As a Sailing Master Offshore you can command and operate the engines of a sailing vessel that meets these criteria:
| Length | Less than 24 metres. |
|---|---|
| Propulsion power | Under 100 kilowatts. |
| Passengers | Up to 12. |
| Operating area | With passengers: inshore waters. Without passengers: within the EEZ. |
This certificate also lets you:
- act as a chief mate or deck watchkeeper on a sailing vessel <45m long in the EEZ
- undertake the duties and perform the functions of a General Purpose Hand NC
- operate a sailing vessel’s tender with less than 100 kilowatt s propulsion power.
When you're ready to apply:
What do you need to apply for?
New certificate
What do I need to do?
To obtain this certificate you will need to:
- Check your eligibility
To be eligible for this certificate you must be:
- at least 16 years old on the certificate issue date
- able to speak, read and understand English
- medically fit for the duties required.
You must hold one of these certificates:
- a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate
- a Yachtmaster Ocean certificate
- an IYT Master of Yachts Limited Certificate of Competence ('Sail' or 'Power and Sail')
You must also hold one of the following:
- Coxswain Grade 1 NC certificate of competency
- Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC certificate of competency
- MAR Maritime Training Package MAR037 Operate inboard and outboard motors
- Both:
- RYA Diesel Engine course and
- Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling course
- Both:
- RYA Diesel Engine course and
- RYA Level 2 Powerboat course
- Both:
- IYT Boat Engineer Grade 1 Certificate of Attendance and
- Small Powerboat & RIB Master.
If you do not hold these certificates, contact a registered training organisation, the Royal Yachting Association or International Yacht Training.
- Complete medical and eyesight test
You will need to see a medical practitioner to check that you are medically fit for working at sea. They will assess you in line with AMSA’s medical requirements.
Download the Certificate of medical fitness for domestic seafarers (AMSA form 1850) and follow the instructions on the form.
If you have a current Certificate of medical fitness (AMSA form 303) you can use this instead.
If you have colour deficient vision, you will be restricted to working only in daylight hours.
- Obtain marine radio certificate
You must hold a current short-range operator certificate of proficiency issued by ACMA, or equivalent.
- Complete first aid training
You must hold a current 'Provide first aid' certificate (HLTAID011), or equivalent.
If your first aid or medical certificate expires within 90 days of submitting your application, we may request an updated certificate.
- Submit your application
- Gather the required documents:
- a signed and current certificate of medical fitness (AMSA form 1850)
- current sailing certificates and course completion certificates (see step 1)
- a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 'Provide first aid' certificate, or equivalent)
- a marine radio 'Short range operator certificate of proficiency' (SROCP)
- the cover page of your final assessment (AMPA)
- a colour passport-sized photograph that meets our requirements.
- Log in to myAMSA using your Australian Government myID.
- Fill in the application form online and upload copies of your documents.
- Pay the required fee and submit your application online.
If you cannot use myAMSA
Complete and print the Certificate of competency application (AMSA form 426). Submit the form with copies of the required documents at a participating Australia Post outlet. You will also need to provide proof of your identity.
- Gather the required documents:
Renewal of Certificate
A Sailing Master Offshore certificate is valid for 5 years. To keep working, you need to apply to renew your certificate before it expires.
To renew your certificate you need to:
- Declare your medical fitness
As part of the renewal application process, we will ask you to declare that you are medically fit to work at sea. This includes declaring any changes to your eyesight.
- Complete first aid training
You must hold a current 'Provide first aid' certificate (HLTAID011), or equivalent.
If your first aid or medical certificate expires within 90 days of submitting your application, we may request an updated certificate.
- Submit your application
- Gather the required documents:
- your existing Sailing Master Offshore (if you are applying online, there will be a copy in your myAMSA account)
- a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 'Provide first aid' certificate, or equivalent)
- a colour passport-sized photograph that meets our requirements.
- Log in to myAMSA using your Australian Government myID.
- Fill in the application form online and upload copies of your documents.
- Pay the required fee and submit your application online.
If you cannot use myAMSA
Complete and print the Certificate of competency application (AMSA form 426). Submit the form with copies of the required documents at a participating Australia Post outlet. You will also need to provide proof of your identity.
- Gather the required documents:
After submitting your application
We will confirm receipt of your application, and you can check your application's progress in myAMSA.
We will also contact you if:
- your application is incomplete
- the documents you provided are not suitable
- we need more information to make our assessment.
See our incomplete application policy.
The regulations
Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — national law) 2022 provides for certificates of competency and sets out the standards for the qualifications of the crew and masters on domestic commercial vessels.