Australian Maritime Safety Authority
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Home > Qualifications & training > Domestic qualifications > Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal

Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal

This qualification lets you act as chief engineer or second engineer.

This certificate will allow you to work:

  • As chief engineer on vessels with inboard engines with propulsion power up to 1500 kilowatts within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
  • As second engineer on vessels with inboard engines with propulsion power up to 3000 kilowatts within the EEZ.
  • As chief or second engineer on vessels with outboard engines within the EEZ.
  • As an assistant under the direct supervision of the chief engineer.
  • In the engine room of a vessel up to 80 metres long with propulsion power up to 3000 kilowatts.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal certificate of competency you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old on the certificate issue date.
  • Hold a Coxswain grade 1 near coastal, Coxswain grade 2 endorsed for 500 kilowatt inboard propulsion, Marine engine driver grade 3 near coastal, Marine engine driver grade 2 or a workshop skill equivalent qualification.
  • Meet medical, eyesight, sea service and course requirements.

For more information, select what you need to apply for below.

Syllabus

  • Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal syllabus AMSA 1111
  • Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal examiner checklist AMSA 1079
  • Conduct of oral examinations AMSA 479

Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal is a domestic certificate of competency issued under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — national law) 2013.

Trade qualification assessment

AMSA does not assess trade qualifications. If you hold a trade qualification not listed in NSCV Part D, you will need to get your trade qualification assessed as equivalent to one. An RTO who delivers one of the qualifications or trades listed in NSCV Part D can perform a recognition of prior learning (RPL).  We will accept a letter of equivalence from this RTO once your trade has been assessed as equivalent.

Please note: An RTO may request you to do a skills gap training.

Important disclaimer

These instructions are summary information only. We make decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — national law) 2013 and National Standard for Commercial Vessels Part D—Crew competencies. These documents have full details of eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.

What do you need to apply for?

Action and details 

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New certificate

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New certificate

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What do I need to do?

To get this certificate you will need to:

Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate 

The Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1] lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you are not eligible to hold a Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559  [2]lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.

3. Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers

Provide the medical practitioner with the Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers [3].

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

  • Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1]
  • Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 [4]

If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303 [5]) you can use this in place of the Eyesight test certificate and the Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate.

Submit your completed forms as part of your Certificate of competency application form 426 [6].

Provide evidence of sea service

The sea service you need depends on the certificate of competency or other qualification you currently hold.

All sea service must be done:

  • on commercial vessels with inboard diesel engine with propulsion power greater than or equal to 375 kilowatts
  • while performing duties as an engineer, an engine driver, an assistant to an engineer or engine driver, or as a general purpose hand.

If you hold a Coxswain grade 1 near coastal, or Coxswain grade 2 endorsed for 500 kilowatts inboard propulsion, you need to show that you have either:

  • 240 days with a completed approved task book
  • 480 days without a task book.

If you hold a Marine engine driver grade 3 near coastal you need to show that you have either:

  • 180 days with a completed approved task book
  • 360 days without a task book.

If you hold a workshop skill equivalent qualification you need to show that you have either:

  • 90 days with a completed approved task book
  • 180 days without a task book.

If you hold a Marine engine driver grade 2 near coastal you need to show that you have either:

  • 120 days with a completed approved task book
  • 240 days without a task book.

You must complete at least half of the qualifying sea service required for the certificate in the five years before the application.

If you have completed a task book you must attach a copy of the seafarer details page to your application.

If you have an existing certificate of competency or qualification you must attach a copy to your application.

You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:

  • Record of sea service form 771 [7]
  • an approved sea service log book
  • the on board sea service record from your task book
  • a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service.

Read more about qualifying sea service [8].

If you want a task book

You can get a Marine engine driver grade 1 task book from us or from some registered training organisations [9]. To order a task book directly from us, use the AMSA chargeable publications order form [10].

Read more about task books [11].

Complete a training course

Complete a Marine engine driver grade 1 course at a registered training organisation [9].

Submit your course completion certificate with your Certificate of competency application.

Meet additional requirements

You must also hold a valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent [12].

If you do not hold this certificate contact a registered training organisation [9].

Complete and submit a certificate of competency application

You can complete a Certificate of competency application form 426 [6] online or download a pdf version and then complete it.

You need to complete all sections of the form. You must:

  • respond yes or no to all questions and statements in the application form
  • complete all boxes (if the information requested is unknown or not applicable insert N/A)
  • download a pdf version of the form to generate your barcode
  • print the form
  • attach copies of all required documents
  • sign the declaration
  • submit your application and pay a fee [13] at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet [14]
  • provide proof of identity [15] when you lodge your application.

Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate [16].

Pass a final assessment at an AMSA office

You need to pass a final assessment [17] before getting your certificate of competency. Once we have assessed your application you will be invited to contact AMSA Connect to book your final assessment. You will then by contacted by your chosen regional office who will take payment of the examination fee [13] and confirm your booking.

Refer to the syllabus document [18] and the examiner checklist [19] to find out what may be included in your final assessment.

On successful completion of the final assessment you will receive an interim certificate of competency so that you can start working immediately.

If you do not pass the final assessment, you will be able to try again. Your assessor will advise you when you can book your resit. You will have to pay the fee each time you resit the final assessment.

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Revalidation

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Certificate revalidation

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A Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal certificate of competency expires five years after it is issued or revalidated. To keep working using your certificate, you need to revalidate it every five years.

Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate 

The Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1] lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you will be restricted to working in daylight hours only.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559  [2]lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.

3. Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers

Provide the medical practitioner with the Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers [3].

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

  • Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1]
  • Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 [4]

If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303 [5]) you can use this in place of the Eyesight test certificate and the Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate.

Submit your completed forms as part of your Certificate of competency application form 426 [6].

Provide evidence of sea service

You must show that you have 120 days of sea service in the last five years performing Marine engine driver grade 1 duties.

You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:

  • Record of sea service form 771 [7]
  • an approved sea service log book
  • the on board sea service record from your task book
  • a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service.

Read more about qualifying sea service [8].

If you do not have the required sea service, you need to show you have one of the following:

  • completed an approved final assessment [17]
  • at least 60 days sea service in the last 6 months
  • for a seasonal fisher, worked in a seasonal fishery for at least 120 days in the five years before your application
  • other approved industry experience (for example, state or territory marine safety agency assessor, fleet manager, shore-side servicing, maritime studies teacher at a registered training organisation, marine surveyor)
  • completed the Marine engine driver grade 1 task book since obtaining your Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal.

If you want a task book

You can get a Marine engine driver grade 1 task book from us or from some registered training organisations [9]. To order a task book directly from us, use the AMSA chargeable publications order form [10].

Provide existing certificates

As part of your revalidation application you must submit a copy of your:

  • existing certificate of competency
  • valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent [12].
Complete and submit a certificate of competency application

You can complete a Certificate of competency application form 426 [6] online or download a pdf version and then complete it.

You need to complete all sections of the form. You must:

  • respond yes or no to all questions and statements in the application form
  • complete all boxes (if the information requested is unknown or not applicable insert N/A)
  • download a pdf version of the form to generate your barcode
  • print the form
  • attach copies of all required documents
  • sign the declaration
  • submit your application and pay a fee [13] at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet [14]
  • provide proof of identity [15] when you lodge your application.

Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate [16].

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Endorsements and restrictions

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Endorsements and restrictions

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Endorsement as chief engineer on vessels with steam propulsion less than 750 kilowatts in the EEZ

To obtain this endorsement you will need to:

1. Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate 

The Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1] lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you will be restricted to working in daylight hours only.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559  [2]lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.

3. Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers

Provide the medical practitioner with the Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers [3].

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

  • Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1]
  • Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 [4]

If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303 [5]) you can use this in place of the Eyesight test certificate and the Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate.

Submit your completed forms as part of your Certificate of competency application form 426 [6].

2. Provide evidence of sea service

Sea service must be done:

  • on vessels with steam propulsion power up to 750 kilowatts
  • while performing duties as an assistant to an engineer or engine driver, or as a general purpose hand.

You must show you have completed 100 hours and an approved steam task book.

Attach a copy of the seafarer details page from your task book to your application.

You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:

  • Record of sea service form 771 [7]
  • an approved sea service log book
  • the on board sea service record from your task book
  • a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service.

Read more about qualifying sea service [8].

To get a task book

To get a steam task book contact us [20].

3. Meet additional requirements

You must also hold:

  • a valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent [12].
  • hold a high risk work licence for standard boiler operation issued by a State or Territory authority responsible for work health and safety legislation.
4. Provide existing certificates

Submit a copy of your existing certificate of competency.

5. Complete and submit a certificate of competency application

You need to complete a Certificate of competency application form 426 [6] online or download a pdf version and then complete it.

You need to complete all sections of the form. You must:

  • respond yes or no to all questions and statements in the application form
  • complete all boxes (if the information requested is unknown or not applicable insert N/A)
  • download a pdf version of the form to generate you barcode
  • print the form
  • attach copies of all required documents
  • sign the declaration
  • submit your application and pay a fee [13] at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet [14]
  • provide proof of identity [15] when you lodge your application.

Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate [16].

6. Pass a final assessment at an AMSA office

You need to pass a final assessment [17] before receiving this endorsement. Once we have assessed your application you will be invited to contact AMSA Connect [20] to book your final assessment. You will then by contacted by your chosen regional office who will take payment of the examination fee [21] and confirm your booking.

If you do not pass the final assessment you will be able to have further attempts. Your assessor will advise you when you can book your resit. You will have to pay the fee each time you sit for the final assessment.

Endorsement as chief engineer on specific vessel(s) with steam propulsion less than 750 kilowatts in the EEZ

To obtain this endorsement you will need to:

1. Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate 

The Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1] lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you will be restricted to working in daylight hours only.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559  [2]lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.

3. Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers

Provide the medical practitioner with the Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers [3].

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

  • Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1]
  • Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 [4]

If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303 [5]) you can use this in place of the Eyesight test certificate and the Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate.

Submit your completed forms as part of your Certificate of competency application form 426 [6].

2. Provide evidence of sea service

Sea service must be done:

  • on vessels with steam propulsion power up to 750 kilowatts
  • while performing duties as an assistant to an engineer or engine driver, or as a general purpose hand.

You must show you have completed 100 hours and specific tasks, in an approved steam task book, that we have determined as relevant for the vessel.

Attach a copy of the seafarer details page from your task book to your application.

You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:

  • Record of sea service form 771 [7]
  • an approved sea service log book
  • the on board sea service record from your task book
  • a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service.

Read more about qualifying sea service [8].

Get a task book

To get a steam task book contact us [20].

3. Meet additional requirements

You must also hold:

  • a valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent [22].
  • hold a basic boiler licence or a licence to operate a standard boiler issued by a State or Territory authority responsible for work health and safety legislation
4. Provide existing certificates

You must submit a copy of your existing certificate of competency.

5. Complete and submit a certificate of competency application

You can complete a Certificate of competency application form 426 [6] online or download a pdf version and then complete it.

You need to complete all sections of the form. You must:

  • respond yes or no to all questions and statements in the application form
  • complete all boxes (if the information requested is unknown or not applicable insert N/A)
  • download a pdf version of the form to generate you barcode
  • print the form
  • attach copies of all required documents
  • sign the declaration
  • submit your application and pay a fee at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet [14]
  • provide proof of identity [15] when you lodge your application.

Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate [16].

6. Pass a final assessment at an AMSA office

You need to pass a final assessment [17]before receiving this endorsement. Once we have assessed your application you will be invited to contact AMSA Connect [20] to book your final assessment. You will then by contacted by your chosen regional office who will take payment of the examination fee [21] and confirm your booking.

If you do not pass the final assessment you will be able to try again. Your assessor will advise you when you can book your resit. You will have to pay the fee each time you sit for the final assessment.

Related information

If you would like to find out more about endorsements, refer to the National Regulator Endorsements Approval 2014 [23].

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Equivalent certificate

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Equivalent certificate

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If you hold a Marine engine driver grade 1 certificate, issued by a state or the Northern Territory, we will give you a Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal certificate.

If your Marine engine driver grade 1 certificate has an endorsement or restriction, your Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal certificate of competency will have the same endorsement or restriction.

What do I need to do?

To get a Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal you will need to:

Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate 

The Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1] lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you will be restricted to working in daylight hours only.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559  [2]lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.

3. Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers

Provide the medical practitioner with the Guidelines for the medical assessment of near coastal seafarers [3].

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

  • Eyesight test certificate form 542 [1]
  • Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 [4]

If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303 [5]) you can use this in place of the Eyesight test certificate and the Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate.

Submit your completed forms as part of your Certificate of competency application form 426 [6].

Provide existing certificate

As part of your application for an equivalent certificate you must submit a copy of your:

  • existing certificate of competency
  • valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent [12]
Complete and submit a certificate of competency application

You can complete a Certificate of competency application form 426 [6] online or download a pdf version and then complete it.

You need to complete all sections of the form. You must:

  • respond yes or no to all questions and statements in the application form
  • complete all boxes (if the information requested is unknown or not applicable insert N/A)
  • download a pdf version of the form to generate your barcode
  • print the form
  • attach copies of all required documents
  • sign the declaration
  • submit your application and pay a fee at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet [24]
  • provide proof of identity [15] when you lodge your application.

Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate [16].


Source URL:https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/domestic-qualifications/marine-engine-driver-grade-1-near-coastal

Links
[1] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/eyesight-test-certificate [2] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/certificate-medical-fitness-near-coastal-certificate [3] https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/domestic-qualifications/guidelines-medical-assessment-near-coastal-seafarers [4] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/certificate-medical-fitness-near-coastal-qualification [5] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/certificate-medical-fitness-international-certificates [6] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/certificate-competency-application [7] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/record-sea-service [8] https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/sea-service-and-task-books/qualifying-near-coastal-sea-service [9] https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/training-organisations-and-courses/registered-training-organisations-high-complexity [10] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/purchase-task-books-record-books-and-log-books [11] https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/sea-service-and-task-books/how-australian-seafarers-use-task-books [12] https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/equivalent-qualifications-and-skill-recognition/equivalent-first-aid [13] https://www.amsa.gov.au/about/fees-levies-and-payments/fees-services-domestic-commercial-vessel-safety#CoC [14] https://www.amsa.gov.au/about/who-we-are/australia-post-retail-outlets [15] https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/sea-service-and-task-books/proof-identity [16] https://www.amsa.gov.au/node/1527 [17] https://www.amsa.gov.au/node/937 [18] https://www.amsa.gov.au/file/2033/download?token=VDhXRR5P [19] https://www.amsa.gov.au/forms/examination-checklist-marine-engine-driver-grade-1-near-coastal [20] https://www.amsa.gov.au/about/contact-us [21] https://www.amsa.gov.au/node/14991 [22] https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/training-organisations-and-courses/equivalent-first-aid-certificates [23] https://www.amsa.gov.au/file/2020/download?token=HDrKPd0g [24] https://amsa-agol.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=56235e38813c4b9e90d130e62b6f590e