Dredging Industry Award 2025 Pay Rates (MA000085)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Dredging Industry Award covers employees working on dredges, both propelled and non-propelled, and associated vessels engaged in dredging operations across Australia. If you work as a dredge master, dredge operator, winch driver, deck hand, marine engineer, fitter, or general crew member on a dredging vessel, this award applies to you. It covers a specialised segment of the maritime and construction industries, with roughly 3,000 workers across commercial dredging operations in ports, harbours, rivers, and offshore areas.

This award does NOT cover employees on general cargo or passenger vessels (Seagoing Industry Award), employees in port operations not involving dredging (Port Authorities Award, MA000051), or employees in land-based construction (Building and Construction Award, MA000020). The key test is whether the employee works on a dredge or a vessel directly associated with dredging operations. See clause 4.1 for coverage terms.

How classification levels work

The award has separate classification structures depending on whether the dredge is propelled (self-moving) and fully operational, propelled but not fully operational, or non-propelled (stationary). Each type has its own classification levels reflecting the different skills and hazards involved (clause 14 and Schedule A). Propelled, fully operational dredges have the most complex structure with levels for deck crew, engine room crew, and dredge operators. Non-propelled dredges have a simpler structure as the vessel does not navigate independently.

Vessel type affects pay

A distinctive feature of this award is that pay rates differ based on the type of dredge you work on. Employees on propelled, fully operational dredges receive the highest base rates because these vessels require navigation skills in addition to dredging expertise. Employees on non-propelled dredges receive lower rates that reflect the reduced complexity of working on a stationary vessel. Shiftworkers on propelled dredges receive specific shift loadings not available on non-propelled vessels.

Classification Levels and Base Rates

All rates effective 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review 2024-25.

Propelled Dredge (Fully Operational)

Non-Propelled Dredge

Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38 (clause 13.1). Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25 (clause 11.1).

Penalty Rates

All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate (clause 22 and clause 23).

Full-Time and Part-Time Day Workers

Shiftworkers (Full-Time and Part-Time -- Propelled Dredge)

Casual Employees

Casual employees on dredges receive a flat 25% casual loading for all ordinary hours regardless of day. See clause 22.6.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Casual deck hand on a non-propelled dredge

Ryan is a casual Level 1 deck hand working a 10-hour weekday shift on a non-propelled dredge.

• Base rate: $24.73/hr
• Weekday casual rate: 125% = $24.73 x 1.25 = $30.91/hr
• Total for 10 hours: $309.10 gross
• Clause reference: clause 22.6

Example 2: Full-time dredge master on a public holiday

Captain Simmons is a permanent Level 4 dredge master on a propelled vessel who works a 12-hour public holiday shift.

• Base rate: $31.23/hr
• Public holiday rate: 250% = $31.23 x 2.50 = $78.08/hr
• Total for 12 hours: $936.96 gross
• Clause reference: clause 22.2

Example 3: Shiftworker on an afternoon shift (propelled dredge)

Tina is a permanent Level 2 winch operator on an afternoon shift (2pm to 10pm) on a fully operational propelled dredge.

• Base rate: $27.90/hr
• Afternoon shift rate: 115% = $27.90 x 1.15 = $32.09/hr
• Total for 8 hours: $256.72 gross
• Clause reference: clause 22.3

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum shift length for dredging workers?

Casual and part-time employees must be engaged for a minimum of 4 hours per shift (clause 11.2). Dredging operations often run extended shifts of 10 to 12 hours due to tidal and operational requirements. At the non-propelled Level 1 casual rate ($30.91/hr), the minimum payment for any casual shift is $123.64 gross.

2. Why do propelled dredge workers earn more than non-propelled dredge workers?

Propelled dredges are self-moving vessels that navigate independently. Working on them requires additional maritime qualifications and skills compared to non-propelled (stationary) dredges. The higher base rates for propelled dredge employees reflect these additional skill requirements, the added risks of working on a navigating vessel, and the historical industrial agreements in the dredging sector. See clause 14.

3. Do I receive a living-away-from-home allowance?

Yes. Dredging workers who are required to live away from their home port receive a living-away-from-home allowance to cover accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses (clause 19). This is particularly relevant for dredging crews working on remote or interstate projects. The allowance is paid per day in addition to wages.

4. I work on a vessel that supports the dredge but is not the dredge itself. Am I covered?

If you work on a vessel directly associated with dredging operations (such as a hopper barge, pipeline vessel, or survey boat working as part of a dredging fleet), you may be covered by this award. The key test is whether the vessel is engaged in or directly supporting dredging operations. General maritime vessels not associated with dredging are covered by other maritime awards.

5. Do continuous shift dredging workers get extra annual leave?

Yes. Employees engaged as continuous shiftworkers (working on a roster covering all 7 days, 24 hours) are entitled to an additional week of annual leave under the National Employment Standards (5 weeks total instead of 4). Many dredging operations run continuous rosters, particularly during major port development projects.

Check Your Rate

Working on a dredge or in dredging operations? Use our free calculator to check your exact pay rate.

Check your pay rate now

Select your dredge type (propelled or non-propelled), classification level, employment type, and shift pattern. The calculator handles the different vessel type rates, shiftwork loadings, and overtime provisions -- all with clause references so you can verify every number.

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Home > Awards > Dredging Industry Award (MA000085)

Rates current as of 1 July 2025. Source: Fair Work Commission, CC BY 4.0. This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Always verify rates against the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool (PACT) at calculate.fairwork.gov.au.