To obtain a near coastal certificate of competency you will need to follow these steps. The specific requirements vary for each certificate.
- (1) Check your eligibility
To be eligible for a near coastal 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
- (2) Medical tests
You must 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.
If you have colour deficient vision, any Master, Coxswain, or GPH certificates will be restricted to working only in daylight hours.
- (3) Training
Training course
You must complete a specific course to train for each certificate. These courses are offered by registered training organisations (RTOs).
For some certificates, you will also need to pass an AMSA-mandated practical assessment (AMPA) at the RTO.
Find out which course you need to complete.
First aid
You must complete first aid training to apply for any certificate. We accept a 'Provide first aid' (HLTAID011) certificate, or equivalent.
Marine radio certificate
For some near coastal certificates of competency you will need a marine radio operator certificate. Information on how to obtain these is available from the Office of Maritime Communications.
- (4) Sea service
Sea service is your experience working on vessels. Sea service is counted in days, and you need a set number of days on certain types of vessels to get each certificate. This is referred to by AMSA as qualifying sea service.
Find out how to record your sea service.
Task books
You can choose to complete a task book to reduce the amount of qualifying sea service required for a certificate.
A task book is a book of practical tasks related to the certificate you’re training for. To complete a task book, a supervisor must sign you off as competent in each skill.
- (5) Apply online
After you complete your medical, all training and sea service, you are ready to apply.
- (6) Oral examination
You must pass an oral examination to obtain any of these certificates:
- Master <100m
- Master <45m
- Marine Engine Driver Grade 1
- Engineer Class 3
For these certificates, once we've assessed your application, we will invite you to book the exam.
During the exam an AMSA examiner will ask you questions to test your skills and knowledge.