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Consultation now open on proposed minor changes to the look of seafarer certificates

Thursday 8 October 2026
We are seeking feedback on proposed minor changes to Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) (MO70) and Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — National law) (MO505). These are regulatory changes that support the issuing of digital certificates.
Have your say proposed changes to the look of seafarer certificates

Key proposed changes

  • Removing photograph and signature requirements for digital certificates issued under Marine Order 70
  • Removing prescriptive certificate format requirements from Marine Order 505
  • Correcting outdated or incorrect references
  • Making other minor editorial changes

Note: The changes will not affect seafarer qualification requirements or obligations. There are no changes or actions required from certificate holders.

Why we’re proposing these changes

We introduced digital Certificates of Safety Training (CoST) in August 2026. Building on the success of this initiative, we plan to make more AMSA-issued 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.

Have your say

Consultation opens on 6 October 2026 and closes on 3 December 2026.

Learn more about the proposed changes and submit your feedback. 

Visit the consultation page

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