At a glance
To apply for a sea service assessment:
- check you need one
- gather your sea service evidence
- prepare your supporting documents
- apply to AMSA using form 419
On this page:
- What is a sea service assessment?
- Who needs a sea service assessment?
- How to apply
- What happens next
- How long it takes
- How much it costs
- Apply now
What is a sea service assessment?
A sea service assessment checks whether your sea service meets the requirements for the STCW certificate you're applying for.
You need a sea service assessment if you're applying for:
- an initial STCW certificate of competency (officer-level)
- a Certificate of Recognition (CoR).
After we've assessed your sea service, we'll send you a sea service assessment notice to confirm:
- whether your sea service has been accepted
- whether you need additional sea service, training or evidence before you can continue.
A sea service assessment does not:
- issue an STCW certificate
- guarantee you meet all certificate requirements
- replace any training, medical or oral examination requirements.
Who needs a sea service assessment?
You need a sea service assessment if you're applying for:
- an AMSA-issued STCW certificate of competency (Master, deck officer or engineer officer)
- a Certificate of Recognition (CoR).
You do not need a sea service assessment if you're applying for an STCW certificate of proficiency (rating certificate).
If you're unsure whether your certificate requires a sea service assessment, contact AMSA Connect before you apply.
How to apply
To apply for a sea service assessment, you need to:
- meet the sea service requirements for your certificate
- have evidence of your qualifying sea service
- have the supporting documents listed in the application form.
- (1) Check your sea service requirements
Before you apply for a sea service assessment, confirm the qualifying sea service requirements for the certificate you're applying for.
Requirements vary depending on your certificate pathway.
- (2) Prepare your sea service evidence
You should obtain evidence of your qualifying sea service using the STCW sea service template.
The completed template must be:
- issued by your employer
- Include a company letterhead
- signed by an authorised representative.
We do not accept sea service evidence:
- issued on board a vessel
- signed only by the master.
If you provide information in the wrong format, it can delay processing.
Find out how to prepare sea service evidence.
- (3) Gather your supporting documents
You must provide these documents with your application.
Proof of identity
Copies of any existing STCW certificates you hold
Sea service evidence using the STCW sea service template
Do not submit additional documents unless we ask for them.
Find out more about how to provide supporting documents.
- (4) Submit your application
To apply, you must complete AMSA Seafarer form 419.
How you submit depends on where you live.
If you live in Australia
You must:
- lodge your application in person at a participating Australia Post outlet
- bring your original proof of identity
- pay the application fee.
If you live overseas
You must:
- complete AMSA Seafarer form 419
- sign the declaration and sample signature box
- scan your completed form and all supporting documents
- combine all documents into one file (maximum size: 10MB)
- email the complete application as one attachment to STCW.applications@amsa.gov.au
We will email you payment instructions after we start checking your application, not when you apply.
What happens next
We'll check your application is complete enough to assess.
If information is missing, we'll contact you. This may delay processing.
Once we've assessed your sea service, we'll email you a sea service assessment notice confirming whether your sea service has been accepted.
Depending on your certificate, you may then need to:
- complete additional sea service
- complete further training
- provide additional evidence
- book and pass an AMSA oral examination.
Your assessment notice will explain the next steps.
Need to book an oral exam?
You cannot make a booking until you receive your sea service assessment notice.
Find out more about how to book an oral exam
How long it takes
We won't start assessing your application until it is complete. This means:
- the application has been filled out correctly
- we have received all required documents
- you have paid the application fee.
It will delay processing if anything is missing or incorrect in your application.
Allow 90 business days for us to assess your application
This period starts from the day we've received your complete application and payment.
Allow the full 90 business days before contacting us about your application.
How much it costs
The fee to apply for a sea service assessment is $168.
Find out more about STCW fees and charges
Apply now
Complete AMSA Seafarer form 419 to apply.