Studying in Australia

Firstly, you should read the relevant sections of Marine Orders 70 to 74 to ensure you have the qualifying sea service for the certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency you are studying.

It is your responsibility to make sure you have adequate sea service for the certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency you intend studying for. There is no requirement to apply to us for a sea service assessment prior to enrolling in an AMSA approved training institution. This sea service assessment can be done upon enrolment at the college and during the course.

Check that you have proof of specified qualifying sea service for the qualification you want to obtain. Read more about sea service.

How to apply for sea service assessment

You will need to complete this sea service and then submit a Seafarers form 419 to us so we can assess your sea service and issue you with an AMSA assessment letter. This letter is the evidence you need to prove that you have met the sea service requirements for your qualification.

You should then contact the AMSA approved course provider in Australia of your choosing to find out about the appropriate courses and any entry prerequisites the college requires for enrolment in that course, including evidence of English language ability. Colleges may require different prerequisites for enrolment, including any recognition of prior learning. We do not consider refresher courses for the purpose of gaining an AMSA certificate.

Find an AMSA approved maritime college in Australia.

See international qualifications and training to find out more about the course requirements for your qualification.

You will then need to apply for enrolment to the college of your choice.

Once you have received a letter of offer from the college, take the letter to the Australian Embassy, high commission or consulate in the country in which you live and apply for a student visa to attend the course. Find your nearest Australian government representative.

If a maritime shipping company is sponsoring your study in Australia, they may want to make the visa, travel and accommodation arrangements for you. In this case, discuss your proposed requirements with them before proceeding to make any arrangements yourself.

We advises applicants to carefully read all documentation relating to Australian visa requirements published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs prior to application for a student visa.

We are not able to influence a decision made by that department not to issue a visa. You should also be aware that possession of an Australian seafarer qualification is no guarantee of employment within the Australian maritime industry.

After getting your Australian student visa, you must make your own travel arrangements to attend the college if you are not being sponsored by a maritime shipping company to study in Australia. The college should provide you with information about costs of study, accommodation and attendance requirements before or at the time it makes the offer to you.