Home / Pay guides / MA000122
Seagoing Industry Award pay rates 2026–27
The minimum hourly rates and penalty rates under the Seagoing Industry Award 2020 [MA000122], in force from 1 July 2026. The lowest adult rate is $23.46 an hour, or $29.33 for casuals.
Minimum hourly rates
Adult rates per hour. The casual rate includes the casual loading. Junior, apprentice and trainee rates are set separately in the award.
Vessels Granted a Temporary Licence
| Classification | Full-time & part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| OS/Wiper/Deckboy/Catering Boy/2nd Cook/Messroom Steward (1Jul24-31Dec24) | $23.46 | $29.33 |
| OS/Wiper/Deckboy/Catering Boy/2nd Cook/Messroom Steward (first 6 months of employment) | $25.74 | $32.17 |
| OS/Wiper/Deckboy/Catering Boy/2nd Cook/Messroom Steward (after 6 months of employment) | $26.44 | $33.05 |
| Integrated rating/Able seaman/Fireman/Motorman/Pumpman/Oiler greaser/Steward | $30.00 | $37.50 |
| Chief integrated rating/Bosun/Chief cook/Chief steward/Carpenter/Fitter/Repairer/Donkeyman/Electrician | $32.92 | $41.15 |
| Second mate/Second engineer/Radio Officer/Electrical Engineer | $34.65 | $43.31 |
| Third mate/Third engineer | $34.79 | $43.49 |
| First mate/First engineer | $39.22 | $49.03 |
| Chief engineer | $45.23 | $56.54 |
| Master | $45.99 | $57.49 |
| Classification | Full-time & part-time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum salary — Integrated rating/AB/Greaser/Second cook | $29.14 | $36.42 |
| Minimum salary — Integrated rating/Assistant steward/Catering attendant—AOV | $30.93 | $38.66 |
| Minimum salary — Bosun/Chief steward/Chief cook/Chief integrated rating | $31.60 | $39.50 |
| Minimum salary — Integrated rating/Assistant steward/Catering attendant—18 | $31.61 | $39.51 |
| Minimum salary — Second cook—AOV | $31.71 | $39.64 |
| Minimum salary — Third mate/Third engineer/Electrician | $33.07 | $41.34 |
| Minimum salary — Chief integrated rating/Chief cook/Chief steward—AOV | $33.95 | $42.44 |
| Aggregate annual salary — Integrated rating/Assistant steward/Catering attendant—AOV (Standard rate) | $34.27 | $42.84 |
| Minimum salary — Second mate/Second engineer/Electrical engineer/Electro-technical officer | $34.48 | $43.10 |
| Minimum salary — Chief integrated rating/Chief cook/Chief steward—18 | $34.70 | $43.38 |
| Minimum salary — Third mate/Third engineer/Electrician—AOV | $35.88 | $44.85 |
| Minimum salary — Third mate/Third engineer/Electrician—18 | $36.70 | $45.88 |
| Minimum salary — Second mate/Second engineer/Electro-technical officer—AOV | $37.43 | $46.79 |
| Minimum salary — Second mate/Second engineer/Electro-technical officer—18 | $39.31 | $49.14 |
| Minimum salary — First mate/First engineer—AOV | $40.44 | $50.55 |
| Minimum salary — Chief engineer—AOV | $46.63 | $58.29 |
| Minimum salary — Master—AOV | $47.40 | $59.25 |
| Minimum salary — Chief engineer—18 | $47.76 | $59.70 |
| Minimum salary — Master—18 | $48.56 | $60.70 |
| Minimum salary — First mate/First engineer—18 | $49.22 | $61.53 |
Source: the Fair Work Commission's published rates. Check them against the award or the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guide.
Seagoing Industry Award: common questions
What is the minimum pay rate under the Seagoing Industry Award?
From 1 July 2026, the lowest adult classification, OS/Wiper/Deckboy/Catering Boy/2nd Cook/Messroom Steward (1Jul24-31Dec24), is $23.46 an hour for full-time and part-time employees and $29.33 an hour for casuals, which includes the casual loading. Higher classifications are paid more; the full table is on this page.
When do Seagoing Industry Award pay rates change?
The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum wages every year, and new rates usually apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. The rates on this page apply from 1 July 2026.
How do I check a payslip against the Seagoing Industry Award?
Upload the payslip to FairCheck's free payslip check. It reads the pay lines, confirms the award and classification with you, and shows whether the rates, penalties and super meet this award, with the reasoning for every line.