Because of this, we expect the demand for continued competence training will be very high throughout the rest of 2021 and into 2022.
We strongly recommend all seafarers complete their mandatory continued competence training courses as soon as practical. The continued competence training courses are delivered by AMSA approved training organisations in all states and the Northern Territory.
Seafarers who revalidate up to six months before the expiry date of their certificate will not be penalised for completing the training early and their new certificate will receive an expiry date that is five years from the current expiry date, not from when the course was undertaken.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there is likely to be a large backlog of people who have been unable to attend training courses. Because of this, anyone who needs to complete continued competence training should make arrangements with an AMSA approved registered training organisation as soon as possible.
We have automatically extended the duration of STCW certificates due to the impacts of COVID-19. Seafarers who meet the eligibility requirements for revalidation will receive a new replacement certificate for a period of five years from the original certificate expiry date.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused delays in seafarers completing their mandatory seafarers' certificate of medical fitness.
As part of the automatic extension of STCW certificates the requirements for a certificate of medical fitness were also extended. We encourage seafarers who have taken advantage of the automatic extension not to wait until the end of the extension period to undertake their medical assessment. Waiting until the last moment may result in a sudden influx of seafarers' appointments with doctors towards end of July 2021 which may make securing an appointment difficult.
Don't wait-if practical complete your mandatory certificate of medical fitness and STCW continued competence training courses as soon as possible.
Note: Continued competence training is also known as refresher training by foreign flag state administrations.
Find more information about international qualifications.
