At a glance
For initial issue of an Able Seafarer - Engine, you need to:
- Hold a valid AMSA medical (303)
- Hold a valid Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
- Complete approved training and qualifying sea service
- Prepare your documents
- Apply to AMSA
Ready to apply? Complete Seafarer form 419 now
On this page:
- About this certificate
- Eligibility requirements
- Training and sea service
- Supporting documents
- How to apply
- Keep your certificate valid
- Add an endorsement
- Career pathways
About this certificate
An Able Seafarer – Engine is an STCW certificate of proficiency (CoP) for experienced engine room ratings.
It allows you to work as a qualified member of the engine department on vessels of any size, in any operating area.
With this certificate, you can:
- serve as a rating as a part of an engine room watch
- carry out basic engine-room operations and safety duties
- support maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment.
Considering your next step?
Many seafarers get qualified as an Integrated Rating, which allows you to work in both deck and engine departments.
An Able Seafarer – Engine certificate is to specialise in the engine room.
Find out more about Integrated Ratings
Eligibility requirements
To be issued this certificate, you must:
- be at least 18 years old
- hold a valid AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- hold a valid Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
- complete the training and sea service requirements below.
You do not need a sea service assessment for this certificate.
Training and sea service
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete AMSA-approved training and at least 6 months qualifying sea service.
What you need
1) A valid CoST
2) AMSA-approved Able Seafarer - Engine course
3) At least 6 months qualifying sea service
4) TAGS workbooks
1) Confirm your pre-requisites
You must hold a valid:
2) Complete an approved training course
You must complete an AMSA-approved Able Seafarer - Engine training course (STCW III/5).
This training may be delivered as either:
- an Able Seafarer - Engine skill set
- the core units and engine specialisation units in a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).
Make sure your training provider is approved
You must complete these courses with an AMSA-approved training provider.
We do not accept training completed with other providers or overseas.
Recognition of prior learning
Your AMSA-approved training provider can:
- confirm which units are included in your course
- assess whether your existing training meets the requirements
- advise if your previous training may count through recognition of prior learning (RPL).
3) Meet qualifying sea service requirements
You must complete:
- at least 180 days (6 months)
- on vessels with 750kW or more propulsion power
- in the engine room
- as a rating forming part of an engine room watch
Timing of sea service
You must complete your sea service either:
• after you finish the theory component of your training course
• while holding a valid Engine Room Watch rating certificate.
Sea service completed before you are qualified to perform engine room watch rating duties does not count as qualifying sea service.
You will need to provide evidence of your sea service when you apply.
Find out how to prepare your evidence.
4) Complete TAGS books
Complete the required Task and Guided Study (TAGS) workbooks during your onboard training and sea service:
- TAGS book 1 - 5
AMSA does not issue TAGs books
Your AMSA-approved training provider will issue, review and assess your TAGS books and issue you a TAGs completion certificate.
Include the TAGS completion certificate with your application. Do not submit your TAGS books.
Supporting documents
When you apply, you need:
- Proof of identity
- A passport-style photograph (if you live overseas)
- AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- A copy of your Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
- Copies of your course completion certificate(s) showing the relevant STCW course codes (not transcripts, attendance records or statements of attainment)
- Copies of your TAGS completion certificate (do not submit your TAGS books)
- Sea service evidence using the STCW sea service template
Do not submit additional documents unless we ask for them.
Find out more about proof of identity and providing supporting documents.
How to apply
Before you apply
Check what it costs, how long it takes and what happens after you submit your application.
Read more about how to get a new STCW certificate
When you meet the requirements:
- Gather your supporting documents
- Complete Seafarer form 419, then download and print it
- Submit your application to AMSA
Keep your certificate valid
You must revalidate this certificate every 5 years to continue working.
Find out how to revalidate your Able Seafarer - Engine certificate.
You should apply to revalidate your STCW certificate in the 6 months before it expires
Add an endorsement
You may need additional endorsements depending on the vessel, cargo or duties you perform.
Endorsements available for this certificate include:
- Basic IGF code
- Passenger vessel
- High speed craft
- Fast rescue boats
- ECDIS trained
Learn more about STCW endorsements.
Competencies included with this certificate
Training completed for this certificate already meets the requirements for:
• Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (PSCRB)
You do not need to apply for this endorsement separately.
Career pathways
With an Able Seafarer – Deck certificate you can:
- work as an experienced rating in the deck department
- gain sea service required to apply for Officer of the Watch (deck) certificates
- progress to higher deck officer certificates over time
Explore career pathways for ratings