Issue interim certificates of competency
Eligibility for an interim certificate of competency
What is an interim certificate of competency?
There are strict rules around the issue of interim certificates of competency. You can only issue an interim certificate of competency to a seafarer who has:
- completed the relevant MAR Maritime training package qualification.
- completed the relevant AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA).
- met all other requirements for issue of a certificate of competency, including:
- medical and eyesight requirements
- sea service requirements
- holding a current first aid certificate
- holding a radio certificate (for deck certificates other than Coxswain grade 2)
- completed a certificate of competency application form 426.
The registered training organisation (RTO) must sight the completed certificate of competency application and the required attachments. All sections of the form must be completed. Attachments may include the following:
- cover page of completed AMPA
- current Certificate of medical fitness for domestic seafarers form 1850
- current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate, or equivalent
- Short-range operator certificate of proficiency or long-range operator certificate of proficiency, or equivalent
- evidence of qualifying sea service
- task book seafarer details page (if task book completed)
The seafarer must sign the declaration and consent stating that the information provided is true and correct.
You can issue the interim certificate of competency as soon as the seafarer has completed all the requirements. The seafarer must then submit their certificate of competency application at an AMSA participating Australia Post retail outlet.
Each interim certificate of competency can only be issued for a single certificate of competency. If a person meets the requirements, for example, for both Master less than 24 and Marine engine driver grade 3, then two interim certificates must be issued
Who can issue an interim certificate of competency
The interim certificate of competency must be issued by the RTO where the AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA) is completed.
The AMSA approved assessor who completes the final task in the AMPA will complete the AMPA cover page and issue the interim certificate of competency.
The assessor must confirm the seafarer meets the eligibility requirements, insert the issue and expiry dates and give the original copy to the seafarer.
Validity of the interim certificate of competency
An interim certificate of competency is valid for a period of 60 days. If during this time we become aware that the seafarer’s sea service is inadequate, or they fail to meet any of the other eligibility requirements their interim certificate of competency will be revoked.
If the application form is not filled in correctly or required documents are missing or out of date or illegible, then it will result in the application being considered incomplete. The applicant will be given one calendar month in which to address all the issues outlined in the email and resubmit a complete application or the missing or illegible documentation. For more information, please refer to the AMSA incomplete application policy webpage.
If an application for a certificate of competency is rejected, the interim certificate of competency will be revoked and the seafarer will be notified in writing.
If a person loses their interim certificate of competency, you can provide them with a copy so they can continue operating. You must not issue a new interim certificate of competency.
If an interim certificate of competency is issued in error, or there is an error when completing it, you must void all copies and notify AMSA.
Record keeping
All registered training organisations approved as final assessors must also email a copy of each interim certificate of competency to us within 30 days of issue.
You must keep a copy of all interim certificates of competency issued for 7 years. This may be in electronic form.