New certificate

New certificate

What do I need to do?

To get this certificate, you need to:

Provide proof of medical fitness

Prior to the initial issue of a certificate of competency and Certificate of recognition you must hold a valid Certificate of medical fitness. As per Marine Order 76 (Health—medical fitness) 2017 you can only perform the duties of a seafarer on a relevant vessel if you are medically fit to perform those duties.

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:

Read more about medical fitness.

Complete training courses

Engineer cadets

If you are an Engineer cadet, and have been one for a minimum of 3 years, you must complete these courses to obtain an Engineer watchkeeper certificate of competency:

  • an approved course of workshop skills of no less than 36 weeks duration
  • an approved course of study from an approved seafarer training organisation (as per STCW Code section A-III/1)
  • complete a training record book
  • 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.

Trainee engineers

If you are a Trainee engineer, you must complete these courses to obtain an Engineer watchkeeper certificate of competency:

  • a workshop skills equivalent qualification (Engineer certificate III or one of the 11 relevant trades specified) or another approved qualification that includes workshop skills (as per STCW Code section A-III/1)
  • an approved course of study from an approved seafarer training organisation (as per STCW Code section A-III/1)
  • complete a training record book
  • 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.

Engineers

If you are an engineer holding an unrestricted state or territory issued Engineer class 3 or Engineer class 3 near coastal qualification, you must complete these courses to obtain an Engineer watchkeeper certificate of competency:

  • workshop skills as determine by the registered training organisation, taking into account any relevant education, skills or practical experience (as per STCW Code section A-III/1)
  • an approved course of study from an approved seafarer training organisation (as per STCW Code section A-III/1)
  • complete a training record book
  • 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).

Provide evidence of sea service

Engineer cadets

If you are an Engineer cadet, and have been one for a minimum of 3 years, you must complete 36 weeks of sea service on vessels greater than or equal to 750 kilowatts. 26 weeks of this service must be performed on engineer room watchkeeping duties under the supervision of an engineer officer.

Trainee engineers

If you are a Trainee engineer, you must complete 36 weeks of sea service on vessels greater than or equal to 750 kilowatts. 26 weeks of this service must be performed on engineer room watchkeeping duties under the supervision of an engineer officer.

Engineers

If you are an engineer holding an unrestricted state or territory issued Engineer class 3 or Engineer class 3 near coastal qualification, you must complete 26 weeks of sea service while holding an unrestricted Engineer class 3, or Engineer class 3 near coastal certificate on vessels greater than or equal to 750 kilowatts.

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

Pass an 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.

How to apply

You will need to lodge a formal application using the Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for a Engineer watchkeeper 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 STCW.applications@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.

With additional sea service and training courses, you can qualify for:

 

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