On this page:
- Proof of identity
- Photographs
- Sea service evidence
- Medical certificate
- Course completion certificates
- Certification of supporting documents (STCW only)
- Right to work in Australia
- Preparing your documents
- Next steps
Proof of identity
How you need to verify your identity depends on how you apply.
- Apply online through myAMSA
myAMSA uses the Australian Government’s myID Digital ID app to verify your identity.
You need a standard-level myID account before you log in.
To set up myID, go to myid.gov.au.
Once you are logged in, your identity is verified through myID. You don’t need to provide separate or certified identity documents when you apply through myAMSA.
Find out more about myAMSA.
- Apply in person at Australia Post
You’ll need to bring 2 original Australian identity documents from the list below.
Australia Post will check these in person. You don’t need to send copies to AMSA.
- Australian passport (current or expired less than 3 years)
- Driver licence or learner permit
- Birth certificate
- Australian visa (using your foreign passport)
- ImmiCard
- Citizenship certificate
- Medicare card
- Apply by email from overseas
The identity document you need to provide depends on what you are applying for:
- STCW certificate: provide a copy of your current passport.
- Near coastal certificate: provide a copy of an Australian-issued photographic identity document, such as an Australian passport or driver licence.
Your identity document must be current and must not be cancelled.
Certifying a non-Australian passport
If you provide a non-Australian passport for an STCW certificate application, the copy must be certified.
Copies of Australian passports and other Australian-issued identity documents do not need to be certified.
Change of name
If the name on your identity documents does not match your application, you must provide a document showing your official name change.
For example:
- marriage certificate
- change of name certificate.
Can’t provide identity documents?
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person and can’t provide identity documents, you can submit an identity declaration (form 162) instead.
Go to the identity declaration (form 162) now
Photograph
Your photograph will appear on your certificate (excluding CoST).
It must meet the Australian passport photo guidelines.
- Apply online through myAMSA
You can either:
- upload a recent photo that meets the Australian passport photo guidelines
- use your device to take a photo when prompted.
- Apply in person at Australia Post
Your photo is taken at Australia Post when you lodge your application.
There is no extra charge for this.
- Apply by email from overseas
Attach one recent colour passport-style photograph to your email application.
Sea service evidence
If your application requires sea service, you must provide evidence.
What you need to do depends on your certificate type.
- STCW certificates
You should provide evidence of sea service using the STCW sea service template and include all the required information.
We do not accept sea service letters in any other formats (including near coastal format).
Find out how to prepare evidence of STCW sea service and download the template.
- Near coastal certificates
You can provide any one of the following:
- Record of sea service (form 771)
- Written evidence from vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer.
- AMSA approved task book
Find out more about how to provide evidence of qualifying near coastal sea service.
Medical certificate
If your application requires a medical certificate, you must provide a current certificate of medical fitness.
Do not send X-rays or additional medical reports unless specifically requested.
Your medical must be current at the time your certificate of competency is issued.
If your medical certificate expires within 90 days of applying, you may have to renew it.
- STCW certificates
A copy of your AMSA certificate of medical fitness (303).
- Near coastal certificates
A copy of your Certificate of medical fitness – domestic seafarers (AMSA 1850).
Course completion certificates
When you complete your training, your training provider will give you a course completion certificate.
You must include this with your application.
We only accept course completion certificates. We do not accept:
- transcripts
- attendance records
- statements of attainment.
- STCW certificates
Your course completion certificate must show the relevant STCW regulation codes.
For example, a Basic Safety Training course completion certificate should show codes such as STCW Reg VI/1 and Code Section A-VI/1
- Near coastal certificate
Your course completion certificate must show the qualification code for the training you completed.
Not sure what codes should appear on your certificate?
Check with your training provider. If you’re unsure whether your certificate will be accepted, contact AMSA Connect before you apply.
Certification of supporting documents (STCW only)
If you are overseas and are submitting an STCW application by email, you must provide certified copies of your supporting documents.
This includes:
- a non-Australian passport
- sea service letters
- course completion certificates
- prerequisite certificates
- other documents supporting your application.
You do not need to have the following documents certified:
- an Australian passport
- supporting documents for a near coastal application.
What is a certified copy?
A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been signed by an authorised person to confirm it is a true copy of the original
Who can certify documents?
Your documents can be certified by:
- justice of the peace
- notary public
- lawyer or solicitor
- police officer
- Australian consular or diplomatic officer.
How to certify a document
- Make a clear photocopy of the original document.
- Have the authorised person compare the original with the copy.
- The authorised person must write on the copy: I certify this is a true copy of the original document (or words to that effect).
- They must sign and date the copy, and print their name and qualification.
Right to work in Australia
If you’re applying for an STCW certificate of recognition, you must show that you have the right to work in Australia.
Accepted evidence includes:
- Australian passport
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian permanent visa
- Current Australian visa with work entitlements
Preparing your documents
Check what supporting documents you need
If you're unsure what documents are required for your certificate, check your certificate page or application checklist.
Before you apply, make sure:
- you have included all required supporting documents
- copies are clear and easy to read
- you haven't included original documents
Do not provide additional documents unless AMSA asks for them.