On this page:
- About the changes
- Certificates this applies to
- Digital certificate rollout
- Key dates
- Who the changes apply to
- Key proposed changes
- Relevant documents
- Have your say
About the changes
In August 2026, AMSA introduced digital certificates for Certificates of Safety Training (CoST). Building on its success, AMSA is working to make more seafarer certificates available digitally from early-to-mid 2027.
Currently, certificates of competency are required to have a photograph and signature under MO70, and a photograph under MO505. Digital certificates will not have a photograph or signature. We are proposing minor amendments to these marine orders to facilitate this change.
Certificates this applies to
The proposed changes will apply to these AMSA-issued seafarer certificates:
- STCW (international) certificates issued under MO70
- near coastal (domestic) certificates issued under MO505.
Note: The proposed changes relate to the details on seafarer certificates. They do not change seafarer qualification requirements or obligations. There are no changes or actions required from certificate holders. The introduction of digital certificates will not affect existing printed certificates while they remain valid.
Digital certificate rollout
AMSA will provide further information in 2027 about the rollout of digital certificates. This will include what certificate holders can expect during the transition.
Got questions about how digital certificates will work?
Read about digital CoST certificates.
Key dates
6 October 2026: Consultation opens
3 December 2026: Consultation closes
1 April 2027: The amended marine orders are expected to commence
Early-to-mid 2027: AMSA plans to make more digital certificates available
Who the changes apply to
- Seafarers holding AMSA-issued near coastal certificates
- Seafarers holding AMSA-issued STCW certificates
- Vessel owners and operators
- Maritime employers
- Approved training and assessment organisations
Key proposed changes
Key proposed changes include:
- removing the requirement in MO70 for digital certificates to display the holder's photograph and signature
- removing prescriptive certificate format requirements from MO505 e.g. requirement to include the holder’s photograph
- correcting outdated or incorrect references
- making other minor editorial changes.
Relevant documents
- Draft Marine Order 70 and Marine Order 505 amendment instrument
- Change summary for MO70
- Change summary for MO505
Have your say
AMSA welcomes feedback on the minor proposed amendments to MO70 and MO505.
You can submit feedback by:
- making a submission using this online form
- contacting AMSA Connect on 1800 627 484 - a Customer Service Officer will take your feedback over the phone
- sending an email to consultation@amsa.gov.au.
Please submit your feedback by 11.59PM on 3 December 2026.