External
Policy
Introduction
Australian merchant mariners can be eligible for benefits under the VEA. Their service must have been during World War 2.
What is an Australian mariner?
An Australian mariner is a master, officer, seaman or apprentice who was, during World War 2:
- employed in sea-going service on a ship registered in Australia that was engaged in trading between a port in a State or Territory and any other port; or
- employed in sea-going service on a ship registered outside Australia who was, or whose dependants were, resident in Australia for at least 12 months immediately before he or she entered into the agreement or indenture; or
- employed on a lighthouse tender, or pilot ship of the Commonwealth or of a State; or
- employed in sea-going service on a ship owned in Australia and operating from an Australian port, being a hospital ship, troop transport; supply ship, tug, cable ship, salvage ship, dredge, fishing vessel or fisheries investigation vessel; or
- a member or employee of the Commonwealth Salvage Board engaged in sea-going service on a ship registered in New Zealand who the Commission is satisfied was engaged in Australia and is not entitled to compensation under a law of a Commonwealth country.