For initial issue of a certificate of competency 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 these courses:

• Watchkeeper deck less than 500 gross tonnage
• Basic safety training, including security awareness training
• Advanced fire fighting
• Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats
• Medical first aid.

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).

You will need to complete 36 months sea service performing watchkeeping duties in the deck department on ships greater than or equal to 12 metres (or at least 18 months if part of an approved and monitored course) of which:

• At least 12 months was on ships greater than or equal to 24 metres on voyages at least 24 hours duration, with at least 6 months served as understudy of the officer in charge of a navigation watch or what AMSA considers equivalent to this.

To obtain an endorsement as a Watchkeeper deck on ships less than 3000 gross tonnage on near coastal voyages, you will need to complete:

• At least 6 months on ships greater than or equal to 24 metres as the officer in charge of a navigation watch while holding a Watchkeeper Deck less than 500 gross tonnage certificate of competency.

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. This letter will also instruct you to complete your oral examination.

Once you have been assessed and issued with an assessment letter you will need to book and successfully pass an oral examination. Read more about booking an oral examination.

You will need to hold one of the following valid certificates:                     

• GMDSS radio operators certificate
• GMDSS certificate of recognition

If you are serving on an ECDIS equipped ship, you will also need to hold an ECDIS endorsement.

You will need to lodge a formal application using the Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for a Master less than 500 GT certificate of competency.

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 including a colour passport-style photograph and send the paperwork to us by email to SCSApplications@amsa.gov.au When we receive your email we will let you know how to pay the fee for your application via AMSA online portal.