The five new certificates of competency

Guidance notices are available for the 5 new certificates of competency:

  • Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal (PDF 279.4 KB) — The Coxswain Grade 3 certificate provides basic seamanship knowledge and skills (low complexity duties). It allows the holder to operate small domestic commercial vessels <12m in smooth waters or close to shore. 
  • Master <45m Near Coastal (PDF 272.17 KB) (replaced Master <35m which was phased out) — The Master <45m certificate allows the holder to command a vessel <45m within the Australian EEZ, and command a vessel <100m inshore.
  • Master <100m Near Coastal (PDF 269.38 KB) (replaced Master <80m which was phased out) — The Master <100m certificate allows the holder to command a vessel <100m within the Australian EEZ.
  • Sailing Master Coastal (PDF 260.74 KB) — The Sailing Master Coastal certificate allows the holder to command and operate the engines of a sailing vessel <24m long in inshore waters.
  • Sailing Master Offshore (PDF 260.45 KB) — The Sailing Master Offshore certificate allows the holder to command and operate the engines of a sailing vessel <24m long within the Australian EEZ.

You may already be permitted to undertake the duties and functions of a Sailing Master if you hold the Master <24m and a MED 3 or higher combinations (of deck and engineering certificates of competency) for the Sailing Master certificate of competencies.  

Phased-out certificates of competency — what's changing

Master <35m Near Coastal

This certificate of competency was phased out and replaced by the Master <45m certificate.

As of 1 January 2023, people who previously held a Master <35m certificate were automatically able to do the job of a Master <45m. No action is required until it comes time to renew, at which point they will be issued with a certificate of competency card for Master <45m.

 

Master <80m Near Coastal

This certificate of competency was phased out and replaced by the Master <100m certificate.

As of 1 January 2023, people who previously held a Master <80m certificate were automatically able to do the job of a Master <100m. No action is required until it comes time to renew, at which point they will be issued with a certificate of competency card for Master <100m.

 

Mate <80m Near Coastal

Holders of this certificate of competency transitioned to a Master <24m Near Coastal. This was a small group of certificate holders, all of whom AMSA contacted directly about the changes prior to 1 January 2023.

When a General Purpose Hand certificate is required — supervisory definitions

Supervisory definitions for General Purpose Hands have been clarified and operators should assess how these apply to their specific operation. 

People who have worked as a General Purpose Hand for at least 30 days in the 5 years prior to 1 January 2023 without a General Purpose Hand certificate of competency may need to obtain one, but only if they are undertaking deck or engine tasks and are not under direct supervision.

For more details, see: