailing ships or motor vessels that are used for sport or pleasure, do not carry cargo, and are 24 metres or greater in load line length.
The Superyacht industry is a growing market and the new visa will provide greater flexibility for Superyacht operators and crew seeking to visit Australia to extend their stay in Australian waters.
A Superyacht Crew Visa is a visa specifically for people working as members of the crew of a Superyacht while in Australia. This temporary visa allows crew members to work onboard a Superyacht and remain in Australia for up to 12 months.
To be eligible for a Superyacht Crew visa you must be employed as a member of the crew of a Superyacht. Family members/dependants of crew are not eligible for this visa but should consider applying for an ETA (visitor) (subclass 976) or a Tourist (subclass 676) visa.
You can be inside or outside Australia when applying for a Superyacht Crew Visa. Crew members must meet the following eligibility requirements.
You must meet health requirements.
See: Health Requirements link - http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/health-requirements/
You must meet character requirements.
See: Character and Penal Clearance Requirements link - http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/character-requirements/
You should provide details of the vessel operator, shipping company or agent with which you are employed. You will need to provide all of the following additional documents with your application:
Crew members must be sponsored to work in Australia by the captain or owner of the Superyacht on which they will be working.
Superyacht Crew visa holders who change employers are required to lodge a new visa application sponsored by their new employer.
Superyacht Crew visa holders who transfer to another Superyacht owned by the same employer are not required to lodge a new visa application.
If you are granted this visa, you can:
The Superyacht Crew Visa was introduced in October 2008.
The Superyacht Crew visa allows multiple entry into Australia for 12 months from the date it is granted. When applying Superyacht crew can nominate to stay in Australia for up to three (3), six (6) or 12 months on each visit. Superyacht Crew visa holders can apply for a further Superyacht Crew visa while in Australia.
A Superyacht Crew Visa application will be free of charge.
Information about other options for visiting Australia is available from: www.immi.gov.au
No – if you are in Australia working on a Superyacht and hold a valid visa with work rights you do not have to apply for a Superyacht Crew Visa until your current visa expires.
More information will be available in the lead up to the introduction of the Superyacht Crew Visa from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/air-sea/superyacht/
You or your agent may apply for a Superyacht Crew Visa online at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/air-sea/superyacht/
Alternatively, you or your agent can complete the relevant paper forms and lodge them at the Brisbane office of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.