Do you need to renew your STCW certificate?
If your certificate expires in the next 12 months, you should start preparing now to avoid delays and stay qualified to work. Follow these steps to revalidate your certificate.
- (1) Book your training and medical check
Before you can revalidate your certificate, you’ll need to complete required training and a medical check.
Most certificates require:
- a valid medical fitness certificate
- continued competence training in sea survival and firefighting
You can complete your continued competence training or refresher course any time in the 5 years before your certificate expires.
Training and medical appointments have limited availability. Make sure you plan ahead and book early.
- (2) Plan ahead and submit early
It can take up to 28 business days to process your application once all documents are received. Postage may add up to 14 extra days.
You can apply to revalidate up to 6 months before your certificate expires.
When you apply New certificate expiry date Up to 6 months before expiry 5 years from the current certificate’s expiry More than 6 months before expiry 5 years from the date of issue After your certificate has expired 5 years from the date of issue - (3) Apply using form 419
To apply for revalidation, complete and submit AMSA Seafarer form 419.
You may need to provide certified copies of your supporting documents, including:
- continued competence training or refresher course completion certificates
- evidence of sea service (if required)
- medical certificate.
Find out more about providing supporting documents.
If you're in Australia: Submit your application at a participating Australia Post outlet. Bring your completed form, documents, proof of identify and payment.
If you're overseas: Print and sign the completed form. Then email your completed form, certified documents and proof of identify to STCW.applications@amsa.gov.au. Make sure to include a passport-style photo.
Training, qualifications and exemptions
Find the right certificate, course or exemption to start or progress your career as an international seafarer.
Basic safety training
Start your career as a seafarer with this international certificate. You will need a Certificate of safety training (COST) before you get any other qualification.
Ratings
These entry level international certificates allow you to begin advancing your career as a seafarer.
Engineer
These international certificates allow you to perform duties relating to the machinery of a vessel.
Deck
These international certificates allow you to perform duties relating to the navigation of a vessel.
Master
These international certificates allow you to work in a command position on a vessel of any size in any operating area.
Cook
Begin your seafarer career as a marine cook.
Training organisations for international qualifications
These registered training organisations deliver courses you can use to get an international certificate of competency.
Courses for international qualifications
There are courses and certificates, including medical and oral examinations, that you will need to take for most international qualifications you apply for.
Managing international certificates
You can apply to us to verify, replace or transition your international certificates. Find out if your certificate is affected by amendments to the STCW.
Fishing and sailing vessels
Find out about standards of competency and eligibility requirements to operate fishing and sailing vessels.
Global maritime distress and safety systems
These international certificates are mandatory if you want to work as a deck officer.
Yachting qualifications
These international certificates allow you to work on a commercial yacht.
Career pathways
Find out more about options for your career path as a seafarer in Australia.
Find out more about options for your career path as a seafarer in Australia.