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Integrated Rating (STCW II/4 and III/4)

For seafarers who want to work as a qualified rating in both the deck and engine departments on vessels operating under the STCW Convention.

At a glance

For initial issue of an Integrated Rating certificate, you need to:

  1. Meet STCW eligibility criteria
  2. Complete sea service and training for your pathway
  3. Get a sea service assessment
  4. Pass an AMSA oral exam
  5. Apply to AMSA

Check your requirements ⬇

On this page: 

About this certificate

An Integrated Rating (IR) is an STCW certificate of proficiency (CoP).  

It allows you to work in both the deck and engine departments on vessels of any size, in any operating area.

With this certificate, you can:

  • form part of a navigational watch in the deck department
  • form part of an engine room watch in the engine department
  • carry out deck and engine operational duties. 

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 an AMSA-approved Integrated Rating course
  • complete qualifying sea service for your pathway. 

Before you start  
You should get your AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303) before you start training or sea service.    
You must be medically fit to work at sea, including meeting colour vision requirements, to be issued this certificate. 

You do not need to apply for a separate sea service assessment for this certificate. 

Integrated Rating training course

You must complete the same training regardless of the sea service pathway you choose.

This training is usually delivered as a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).

It must include: 

  • AMSA-approved Integrated Rating course (STCW A-II/4, A-III/4, A-II/5, A-III/5)
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (other than fast rescue boats) (PSCRB)  

Your previous training may count towards the Integrated Rating course through recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Check with your AMSA-approved training provider.

Make sure your training provider is approved 

You must complete these courses with an AMSA-approved training provider. We do not accept training completed with other providers or overseas. 

Find an AMSA approved training provider

Qualifying sea service

The sea service you need depends on your experience. 

General sea service rules 

Your sea service must meet the requirements for the pathway you are using.

For all pathways:  

  • sea service only counts after you are issued your CoST  
  • General Purpose Hand sea service does not count
  • trainee IR sea service only counts after you complete the theory component of your Integrated Rating course  
  • special rules apply for some vessel types, including FPSOs, FSOs and dredgers

Check the sea service rules for STCW certificates

Select the pathway that applies to you

Pathway 1 - Standard Integrated Rating pathway (CoST, NWR or EWR)

This pathway is for seafarers who:  

  • are new to ratings certificates  
  • have existing navigational or engine room ratings experience  
  • hold a Navigational Watch Rating (NWR), Engine Room Watch Rating (EWR), or both.  

If you already have qualifying sea service or ratings experience, some of your existing sea service may count towards the requirements below. 

What you need 
☐ A valid CoST
☐ AMSA-approved Integrated Rating training
☐ At least 9 months qualifying sea service
☐ IR TAGs books 1 – 5 (with steering certificate) 

Confirm your prerequisites

You must hold a valid Certificate of Safety Training (CoST).

Complete qualifying sea service

You must complete 270 days (9 months) of qualifying sea service.

This must include at least 150 days (5 months) as a trainee or provisional IR in both deck and engine departments.

If you already have sea service

Some existing sea service may count towards the 9 months total sea service requirement – provided it meets the vessel and role requirements for an IR.  

If your existing sea service only covers one department, you must complete qualifying sea service in the other department.

For example:

  • if you already have deck ratings experience as an NWR, you must complete engine room rating trainee sea service  
  • if you already have engine room ratings experience as an EWR, you must complete deck rating trainee sea service.

Total sea service requirements

Your total qualifying sea service will usually include:

  • at least 2 months as a deck rating trainee  
  • at least 2 months as an engine room rating trainee  
  • at least 5 months as a trainee or provisional IR across both departments.
Deck rating trainee  

Your sea service as a deck rating trainee must include: 

  • at least 60 days (2 months)
  • on vessels 24 metres or more in length  
  • in the deck department  
  • as a trainee deck rating, forming part of a navigational watch
  • while holding a valid CoST or other AMSA-issued STCW certificate
Engine room rating trainee  

Your sea service as an engine room rating trainee must include: 

  • at least 60 days (2 months)
  • on vessels with propulsion power of 750 kW or more  
  • in the engine room  
  • as a trainee engine room rating, forming part of an engine room watch
  • while holding a valid CoST or other AMSA-issued STCW certificate
Trainee Integrated Rating experience

Your trainee IR sea service must be completed after you finish the theory component of your Integrated Rating training course and include: 

  • at least 150 days (5 months)  
  • on vessels 24 metres or more in length and/or with propulsion power of 750 kW or more  
  • as a trainee or provisional Integrated Rating  
  • performing ratings duties in both the deck and engine departments  
  • under the supervision of a deck officer, Chief Officer or Chief Integrated Rating for navigational watch duties, and an engineering officer or Chief Integrated Rating for engine room watch duties.

You must provide evidence of your full 270 days (9 months) qualifying sea service when you apply.  

4) Complete TAGS books

Complete the required Integrated Rating Task and Guided Study (TAGS) books during your onboard training and sea service.

  • IR TAGS books - 1 to 5

You may have already completed some TAGS books through previous training. For example:  

  • TAGS Book 1 (NWR)  
  • TAGS Book 3 (EWR).  

Your AMSA-approved training provider will confirm which TAGS books you still need to complete.

AMSA does not issue TAGS books
Your training provider will review and assess your TAGS books and issue you a TAGS completion certificate.  
Include the TAGS completion certificate with your application. Do not submit your TAGS books.

5) Include your steering certificate

Your steering certificate is completed as part of TAGS book 1. It confirms you completed:  

  • at least 10 hours of steering practice  
  • on vessels 24 metres or more in length  
  • including 4 hours while the vessel is underway and being actively navigated.

Example  
Maria already holds an NWR certificate, has completed TAGS Book 1 (with steering certificate), and has completed 2 months qualifying sea service as a deck rating trainee.

To qualify for an Integrated Rating, she still needs to complete:

- AMSA-approved Integrated Rating training  
- at least 2 months qualifying sea service as an engine room rating trainee
- at least 5 months qualifying sea service as a trainee or provisional Integrated Rating  
- TAGS books 2-5 as required by her training provider.  

Maria must complete her EWR and trainee IR sea service after she has completed the IR training course.  

When Maria applies, she must provide evidence of her full 270 days (9 months) qualifying sea service, training and TAGS completion. 

Pathway 2 - If you hold an Able Seafarer – Deck   

If you already hold an Able Seafarer – Deck certificate, this pathway allows you to gain the engine room experience required for the integrated role. 

What you need 
☐ A valid Able Seafarer - Deck (with steering certificate)
☐ AMSA-approved Integrated Rating training
☐ At least 6 months qualifying sea service
☐ IR TAGs books 1 – 5

Confirm your prerequisites

  • Certificate: a valid Able Seafarer – Deck (II/5)
  • Short course: Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSCRB) (STCW A-VI/2-1)
  • Supporting certificate: Steering certificate 

Complete qualifying sea service

You must complete:  

  • at least 180 days (6 months)
  • on vessels with propulsion power of 750 kW or more
  • in the engine room  
  • as a trainee engine room rating, forming part of an engine room watch
  • while holding a valid Able Seafarer – Deck  

Timing of sea service 
You must complete this sea service after you finish the theory component of your Integrated Rating training course 

You will need to provide evidence of your sea service when you apply.  

Find out what sea service evidence we accept

Complete TAGS books

Complete the required Integrated Rating Task and Guided Study (TAGS) books during your onboard training and sea service.

  • IR TAGS books - 1 to 5

You may have already completed some TAGS books through previous training. For example TAGS Books 1 – Deck watchkeeping/steering.  

Your AMSA-approved training provider will confirm which TAGS books you still need to complete.

AMSA does not issue TAGS books
Your training provider will review and assess your TAGS books and issue you a TAGS completion certificate.  
Include the TAGS completion certificate with your application. Do not submit your TAGS books.

Pathway 3 - If you hold an Able Seafarer - Engine

If you already hold an Able Seafarer – Engine certificate, this pathway allows you to gain the deck experience required for the integrated role. 

What you need 
☐ A valid Able Seafarer - Engine
☐  AMSA-approved Integrated Rating training
☐  At least 6 months qualifying sea service
☐  IR TAGs books 1 – 5
☐  Steering certificate

Confirm your prerequisites

  • Certificate: a valid Able Seafarer – Engine (III/5)
  • Short course: Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSCRB) (STCW A-VI/2-1)

Complete qualifying sea service

You must complete:  

  • at least 180 days (6 months)
  • on vessels 24 metres or more in length
  • in the deck department
  • as a trainee deck rating, forming part of a navigational watch
  • while holding a valid Able Seafarer – Engine 

Timing of sea service 
You must complete this sea service after you finish the theory component of your Integrated Rating training course 

You will need to provide evidence of your sea service when you apply.  

Find out what sea service evidence we accept

Complete TAGS books

Complete the required Integrated Rating Task and Guided Study (TAGS) books during your onboard training and sea service.

  • IR TAGS books - 1 to 5

You may have already completed some TAGS books through previous training. For example TAGS Books 3 (EWR).

Your AMSA-approved training provider will confirm which TAGS books you still need to complete.

AMSA does not issue TAGS books
Your training provider will review and assess your TAGS books and issue you a TAGS completion certificate.  
Include the TAGS completion certificate with your application. Do not submit your TAGS books.

Include your steering certificate

Your steering certificate is completed as part of TAGS book 1. It confirms you completed:  

  • at least 10 hours of steering practice  
  • on vessels 24 metres or more in length  
  • including 4 hours while the vessel is underway and being actively navigated.

Apply now

Make sure you meet the requirements above before you apply.

Have you got your sea service assessment letter? 

Before you apply for your certificate, you must have your sea service assessment and have passed an AMSA oral exam.

Apply for your sea service assessment now

Follow the step-by-step guide to:

  • check your eligibility
  • understand what documents you need
  • submit your application

Go to form 419

Upgrade to Integrated Rating II/5 and III/5   

An IR II/5 and III/5 is for experienced integrated ratings.  

You can upgrade to an Integrated Rating (II/5 and III/5) after:  

  • you have been issued your Integrated Rating II/4 and III/4 certificate  
  • you complete additional qualifying sea service while holding that certificate.  

AMSA does not issue Integrated Rating II/5 and III/5 automatically. You must either apply to upgrade separately or be upgraded when you revalidate.

Apply to upgrade separately  

What you need to do:

  • hold a valid Integrated Rating II/4 and III/4 certificate
  • complete at least 210 days (7 months) qualifying sea service while holding that certificate
  • apply using Seafarer form 419
  • pay the application fee

Upgrade at revalidation

If you provide at least 210 days (7 months) of qualifying sea service when you apply to revalidate your Integrated Rating II/4 and III/4 certificate, AMSA will upgrade it to Integrated Rating II/5 and III/5.

The standard revalidation fee applies. You do not pay a separate upgrade fee.

Follow the step-by-step guide to revalidate your certificate 

Revalidation requirements

This certificate must be revalidated every 5 years to remain current.

For all revalidations, you will need:

  • a valid AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness
  • to demonstrate continued competence.

The training you need to do depends on whether you have recent qualifying sea service.

Select the pathway that applies to you.

Pathway 1 - With recent qualifying sea service
What you need 

☐ Recent qualifying sea service
☐ Refresher training

1) Check your recent qualifying sea service

You must have completed either:

  • 360 days sea service in the last 5 years
  • 90 days sea service in the last 6 months

We calculate sea service from the date you apply. For example, your 90 days must be within the 6 months before you submit your application.

Your sea service must have been:

  • in the deck or engine department, performing ratings duties
  • while holding a valid Integrated Rating II/4 and III/4 or II/5 and II/5
Sea service letters

You will need to provide sea service letters as evidence of your qualifying sea service.

Find out more about how to provide evidence of sea service.

2) Complete refresher training (1- 2 days)

You must have completed these refresher training units within the last 5 years:

  • Fire prevention and firefighting - refresher
  • Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats - refresher

Training providers often deliver these refresher units together as Sea Survival and Fire Fighting Continued Competence for holders of Certificates of Proficiency of Rating (Able Seafarer- Deck, Able Seafarer- Engine and Integrated Rating). 

Make sure your training provider is approved 

You must complete these courses with an AMSA-approved training provider.

We do not accept training completed with non-approved providers. Some STCW courses may be completed overseas if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Find an AMSA approved training provider

Pathway 2 - Without qualifying sea service
What you need 

☐ ☐ Full STCW short courses (not refresher training)

2) Complete full STCW short courses (3 or more days)

You must have also completed full STCW short courses in the last 5 years: 

  • Fire prevention and fire fighting (STCW A-VI/1-2)  
  • Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (STCW A-VI/2)
Make sure you complete the right training

For this pathway, you must complete the full STCW short courses. We do not accept refresher training for this pathway.

Check with your training provider before enrolling to make sure you complete the correct course.

Training providers often deliver the STCW short courses together as a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) as Rating - Revalidation course.  

Make sure your training provider is approved 

You must complete these courses with an AMSA-approved training provider.

We do not accept training completed with non-approved providers. Some STCW courses may be completed overseas if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Find an AMSA approved training provider

How to revalidate

Make sure you meet the revalidation requirements before you apply.

Follow the step-by-step guide to:

  • confirm your eligibility
  • check what evidence you need
  • submit your application

Follow the step-by-step guide to revalidate your certificate

Endorsements

You may need additional endorsements depending on the vessel, cargo or duties you perform.

Competencies included with this certificate 

Training completed for this certificate already meets the requirements for:

  • Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSCRB)

You do not need to apply for these endorsements separately.

Endorsements available for this certificate include: 

  • Basic IGF code  
  • Passenger vessel  
  • High speed craft  
  • Fast rescue boats  
  • ECDIS trained  

Learn more about STCW endorsements .

Career pathways

An Integrated Rating is part of the STCW ratings career pathway.  

It can be either an entry-level certificate or build on watch rating competencies.

With an Integrated Rating you can:  

  • work towards a Chief Integrated Rating  
  • build sea service toward officer-level deck certificates. 

Explore career pathways for ratings

Regulations and standards

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