To operate a vessel for commercial purposes you may be required to hold a local knowledge certificate (LKC) in addition to a certificate of competency.
Visit the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) website for information about the certificate of competency.
A local knowledge certificate is required where the risks, due to local conditions, are sufficient to justify additional permissioning requirements.
Local knowledge certificates are the responsibility of Safe Transport Victoria.
Local Knowledge Certificate applications
Apply for a new Local Knowledge Certificate (LKC) here
For renewal of LKC, apply here.
Any person seeking to apply for a LKC is advised to read the LKC Determination before applying. The Determination is available here.
LKC application payments
On receipt of your application, an invoice will be emailed to you with details on how to pay.
General Information
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) however, courses required for the issue of two LKCs are open for the recreational boaters to attend.
Contact the registered training organisations for more information.
Local knowledge courses cover important information on a range of topics which may be useful for recreational boaters, particularly for those crossing Lakes Entrance Bar or through Port Phillip Heads.
These courses cover in depth topics including tide changes, localised hazards, navigation aids, and local weather conditions. By completing a local knowledge course you will gain a better understanding of vessel traffic and interaction between commercial shipping and recreational boating.
Recreational boaters operating in these areas can also consider the following courses:
- Ocean Racing Club of Victoria – Rip Tour of Port Phillip Heads
- South East Australia Maritime Education Centre (SEAMEC) – Lakes Entrance Bar Crossing for Recreational Boaters
Relevant Port Authority and registered training organisations have course information which may be helpful, see contact details below.
Yes. A Certificate of Competency (CoC) qualifies you to perform the duties required by your position on a commercial vessel whilst 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) issued by Safe Transport Victoria.
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 from Safe Transport Victoria.
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.
Please contact ST Vic at [email protected] or on 1800 638 802 should you have any questions regarding this application.
A downloadable version of this form is available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following types or classes of vessels require a master to hold an LKC to navigate the vessels in the declared waters
| Local knowledge declared waters | Local knowledge declared waters which are also pilot required waters | Local knowledge for vessel entering or leaving port waters via pilot required waters | ||||
| Vessel type | Minimum vessel length | Maximum vessel length | Minimum vessel length | Maximum vessel length | Minimum vessel length | Maximum vessel length |
| Class 1 or Class 2 Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) | >12m | Unlimited | >12m | ≤35m
Local knowledge required if operating a vessel up to and including 35m without any conditions on the LKC. |
>12m | ≤35m |
| >35m | If operating a vessel greater than 35m in length a LKC must have a condition imposed by the Safety Director as per clause 83 (3) of the MSA allowing the vessel to be operated within pilot required waters without a pilot. | >35m | Vessels greater than 35m require a licensed pilot or the vessel must be operated by a pilot exempt master. | |||
| Class 3 Domestic Commercial Vessel (DCV) that engages in fishing operations | >35m | Unlimited | >35m | If operating a vessel greater than 35m in length a LKC must have a condition imposed by the Safety Director as per clause 83 (3) of the MSA allowing the vessel to be operated within pilot required waters without a pilot. | >35m | Vessels greater than 35m require a licensed pilot or the vessel must be operated by a pilot exempt master. |
The application process generally comprises the following steps:
Complete and submit the initial application form with all supporting documents via the Safe Transport 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.
Once all required information and documentation are received, Safe Transport Victoria will issue an invoice via email. Payment must be made before your application can proceed.
Once your payment is received, Safe Transport Victoria will email you a letter with instructions to contact the relevant Harbour Master to arrange a Port Office Visit (POV) and/or a Local Knowledge Oral Examination.
You may have your Sea Service verified (if required) by the Harbour Master during the Port Office Visit. Please see question 7 for the full list of LK areas requiring Harbour Master endorsement of Sea Service.
It’s your responsibility to establish contact with the Harbour Master within 30 days of receiving the letter. The Harbour Master will usually provide study materials to prepare you for the oral exam. You must obtain an examination from the Harbour Master listed within the letter. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of the following:
- Navigational aids
- Geographical features
- Statutory requirements
- Marine traffic
- Other local factors impacting safe navigation
On completion of a local knowledge oral exam, the Harbour Master will provide a statement of results advising Safe Transport Victoria of the outcome of the oral exam. You will be issued an LKC if you have successfully completed the local knowledge oral exam and POV and provided all required supporting documents. An LKC is valid for a period of 5 years.
All new LKC application require the following documents:
- A completed application form from our website: Application Form – Local Knowledge Certificate
- 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
- The result of passing the relevant Local Knowledge Oral Exam
- Port Office Visit Form singed by the relevant Harbour Master
- Proof of relevant Sea Service experience verified by Harbour Master
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.
| Certified Current Certificate of Competency | Certified Photographic Proof of Identity | Passport Style Photo | Course Completion Certificate | Examination | Port Office Visit | Sea Service verified by the Harbour Master | |
| LK.3 Port of Corner Inlet – including Toora and Barry Beach Channel to Barry Beach, but excluding Lewis Channel and Port Welshpool (LK4) and Port Albert (LK5) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| LK.4 Port of Corner Inlet – including Lewis Channel and Port Welshpool, but excluding Toora and Barry Beach Channel to Barry Beach (LK3) and Port Albert (LK5) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| LK.5 Port Albert & Approaches including the Port Albert Bar & Port Albert Channel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| LK.6 Geelong West of an imaginary line north/south on Longitude 144o 40’E including Corio Bay, the Outer Harbour and sections of Port Phillip Bay | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| LK.8 Lakes Entrance and Approaches -including sections of The Narrows, Reeve Channel, Hopetoun Channel and Cunninghame Arm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| LK.8 – Passenger Carrying vessels Lakes Entrance & Approaches – including Lakes Entrance Bar & sections of The Narrows, Reeve Channel, Hopetoun Channel & Cunninghame Arm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| LK.8 – Non-Passenger Carrying vessels Lakes Entrance & Approaches – including Lakes Entrance Bar & sections of The Narrows, Reeve Channel, Hopetoun Channel & Cunninghame Arm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| LK.15 Port Phillip Heads – Passenger Operations through Port Phillip Heads – including the adjacent waters inside Port Phillip Heads | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| LK.16 Port Phillip Bay, South | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| LK.18 Port Phillip Bay, North | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| LK.19 Lower Yarra River – Bolte Bridge to Dights Falls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| LK.20 Western Port and Hastings – Western Waters | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| LK.21 Western Port – Eastern Waters | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Fees and payment
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.
Safe Transport 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. For instance, A master of a domestic commercial vessel who is a holder of a certificate of competency as deck crew may apply for the issue of a local knowledge certificate. Holders of engineer level certificates of competency are ineligible.
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 approved 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 & Approaches – including Lakes Entrance Bar & sections of The Narrows, Reeve Channel, Hopetoun Channel & Cunninghame Arm)
Approved training provider: South East Australia Maritime Education Centre
Course code: 0417BARPRO
Website: Lakes Entrance Bar Crossing for Professional Operators
Phone: 1300 133 717
Email: [email protected]
Location: Bullock Island Rd, Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance, 3909.
LK.15 – Specified area certificates.
(Port Phillip Heads – Passenger Operations through Port Phillip Heads – including the adjacent waters inside Port Phillip Heads)
Approved training provider: Marine Training Services
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 5229 5432
Location: 17 Swanston St Geelong 3220
Website: http://marinetraining.vic.edu.au/
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 the Harbour Master Gippsland Ports or their delegate. 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.
For the Port of Corner Inlet, LK3 and LK4 – the Chief Officer may hold the LKC for the Port until the Master has gained their necessary qualification. The Chief Officer must have a Certificate of Competency to enable them to be master of the vessel. The Master and Chief Officer must both be on the Bridge for all berth manoeuvres and channel transits during the LKC training trips.
| LK Area | New Application | Renewal |
| LK3 – For the Port of Corner Inlet to Barry Beach via the Toora Channel | 6 trips Inbound and 6 trips outbound from Corner Inlet No1 SCM Buoy to Barry Beach Swing Basin via the Entrance Channel, Main Channel, Toora Channel and Barry Beach Cut – of which 2 trips in and 2 trips out must be in the hours of darkness. All trips must be completed within the previous 12-month period. | 3 trips inbound and 3 trips outbound must be completed within the previous 6 months |
| LK4 – For the Port of Corner Inlet to Port Welshpool via the Lewis Channel | 6 trips inbound and 6 trips outbound from Corner Inlet No.1 SCM Buoy to Port Welshpool Harbour via the Entrance Channel, Main Channel and Lewis Channel – of which 2 trips in and 2 trips out must be completed in the hours of darkness. All trips must be completed within the previous 12-month period. | 3 trips inbound and 3 trips outbound must be completed within the previous 6 months |
| LK5 – For Port Albert via the Port Albert Channel | 6 trips inbound and 6 trips outbound from the Port Albert Fairway Buoy to Port Albert Town Wharves – of which 2 in and 2 out must be completed in the hours of darkness. All trips must be completed within the previous 12-month period. | 3 trips inbound and 3 trips outbound must be completed within the previous 6 months. |
| LK8 – For the Port of Lakes Entrance
(NOTE: For LK8 excluding the Lakes Entrance Bar there is no sea service requirement.) |
20 trips inbound and 20 trips outbound of which 6 in and 6 out should be in the hours of darkness. At least 10 trips in and 10 trips out must be completed within the previous 12-months period | 6 trips inbound and 6 Trips outbound must be completed within the previous 6 months. |
An application for renewal must be made prior to the expiry of your current LKC. When submitting your renewal application, include:
- A completed application form (accessible from Safe Transport Victoria website)
Application for renewal of a local knowledge certificate - 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 (if applicable).
Under the current Determination, there are specific Sea Service currency requirements for renewal of local knowledge certificate:
An applicant must provide a log of all trips for each of the LK certificates applied for on an STV accepted format to demonstrate currency:
- In order to maintain currency for the renewal of a certificate a minimum of 25 trips needs to be completed and logged over the 5-year period.
- Of the trips in the last 12 months, at least 40% of the trips need to be on an incoming tide.
- Of the trips in the last 12 months, at least 40% of the trips need to be during the hours of darkness.
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. Safe Transport 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 oral examination results from the Harbour Master and the completed Port Office Visit.
Contacts and Local Area Knowledge Charts
| Contact | Website | |
| STV Qualifications | Email: [email protected] | https://safetransport.vic.gov.au/ |
| Ports Victoria Melbourne | Email: [email protected] Address: 331 Lorimer St, Port Melbourne 3207 Phone: 9644 9740 (office hours: 8am–4pm) |
https://www.vicports.vic.gov.au/ |
| Ports Victoria Geelong | Address: East 1E, 13-35 Mackey St, North Geelong 3215 Phone: 5225 3565 |
https://ports.vic.gov.au/ |
| Ports Victoria Hastings | Address: 1d Stony Point Rd, Crib Point 3919 Phone: 5225 3565 |
https://ports.vic.gov.au/ |
| Gippsland Ports | Head Office Address: 97 Main St, Bairnsdale 3875 Head Office Phone: 5150 0500 |
https://gippslandports.vic.gov.au/ |
| Lakes Entrance Depot: Bullock Island Lakes Entrance Lakes Entrance Phone: 5155 6900 |
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| Welshpool: 84 Lewis St, Port Welshpool Welshpool Phone: 5688 1303 |
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| Marine Training Services |
Email: [email protected] |
http://marinetraining.vic.edu.au/ |
| SEAMEC | Email: [email protected] Address: Bullock Island Rd, Lakes Entrance 3909 Phone: 1300 133 717 |
https://www.tafegippsland.edu.au/campuses/lakes_entrance |
Review process and appeals
Yes, if you would like to challenge a decision, you can ask Safe Transport Victoria to review it. You have 28 days from when you find out about the decision to make this request and if you need more time, you can ask for an extension.
Get in touch with us here if you wish to do this.
You can also ask VCAT to review a decision. You must make this request within 28 days of being told about the decision, or if you asked for a detailed explanation, within 28 days of receiving that explanation or being told you won’t get one.
The Marine Safety Act 2010 (MSA, sections 289 and 290) outlines this topic in more detail.