At a glance
For initial issue of a Marine Cook certificate, you need to:
- Hold a valid AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- Hold a valid Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
- Complete approved training (or have equivalent experience)
- Prepare your documents
- Apply to AMSA
Ready to apply? Complete Seafarer form 419 now
On this page:
- About this certificate
- Eligibility requirements
- How to get this certificate
- Keep your certificate valid
- Use an overseas GMDSS certificate
About this certificate
A Marine Cook is a certificate of proficiency (CoP).
It allows you to work as a cook preparing food for crew and passengers on seagoing vessels.
With this certificate, you can:
- work as a marine cook on ships of any size, in any operating area
- prepare and handle food in accordance with maritime safety and hygiene requirements
- meet the minimum certification requirements under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
Eligibility requirements
To be issued this certificate, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- hold a valid AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- hold a valid Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
- complete the training (or have equivalent experience or training).
You do not need a sea service assessment for this certificate.
How to get this certificate
Follow these steps to get this certificate.
- (1) Get a medical certificate
You must hold a valid AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303) for STCW seafarers before you apply.
You must complete your medical examination in Australia with an AMSA-approved medical practitioner.
We do not accept:
- overseas medical assessments
- flag state medicals (such as ENG1 or OEUK/OGUK)
- AMSA near coastal medical certificates (1850).
- (2) Get a Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
You must hold an AMSA-issued CoST to qualify for a Marine Cook certificate.
A CoST confirms you have completed the mandatory basic safety training required under the STCW Convention (STCW Reg VI/1).
- (3) Complete an approved training course
You must complete an AMSA-approved Marine Cook course that meets the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) Standard A3.2.
This training is usually delivered as either:
- Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery)
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (with the required maritime units)
Your training will cover:
- food preparation and catering operations at sea
- food safety and hygiene
- nutrition and menu planning for crew
- safe working practices in a shipboard galley
Find an AMSA-approved training provider.
Already have cooking qualifications or experience?
If you already have relevant cooking qualifications or professional experience, you may be eligible for this certificate without completing the training course.
This may include commercial chefs and cooks in restaurants, catering or bulk food preparation environments in Australia or overseas.
You must still meet the other eligibility requirements, including holding a valid CoST and AMSA medical certificate.
To check if you are eligible, contact us before you apply.
- (4) Prepare your documents
When you apply, you need:
- Proof of identity
- A passport-style photograph (if you live overseas)
- AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- Copy of your Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
- Course completion certificate(s) showing the relevant STCW course codes (not transcripts, attendance records or statements of attainment)
- Sea service assessment notice
Do not submit additional documents unless we ask for them.
Find out more about proof of identity and providing supporting documents.
- (5) Apply for your certificate
Once you have completed all the steps, you’re ready to apply.
Complete Seafarer form 419, then download and print it.
How you submit your application depends on where you live.
Keep your certificate valid
You must revalidate this certificate every 5 years to continue working.
Find out how to revalidate your certificate.
Apply early to avoid delays
You should apply to revalidate your STCW certificate in the 6 months before it expires.
Regulations and standards
- Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification)
- Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), Standard A3.2 (Food and catering)