What is a digital CoST?
A digital CoST is your official Certificate of Safety Training, issued electronically.
It has the same status as a plastic CoST card. You will be able to use it to show that you hold a current and valid CoST.
A digital CoST includes details such as:
- your name
- AMSA ID
- certificate type
- issue date
- expiry date
- QR code.
The QR code will link to AMSA’s CoST verification service so that employers, inspectors and other parties can check whether the certificate is authentic, current and valid.
Getting a digital CoST
How you receive your digital CoST will depend on how you apply.
If you apply through myAMSA
Once your application is approved, your digital CoST will be available in your myAMSA account.
In myAMSA, you will be able to:
- view your certificate
- add it to your digital wallet
- download a PDF copy
- print a copy if needed.
If you apply using Seafarer form 419
If you apply through Australia Post or by email using AMSA Seafarer form 419, we will send you an email or SMS once your application has been approved.
The email or SMS will include a link to download your digital CoST as a PDF.
The PDF is your official certificate. You can:
- save it to your device
- print a copy if needed
- share a copy with your employer or another party if required.
If you create a myAMSA account, you will be able to access a digital version of your current CoST.
If you already have a plastic CoST card
Your existing plastic CoST will remain valid until it expires.
You do not need to replace it.
If you create a myAMSA account, you will be able to access a digital version of your current CoST.
Use your digital CoST
A digital CoST is an official certificate and can be used in the same way as a plastic card.
You will still have to carry your CoST when you are serving at sea.
You can:
- show it in myAMSA
- show it from your digital wallet
- show a saved PDF
- carry a printed copy.
We recommend saving your certificate to your device or digital wallet before travelling or joining a vessel.
Verify a digital CoST
Each digital CoST will include a unique QR code.
Scanning the QR code will confirm whether the certificate is authentic, current and valid.
This helps protect against the use of altered, expired, cancelled or invalid certificates.
You will also be able to verify a digital CoST by going directly to AMSA’s verification service and entering the certificate details.
FAQs
Check the answers to these frequently asked questions.
- Can I add my CoST to my digital wallet?
Yes, if you have a myAMSA account.
Digital wallet functionality is not available for certificates received as a PDF via email or SMS.
- What if I lose the PDF or change my phone?
If you have a myAMSA account, simply log in to myAMSA to access your certificate again.
If you received your CoST as a PDF, use the original email or SMS link to download it again.
If you are unable to access your certificate, contact AMSA Connect.
- Are digital CoSTs accepted by foreign vessels and port States?
Digital certificates are recognised under the STCW Convention and have the same legal status as hard copy certificates.
Port State authorities and employers will be able to verify the validity of a digital certificate issued by AMSA using the QR code on the certificate or AMSA’s verification service.
Individual employers or overseas administrations may have their own requirements. Check these before travelling if you are unsure.
- How do I prove my identity if my CoST does not have a photo?
A CoST is evidence of your qualification, not your identity.
If you need to prove your identity, use another government-issued identity document, such as a passport.
- What happens if I change my name?
You must notify AMSA if you change your name.
If you use myAMSA, your digital CoST will update once your name change has been processed.
If you have downloaded, printed or saved your certificate, you will need to download the updated version.
- Do I need internet access to show my digital CoST?
No. You will not need internet access to show a saved copy of your digital CoST.
We recommend saving a copy to your device or digital wallet.
However, you will need internet access to log in to myAMSA and access your digital certificate online from your account or to verify the QR code using AMSA’s verification service.
- What happens if the QR code does not scan?
If the QR code does not scan, check that the certificate copy is clear and complete.
You will also be able to use AMSA’s verification service and enter the certificate details manually.
If the certificate still cannot be verified, contact AMSA for assistance.
- When will digital certificates be available for other seafarer certificates?
AMSA is working to make more seafarer certificates available digitally.
STCW certificates are expected to be available in myAMSA from mid-2027, as those certificate applications are added to the system.
Near-coastal certificates are expected to be available during 2027. This work will include public consultation and amendments to Marine Order 505 — Certificates of competency.
Subscribe to AMSA Update for updates on when digital certificate types become available.