Australia’s Subclass 988 Maritime Crew Visa: Everything You Need to Know

By Vikrant Singh, September 13, 2025

The Subclass 988 Maritime Crew Visa (MCV) allows foreign crew members to enter and leave Australia by sea while working on an eligible international ship. It also covers partners and dependent children traveling on the same ship.

This visa is free of cost and valid for up to 3 years, making it ideal for those in the maritime industry.

Key Highlights

Feature	Details
Visa Type	Subclass 988 – Maritime Crew Visa
Who Can Apply	Foreign ship crew, partners, dependent children
Where to Apply	Must be outside Australia
Validity	Up to 3 years
Cost	Free
Entry Mode	By sea only – separate visa required for air travel

What You Can Do with This Visa

Allowed Activities	Not Allowed Activities
Enter and leave Australia by sea as part of an eligible ship's crew	Enter Australia by air using this visa alone
Stay in Australia while signed on as a crew member	Work in jobs not related to ship operations
Switch between eligible ships	Travel as a tourist without a separate visa

Eligible Ships for This Visa

Eligible Ships	Ineligible Ships
Cargo ships carrying goods internationally	Private yachts & superyachts
International cruise ships	Most fishing vessels & trawlers
Foreign government-owned research ships	Cable-laying vessels
Ships with Public Vessel Status	Non-government research ships
Ships registered on the Australian International Shipping Register	Petroleum tankers visiting both offshore areas and Australian ports

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Subclass 988 Visa, you must:

• Be outside Australia when applying.

• Be a signed crew member (or have a job offer) on an eligible ship.

• Meet health and character requirements.

• Not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	Action Required
Step 1	Check that your ship is eligible and your passport is valid.
Step 2	Gather necessary documents (passport, employment proof, qualifications).
Step 3	Apply online through ImmiAccount or submit Form 1273 if applying on paper.
Step 4	Wait for processing; check status through ImmiAccount.
Step 5	Receive visa decision.

Documents Needed

Category	Documents Required
Identity	Passport copy, national ID, change of name documents (if any)
Employment	Proof of employment, statement from shipping agent with details of ship and arrival
Education	Highest qualification related to maritime work
Family Members	Marriage certificate, relationship proof, and identity documents

Important Notes

• Family members cannot work on this visa.

• If flying to Australia to join a ship, you need another visa (e.g., Transit Visa Subclass 771).

• Always hold a valid visa while in Australia to avoid unlawful stay.

• Health insurance is highly recommended as you are personally responsible for medical expenses.

Why This Visa Matters

The Subclass 988 Visa simplifies international shipping operations by providing seamless entry and exit for maritime crew, supporting Australia’s global trade and cruise industries.

With no application fee and a straightforward process, it’s an essential visa for anyone working at sea and traveling through Australian waters.

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