Prior to the initial issue of a certificate of proficiency you must hold a valid Certificate of medical fitness.

For initial issue of a certificate of proficiency you are required to obtain a Certificate of medical fitness in Australia. The medical examination can be organised by contacting Sonic HealthPlus. We strongly recommend that you complete the medical examination before you commence training to ensure that you are medically fit for a seagoing career.

To book a medical examination, you can:

• Call toll free: 1300 763 822
• Email: seafarermedicals@sonichealthplus.com.au

Read more about medical fitness.

You will need to complete the following training courses:

• an approved program of study which includes completion of the approved training and guidance (TAGS) program of the appropriate discipline
• Basic safety training, including security awareness training.

These courses must be completed with an approved training organisation.

All of the certificates and training you complete and provide evidence of must comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Many existing seafarers have considerable experience on various ship types and in varying operating environments. The operating environment, voyage length, and type of vessels may make tasks difficult to complete. The seafarer may demonstrate competence by discussion and role play. The on board supervisor may sign off these tasks using a variety of assessment tools to ensure the seafarer has the underpinning knowledge and required skills.

You will need to have completed one of the following sea service options:

• at least 2 months sea service in the engine room department
• at least 6 months sea service in the engine room department.

Seafarers with two months qualifying sea service must:

• Complete approved shore based vocational training.
• Hold a current Certificate of Safety Training (STCW Reg VI/1) with a security awareness endorsement (STCW Code A-VI/6 para. 4).
• Hold a valid Certificate of medical fitness.
• While on board a vessel/s complete the approved TAGS Book. Obtain statement of satisfactory completion of the TAGS book from the AMSA approved college.
• Provide evidence of at least two months qualifying sea service by letters from employer/s. Letters signed masters or chief engineers are not acceptable.
• Seafarers wanting the endorsement to form part of a navigational watch must also hold a steering certificate.

Seafarers with six months qualifying sea service must:

• Hold a current Certificate of safety training (STCW Reg VI/1) with a security awareness endorsement (STCW Code A-VI/6 para. 4).
• Hold a valid Certificate of medical fitness.
• While on board a vessel/s complete the approved TAGS Book. Obtain statement of satisfactory completion of the TAGS book from the AMSA approved college.
• Provide evidence of at least six months qualifying sea service by original letters from employer/s. Letters signed masters or chief engineers are not acceptable.
• Seafarers wanting the endorsement to form part of a navigational watch must also hold a steering certificate.

All submitted sea service must be documented qualifying sea service. Read more about sea service.

How to apply for sea service assessment

You will need to complete this sea service and then submit a Seafarer form 419 to us so we can assess your sea service and issue you with an AMSA assessment letter. This letter is the evidence you need to prove that you have met the sea service requirements for your qualification.

You will need to lodge a formal application using the Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for an Engine room watch rating.

Lodge from within Australia

You will need to fill out the Seafarer form 419, attach all required supporting documents and lodge it at a participating Australia Post retail outlet.

You will need to pay the fees for your application at the post office at the time of lodgement.

Lodge from overseas

You will need to fill out the Seafarer form 419, attach all required supporting documents and send the paperwork to us at our postal or courier address:

• Postal address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Seafarer Certification Service, Operations GPO Box 2181 Canberra City ACT 2601 Australia
• Courier address—Australian Maritime Safety Authority Seafarer Certification Service, Operations 82 Northbourne Avenue Braddon ACT 2612 Australia

You must include payment with your application.