On this page:
- What is STCW?
- How STCW works in Australia
- Who needs an STCW certificate
- Employer responsibilities
- Legislation and standards
What is STCW?
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) is an international treaty developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
It sets minimum internally standards for training and certification of seafarers globally, including for:
- training and assessment
- certification of officers and ratings
- watchkeeping arrangements
- safety and emergency response
- medical fitness.
The purpose of STCW is to ensure that seafarers working internationally are properly trained, competent and medically fit, regardless of where their certificate was issued.
To find out more, visit International Maritime Organization – International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
How STCW works in Australia
Australia applies STCW requirements through the Navigation Act 2012 and marine orders made under that Act.
As a flag State, Australia must ensure that:
- seafarers serving on Australian-flagged vessels operating internationally meet STCW standards
- certificates issued by Australia comply with the Convention
- approved training and assessment systems meet international requirements.
AMSA administers and enforces the STCW requirements by:
- issuing STCW certificates of proficiency (CoP) and certificates of competency (CoC)
- issuing Certificates of Safety Training (CoST)
- recognising certain overseas certificates through certificates of recognition (CoR)
- approving training providers
- overseeing medical standards
- monitoring continued competence and revalidation.
Who needs an STCW certificate
You must have an AMSA-issued STCW certificate if you:
- serve on an Australian-flagged vessel that operates (or is authorised to operate) in international waters (known as a ‘regulated Australian vessel’)
- perform duties regulated by STCW (for example, navigation, engineering, radio, or certain safety functions).
This includes:
- masters and deck officers
- engineer officers
- electro-technical officers
- deck and engine ratings
- personnel with designated safety or security duties.
Employer responsibilities
If you own or operate a regulated Australian vessel, you must ensure that:
- each seafarer serving on board holds the correct STCW certificate for their assigned duties
- certificates are valid and recognised under Australian law
- required endorsements or additional qualifications are in place
- watchkeeping arrangements meet STCW requirements.
Engaging a seafarer who does not meet STCW requirements may result in enforcement action.
Legislation and standards
Australia implements STCW through the Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Orders 70 to 73.
- Navigation Act 2012
- Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification)
- Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers)
- Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers)
- Marine Order 73 (Ratings)
The detailed international requirements are contained in the STCW Convention and Code, published by the International Maritime Organization.
Find out more
- STCW regulations explained
- Verify an STCW certificate