Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate 

The Eyesight test certificate form 542 lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you are not eligible to hold a Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.

3. Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers

Provide the medical practitioner with the Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers.

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

• Eyesight test certificate form 542
• Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559

If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303) you can use this in place of the Eyesight test certificate and the Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate.

Submit your completed forms as part of your Certificate of competency application form 426.

The sea service you need depends on the certificate of competency or other qualification you currently hold.

All sea service must be done:

• on commercial vessels with inboard diesel engine with propulsion power greater than or equal to 375 kilowatts
• while performing duties as an engineer, an engine driver, an assistant to an engineer or engine driver, or as a general purpose hand.

If you hold a Coxswain grade 1 near coastal, or Coxswain grade 2 endorsed for 500 kilowatts inboard propulsion, you need to show that you have either:

• 240 days with a completed approved task book
• 480 days without a task book.

If you hold a Marine engine driver grade 3 near coastal you need to show that you have either:

• 180 days with a completed approved task book
• 360 days without a task book.

If you hold a workshop skill equivalent qualification you need to show that you have either:

• 90 days with a completed approved task book
• 180 days without a task book.

If you hold a Marine engine driver grade 2 near coastal you need to show that you have either:

• 120 days with a completed approved task book
• 240 days without a task book.

You must complete at least half of the qualifying sea service required for the certificate in the five years before the application.

If you have completed a task book you must attach a copy of the seafarer details page to your application.

If you have an existing certificate of competency or qualification you must attach a copy to your application.

You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:

• Record of sea service form 771
• an approved sea service log book
• the on board sea service record from your task book
• a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service.

Read more about qualifying sea service.

If you want a task book

You can get a Marine engine driver grade 1 task book from us or from some registered training organisations. To order a task book directly from us, use the AMSA chargeable publications order form.

Read more about task books.

Complete a Marine engine driver grade 1 course at a registered training organisation.

Submit your course completion certificate with your Certificate of competency application.

You must also hold a valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.

If you do not hold this certificate contact a registered training organisation.

You can complete a Certificate of competency application form 426 online or download a pdf version and then complete it.

You need to complete all sections of the form. You must:

• respond yes or no to all questions and statements in the application form
• complete all boxes (if the information requested is unknown or not applicable insert N/A)
• download a pdf version of the form to generate your barcode
• print the form
• attach copies of all required documents
• sign the declaration
• submit your application and pay a fee at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet
• provide proof of identity when you lodge your application.

Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate.

You need to pass a final assessment before getting your certificate of competency. Once we have assessed your application you will be invited to contact AMSA Connect to book your final assessment. You will then by contacted by your chosen regional office who will take payment of the examination fee and confirm your booking.

Refer to the syllabus document and the examiner checklist to find out what may be included in your final assessment.

On successful completion of the final assessment you will receive an interim certificate of competency so that you can start working immediately.

If you do not pass the final assessment, you will be able to try again. Your assessor will advise you when you can book your resit. You will have to pay the fee each time you resit the final assessment.