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Prepare sea service evidence for STCW certificates

If your certificate application requires qualifying sea service, you'll need to provide evidence that meets AMSA's requirements. Find out when you need sea service evidence and how to complete the STCW sea service template.

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When you need sea service evidence

You must provide evidence of qualifying sea service if your certificate application requires sea service.

This may include when you apply for an STCW:

  • certificate of proficiency (rating or marine cook)
  • sea service assessment for certificate of competency (officer-level)
  • certificate revalidation or upgrade
  • Certificate of Recognition (CoR).

Check the requirements for your certificate before you apply.

Use the correct template

You should use the STCW sea service template when providing evidence of your qualifying sea service.

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
  • in near coastal format (form 771).

If you provide information in the wrong format, it can delay processing.

Download the template now DOCX2.87 MB

Include general information

Your sea service evidence must include:

  • your position onboard
  • the dates you signed on and signed off each vessel
  • the vessel name
  • the IMO number
  • the vessel type.

Additional certificate requirements

Depending on the certificate you're applying for, your sea service evidence may also need to include specific vessel information.

Deck officer and deck rating applications

Your sea service evidence must include:

  • the vessel's gross tonnage
  • for deck officer applications only, confirmation that the vessel was fitted with a full GMDSS station and that you operated it on a regular basis (if revalidating)

Engineer officer and engine room rating applications

Your sea service evidence must include:

  • the vessel's total propulsion power (kilowatts)
  • for engineer officer applications only, the propulsion type (motor, steam or other)

Revalidation requirements

For revalidation applications, your sea service evidence must also confirm:

  • participation in mandatory abandon ship and fire drills
  • participation in scheduled drills under the vessel's safety management system.

If you hold a fast rescue boat endorsement, your evidence must also confirm you participated in mandatory fast rescue boat drills.

Download template

You should use the STCW sea service template when providing evidence of your qualifying sea service.

Download the STCW sea service template DOCX2.87 MB

Next steps

Last updated: 20 August 2026