Local Knowledge Certificates (LKC)

LKCs are issued to applicants holding a current Certificate of Competency operating domestic commercial vessels greater than 12m in length (greater than 35m if a fishing vessel).

A Certificate of Competency (CoC) qualifies you to perform the duties required by your position on a commercial vessel while operating in Australian Commonwealth, State and Port waters. In contrast, an LKC confirms a holder possesses sufficient local knowledge for a specific port environment. It also verifies they are well-versed in the specific risks to navigation due to the relevant local conditions.

Under Section 80 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic), it is an offence for masters of domestic commercial vessels to enter, leave or navigate or attempt to do so in declared waters without a valid LKC, unless the master is exempted. You should also consult the relevant harbour master Directions which may prescribe additional requirements for LKC.

Declared Waters refers to specific areas within State water (encompassing Port waters) that present navigational complexities due to factors such as tides, port traffic, and environmental conditions. In these areas, a local knowledge certificate is mandatory. These areas are designated under Section 81 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).

For a full list of declared waters refer to the Local Knowledge Certificate: Determination for Masters of Domestic Commercial Vessels (LKC Determination).

LKCs are issued under Part 3.4, Division 2 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic). The requirements are outlined in the current LKC Determination.

Before applying, review the Determination to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the relevant type of LKC.

Medical and eyesight requirements are covered by the requirements of your Certificate of Competency

If you have an LKC and it has expired, you will need to apply for a new LKC. This may mean you will need to re-sit any required exams or courses and resubmit any required sea time. You will also need to pay for a new application, not a renewal.

The following types or classes of vessels require a master to hold an LKC to navigate the vessels in the declared waters:

The application process generally comprises the following steps:

Step 1: Apply online

Complete the online application and upload the supporting documents via the Ports Victoria website. It is important to note that an LKC is area specific. In your application, select all local knowledge area you are scheduled to operate in.

Step 2: Invoice payment

Once all required information and documentation are received, Ports Victoria will issue an invoice via email. Payment must be made before your application can proceed.

Please note, fees are non-refundable. If you are unsure what local knowledge certificates you require, please contact us at PV.Licensing@ports.vic.gov.au

Step 3: Arrange your Port Office Visit and Local Knowledge Examination (where applicable)

Once your payment is received, Ports Victoria will email you a letter with instructions to contact the relevant entity to arrange a Port Office Visit (POV) and/or a Local Knowledge Examination.

It’s your responsibility to respond within 30 days of receiving the letter. Your application may be refused if you do not organise the Port Office Visit and/or Local Knowledge Examination within the required timeframe.

Applicants will be required to complete an examination on the local knowledge area applied for. A local knowledge examination may include but is not limited to questions relating to:

• Navigational aids
• Geographical features
• Statutory requirements
• Marine traffic
• Other local factors impacting safe navigation

Step 4: Certificate issuance

On completion of the Local Knowledge Examination, a statement of results will advise Ports Victoria of the outcome. You will be issued an LKC if you have successfully completed the Local Knowledge Examination and/or Port Office Visit and provided all required supporting documents. An LKC is valid for a period of 5 years.

You will be required to provide the following documents when you submit your online application:

• Certified copy of your current Certificate of Competency (front and back)
• Certified copy of photo proof of identity e.g., valid passport or valid driver licence.
• A passport size photo

Depending on the local knowledge area(s) you are applying for, you may need to provide additional supporting documents, including, as applicable, the following:

• Evidence of training attendance and/or Course Completion Certificate

If you are required to complete a Local Knowledge Examination, Port Office Visit and/or are required to have your sea service verified, the following documents will be provided to Ports Victoria:

• The result of passing the relevant Local Knowledge exam
• Completed Port Office Visit Form
• Verified evidence of relevant Sea Service experience

Applicants are required to demonstrate and provide evidence of training attendance, course completion and sea service requirements. Please refer to the table below for the specific Local Knowledge Certificate requirements. Throughout the application process, we’ll provide guidance on the required documents and provide any additional instructions.

Once a completed application has been received, Ports Victoria will send you a payment advice. The fee payable depends on the type of application and how many local knowledge areas are required. A local knowledge certificate cannot be issued until applicants have paid all fees.

Ports Victoria accepts Certificates of Competency issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that are appropriate for the vessel and operation type and authorises the applicant to operate as a Master. The CoC must be current and match the operational limits of the vessel and area.

Please visit Domestic Certificates of Competency (COCs) | Australian Maritime Safety Authority for further information.

If you are applying for LK.8 – Passenger carrying vessels and/or LK.15 – Specified area certificates, you must complete a course from an accredited training provider listed below. Contact the approved training provider to register or learn more about the course including the cost involved.

LK.8 – Passenger carrying vessels

(Lakes Entrance and approaches – including Lakes Entrance Bar and sections of The Narrows, Reeve Channel, Hopetoun Channel and Cunninghame Arm)

Accredited training provider: South East Australia Maritime Education Centre

Course code: 0417BARPRO

Website: Lakes Entrance Bar Crossing for Professional Operators
Phone: 1300 133 717
Email: enquiries@tafegippsland.edu.au
location: Bullock Island Rd, Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance, 3909

LK.15 – Passenger Operations through Port Phillip Heads

(Port Phillip Heads –– including the adjacent waters inside Port Phillip Heads)

Further information about the course provider for LK.15 will be made available here.

Application for LK3 (Barry Beach Marine Terminals), LK4 (Port Welshpool), LK5 (Port Albert) and LK8 (Port of Lakes Entrance) must include Sea Service that has been verified by Gippsland Ports. This applies to both new and renewal applications.

All Sea Service must be completed on a commercial vessel greater than 12m in length and in the company of a Master who holds a valid LKC for the Port. Sea Service for the Lakes Entrance Bar being undertaken by holders of a Coxswains Licence only can achieve their sea service on a commercial vessel less than 12m in length provided it is operated by a master with the LK8 Certificate.

An application for renewal must be made prior to the expiry of your current LKC. When submitting your online renewal application, include:

• Certified copy of your valid Certificate of Competency (CoC) – front and back
• Certified photo proof of identity – e.g., valid passport or valid driver licence
• Certified copy of the expiring LKC
• A passport-style photo
• Proof of relevant sea service experience

To be eligible to renew your LKC, there are specific Sea Service currency requirements to be met:

1. A minimum of 25 trips needs to be completed and logged over the 5-year period.
2. Of the trips in the last 12 months, at least 40% of the trips need to be on an incoming tide.
3. Of the trips in the last 12 months, at least 40% of the trips need to be during the hours of darkness.

You will be required to provide details of your Sea Service when completing the online renewal application.

Note: If sufficient evidence has not been provided, the applicant will be required to re-sit the appropriate course or assessment.

The processing time varies depending on the complexity and number of local knowledge areas required. Ports Victoria aim to process your certificate in 20 business days once we have received your payment and all required supporting documents have been provided, including the completed Port Office Visit and examination from the relevant waterway manager.