Ports, Harbours and Enclosed Water Vessels 2025 Pay Rates (MA000052)

Plain-English Summary

Who does this award cover?

The Ports, Harbours and Enclosed Water Vessels covers employees on vessels operating in ports, harbours, and enclosed waters, including ferry operators, harbour launch crew, pilot boat crew, and water taxi operators. If you work on a vessel that operates within a port, harbour, river, or enclosed waterway, this award applies to you. It covers approximately 3,000 workers across Australia.

This award does NOT cover tugboat crew (Marine Towage Award, MA000050), seagoing vessel crew (Seagoing Industry Award, MA000122), or port authority office staff (Port Authorities Award, MA000051). See clause 4.1 for the full coverage terms.

How classification levels work

Classifications cover roles from deckhand through to engineer, mate, and master of harbour vessels. Shiftworkers and non-shiftworkers have different provisions.

Key features of this award

Harbour vessel operations often involve shiftwork to provide services around the clock. The award includes afternoon, night, and permanent night shift penalties for shiftworkers.

Classification Levels and Base Rates

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

Refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000052 for current dollar amounts for each classification level. Hourly rate = weekly rate / 38. Casual rate = hourly rate x 1.25.

Penalty Rates

Penalty rate multipliers from the Fair Work Commission penalty rate schedule for MA000052. All penalties are calculated on the base hourly rate.

The award specifies penalty rates ranging from 100% to 275% depending on when and how you work.

Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

Casual Employees

Penalty rate categories in this award

The following penalty rate descriptions apply under MA000052:

• Afternoon
• Night
• Ordinary hours
• Permanent night
• Public holiday
• Saturday
• Sunday

Casual penalty rates include the 25% casual loading. Refer to the specific award clauses for exact percentages applicable to each classification level and employment type.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Casual worker on a Sunday

A casual employee working a 4 hours-hour minimum shift on a Sunday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000052 pay guide
• Sunday casual rate: base rate x Sunday casual penalty percentage
• Minimum payment: Sunday casual rate x 4 hours hours
• Clause reference: refer to casual penalty rates clause

Example 2: Full-time worker on a public holiday

A full-time employee working an 8-hour public holiday shift.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000052 pay guide
• Public holiday rate: base rate x public holiday percentage (up to 275%)
• Total: public holiday rate x 8 hours
• Clause reference: refer to public holiday clause

Example 3: Part-time worker with overtime

A part-time employee who works 2 hours beyond their rostered hours on a weekday.

• Base hourly rate: refer to your classification level in the MA000052 pay guide
• Overtime rate: base rate x overtime percentage
• Clause reference: refer to overtime clause

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this award cover ferry operators?

Yes, employees on ferries operating within ports, harbours, or enclosed waters are covered. Ferries on open ocean routes may be covered by the Seagoing Industry Award instead.

2. What shift penalties apply to harbour vessel crew?

Shiftworkers receive penalties for afternoon shifts, night shifts, and permanent night shifts. The specific percentages differ between casual and permanent employees.

3. Are water taxi operators covered?

Yes, employees operating water taxis within enclosed waterways and harbours are covered by this award.

4. What is the minimum shift length under this award?

The minimum engagement for casual and part-time employees is 4 hours per shift. Even if you are sent home early, you must be paid for the minimum shift length.

5. How do I check my exact pay rate?

Use our free calculator or refer to the Fair Work Commission pay guide for MA000052. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 for free advice.

Check Your Rate

Working in ports and harbours and want to know your exact pay rate? Use our free calculator to check.

Check your pay rate now

Select your classification, shiftwork status, employment type, and the days you work.

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Table Schema (Dataset)

• name: "Ports, Harbours and Enclosed Water Vessels MA000052 Pay Rates July 2025"
• description: "Classification levels and penalty rates for crew on harbour vessels and port service craft under the Ports, Harbours and Enclosed Water Vessels"
• temporalCoverage: "2025-07-01/.."
• creator: Fair Work Commission
• license: CC BY 4.0

Breadcrumb Schema

Home > Awards > Ports, Harbours and Enclosed Water Vessels (MA000052)

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.