Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)
If your certificate expires in the next 12 months, you should start preparing now to avoid delays and stay qualified to work. Follow these steps to revalidate your certificate.
Before you can revalidate your certificate, you’ll need to complete required training and a medical check.
Most certificates require:
You can complete your continued competence training or refresher course any time in the 5 years before your certificate expires.
Training and medical appointments have limited availability. Make sure you plan ahead and book early.
It can take up to 28 business days to process your application once all documents are received. Postage may add up to 14 extra days.
You can apply to revalidate up to 6 months before your certificate expires.
| When you apply | New certificate expiry date |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 months before expiry | 5 years from the current certificate’s expiry |
| More than 6 months before expiry | 5 years from the date of issue |
| After your certificate has expired | 5 years from the date of issue |
To apply for revalidation, complete and submit AMSA Seafarer form 419.
You’ll need to provide certified copies of your supporting documents, including:
If you're in Australia: Submit your application at a participating Australia Post outlet. Bring your completed form, documents, proof of identify and payment.
If you're overseas: Print and sign the completed form. Then email your completed form, certified documents and proof of identify to STCW.applications@amsa.gov.au. Make sure to include a passport-style photo.
Find the right certificate, course or exemption to start or progress your career as an international seafarer.
Start your career as a seafarer with this international certificate. You will need a Certificate of safety training (COST) before you get any other qualification.
These entry level international certificates allow you to begin advancing your career as a seafarer.
These international certificates allow you to perform duties relating to the machinery of a vessel.
These international certificates allow you to perform duties relating to the navigation of a vessel.
These international certificates allow you to work in a command position on a vessel of any size in any operating area.
Begin your seafarer career as a marine cook.
These registered training organisations deliver courses you can use to get an international certificate of competency.
There are courses and certificates, including medical and oral examinations, that you will need to take for most international qualifications you apply for.
You can apply to us to verify, replace or transition your international certificates. Find out if your certificate is affected by amendments to the STCW.
Find out about standards of competency and eligibility requirements to operate fishing and sailing vessels.
These international certificates are mandatory if you want to work as a deck officer.
These international certificates allow you to work on a commercial yacht.
Find out more about options for your career path as a seafarer in Australia.
You may be eligibile for an exemption to hold an international certificate of competency. These exemptions allow you to carry out duties for a certain period of time without a certificate of competency.