Engineer class 3 near coastal

This qualification lets you carry out the duties of chief engineer.

This certificate will allow you to work:

As chief engineer on vessels with inboard engines with propulsion power up to 3000 kilowatts within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
As chief engineer or second engineer on vessels with outboard engines with unlimited propulsion 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 an Engineer class 3 near coastal certificate you must:

Be at least 16 years old on the certificate issue date.
Hold a Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal, Engineer watchkeeper or workshop skill equivalent qualification.
Meet medical, eyesight, sea service and course requirements.

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

Syllabus

Engineer class 3 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 the eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.

What do you need to apply for?

New certificate

Revalidation

Endorsements and restrictions

Equivalent certificate

Change your name on your certificate of competency

Replace your lost, stolen or damaged certificate of competency

New certificate

What do I need to do?

To obtain this certificate you will need to:

Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate

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

If you are colour blind, we cannot issue you with a new Engineer class 3 near coastal certificate.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 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.

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

If you have a current engineering AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303) 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.

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 engines with propulsion power greater than or equal to 400 kilowatts.

If you hold a Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal, you need to show that while working as engineer in charge, or on duties assisting the engineer in charge, you have completed 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 while working on duties assisting the engineer in charge, you have completed either:

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

If you hold an Engineer watchkeeper certificate of competency (issued under Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers) 2014) you need to show that you have 90 days performing engine-room watchkeeping duties.

You must submit a copy of your existing certificate of competency or workshop skill equivalent qualification as part of your application.

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.

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

Record of sea service form 771
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.

If you want a task book

You can get an Engineer Class 3 task book from us or from some registered training organisations. To order a task book directly from us, use the AMSA chargeable publications order form.

Certificate revalidation

An Engineer Class 3 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.

What do I need to do?

To revalidate your certificate you will need to:

Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate

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

If you are colour blind, you need to provide us with a statutory declaration confirming that your impaired colour vision has not affected your engine room work in the 12 months before the medical examination.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 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.

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

If you have a current engineering AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303) 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.

Provide evidence of sea service

You need to show you have 120 days of sea service in the last five years performing Engineer class 3 duties.

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

Record of sea service form 771
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.

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

completed an approved final assessment
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 5 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 Engineer class 3 near coastal task book since obtaining your Engineer class 3 near coastal certificate of competency.

If you want a task book

You can get an Engineer class 3 task book from us or from some registered training organisations. To order a task book directly from us, use the AMSA chargeable publications order form.

Provide existing certificates

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

existing certificate of competency
valid HLTAID003 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.

Complete and submit a Certificate of competency application

Download and complete a Certificate of competency application form 426.

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)
attach copies of all required documents
sign the declaration
submit your application and pay a fee at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet
provide proof of identity when you lodge your application.

Endorsements and restrictions

You may apply for the following endorsements on your certificate:

chief engineer on vessels with steam propulsion less than 750 kilowatts
chief engineer on specific vessel(s) with steam propulsion less than 750 kilowatts

Endorsement to work 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 lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you will need to provide us with a statutory declaration confirming that your impaired colour vision has not affected your engine room work in the 12 months before the medical examination.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 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.

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

If you have a current engineering AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303) 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.

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
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.

To get a task book

To get a steam task book contact us.

3. Meet additional requirements

You must also hold a:

valid HLTAID003 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.
basic boiler licence or licence to operate a standard boiler 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

Download and complete a Certificate of competency application form 426.

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)
attach copies of all required documents
sign the declaration
submit your application and pay a fee at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet
provide proof of identity when you lodge your application.

6. Pass a final assessment at an AMSA office

You need to pass a final assessment before receiving this endorsement. 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 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 lets us know that your eyesight meets the necessary standard for working at sea.

If you are colour blind, you will need to provide us with a statutory declaration confirming that your impaired colour vision has not affected your engine room work in the 12 months before the medical examination.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 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.

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

If you have a current engineering AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303) 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.

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
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.

Get a task book

To get a steam task book contact us.

3. Meet additional requirements

You must also hold:

a valid HLTAID003 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.
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

Download and complete a Certificate of competency application form 426.

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)
attach copies of all required documents
sign the declaration
submit your application and pay a fee at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet
provide proof of identity when you lodge your application.

5. Pass a final assessment at an AMSA office

You need to pass a final assessment before receiving this endorsement. 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 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.

Equivalent certificate

If you hold an Engineer class 3, issued by a state or the Northern Territory, we will give you an Engineer class 3 near coastal certificate.

If your certificate has an endorsement or a restriction, your Engineer class 3 certificate of competency will have the same endorsement or restriction.

What do I need to do?

To get an Engineer class 3 near coastal you will need to:

Meet medical and eyesight requirements

Download the:

1. Eyesight test certificate

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

If you are colour blind, you will need to provide us with a statutory declaration confirming that your impaired colour vision has not affected your engine room work in the 12 months before the medical examination.

2. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate

The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 559 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.

Get a qualified medical practitioner to complete the:

If you have a current engineering AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303) 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.

Provide existing certificates

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

existing certificate of competency
valid HLTAID003 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.

Complete and submit a Certificate of competency application

Download and complete a Certificate of competency application form 426.

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)
attach copies of all required documents
sign the declaration
submit your application and pay a fee at an AMSA-contracted Australia post outlet
provide proof of identity when you lodge your application.

Last updated:

Monday 21 September 2020