Information in regard to Marine Orders Part 3 - Seagoing Qualifications (issue 6)
Marine Notice 12/2004
Marine Orders Part 3 - Seagoing Qualifications – was revised in line with the full implementation of the IMO STCW Convention; and the new Issue 6 came into operation on 8 September 2004.
MO3 issue 6 requires all certificate of competency or recognition holders to hold a current first aid certificate when revalidating. However until further advice, the same medical training certificate that was required for the issue of the certificate of competency or recognition will continue to be accepted towards revalidating a certificate.
To further meet the requirements of the STCW Convention, a new structure has been introduced in regard to deck certificates.
One of the significant changes is the renaming of the existing Class 1 and Class 2 master and deck officer certificates, denoting capacities in terms of functions, levels and limitations. Two new AMSA deck certificates of competency have been created to replace the issuing of AMSA STCW Endorsements on Australian State/Territory issued master class three and master class four (other than near coastal) certificates.
AMSA will continue to issue STCW Endorsements on State/Territory certificates until 31 December 2005, and after that date to revalidate STCW Endorsements already held.
These new certificates conform with STCW requirements and should resolve some reported recognition problems that have been experienced overseas by holders of Class 2 and State/Territory certificates with an AMSA STCW endorsement.
The new certificate structure also provides a clear pathway for present holders of Australian State/Territory certificates, and persons working in the deck department of smaller tonnage commercial and trading vessels, to obtain an AMSA STCW qualification and progress to larger vessel qualifications, should they so choose. The requirements for issue of all certificates can be found in Marine Orders Part 3, which is available on the AMSA website.
Existing AMSA Master Class 1 & 2, Chief Mate Class 1 & 2 and Second Mate Class 1 & 2 certificates of competency or recognition, remain valid under MO3 (Issue 6); but when holders of those certificates apply for revalidation they will be issued with the corresponding new Master, Chief Mate or Watch-keeper Deck certificate. The normal revalidation fee will apply.
Holders of existing certificates of competency or recognition may also request the equivalent new certificate before their normal revalidation date. The new certificate issue fee will apply, but if the normal revalidation requirements have not been met then the new certificate will bear the same expiry date as the certificate being replaced.
All applications for new certificates must include a recent passport style and quality colour photograph, and the original certificate and Seafarers should allow an additional two weeks for the processing of the revalidated certificate.
Further information on requirements under the new MO3 – seafarer qualifications - may be obtained from any regional AMSA office or from the AMSA website.
Clive Davidson
Chief Executive Officer
10 November 2004
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181
CANBERRA ACT 2601
File No: 033756
Term of Validity: Routine
Internet address for all current Marine Notices: www.amsa.gov.au