At a glance
For initial issue of a Chief Integrated Rating, you need to:
- Hold an Integrated Rating certificate
- Hold a valid AMSA medical (303)
- Complete approved training
- Complete 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
- How to get this certificate
- Keep your certificate valid
- Add an endorsement
- Career pathways
About this certificate
A Chief Integrated Rating (CIR) is an STCW certificate of proficiency (CoP) and senior rating qualification.
It allows you to supervise other ratings on board on vessels of any size, in any operating area.
With this certificate, you can:
- work as a senior member of the integrated ratings crew
- supervise deck and engine room tasks carried out by other ratings
- coordinate routine maintenance, operations and storekeeping
- oversee work groups and assist officers with operational duties
- take a leading role in safety, emergency and survival operations.
Eligibility requirements
To be issued this certificate, you must:
- hold, or have held, an Integrated Rating certificate (II/4 and II/4 or II/5 and III/5)
- hold a valid AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- complete the training and sea service requirements below.
You do not need a sea service assessment for this certificate.
How to get this certificate
Follow these steps to get this certificate.
- (1) Check your prerequisites
To be eligible for a Chief Integrated Rating, you need to hold the required prerequisite and supporting certificates.
Prerequisite certificate
You must hold a valid Integrated Rating certificate (II/4 and II/4 or II/5 and III/5).
Certificate of medical fitness
You must hold a valid AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303) for STCW seafarers before you apply.
You must complete your medical examination in Australia with an AMSA-approved medical practitioner.
We do not accept:
- overseas medical assessments
- flag state medicals (such as ENG1 or OEUK/OGUK)
- AMSA near coastal medical certificates (1850)
- (2) Complete an approved training course
To be eligible for this certificate, you must complete an approved training course and the required STCW short courses with an AMSA approved training provider.
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.
Find an AMSA approved training providerCertificate course
Complete a Chief Integrated Rating skill set course.
STCW short courses (if not already held)
You must also have:
- Advanced fire fighting (STCW A-VI/3)
- Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (STCW A-VI/2)
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 720 days (24 months)
- on vessels 24 metres or more in length and/or with 750kW or more propulsion power
- as an Integrated Rating
- performing duties across both deck and engine departments
- while holding a valid Integrated Rating certificate (II/4 and III/4 or II/5 an III/5)
Sea service rules
Your sea service only counts while performing duties at sea. Time assigned to a vessel alone will not count as qualifying sea service towards this certificate.
Special rules apply for FPSO, FSO, dredger and tug service.
Check the sea service rules for STCW certificates
- (6) Prepare your documents
When you apply, you need:
- Proof of identity
- A passport-style photograph (if you live overseas)
- A copy of your Integrated Rating certificate
- AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- Course completion certificate(s) showing the relevant STCW course codes (not transcripts, attendance records or statements of attainment)
Do not submit additional documents unless we ask for them.
Find out more about proof of identity and providing supporting documents.
- (7) Apply for your certificate
Once you have completed all the steps, you’re ready to apply.
Complete Seafarer form 419, then download and print it.
How you submit your application depends on where you live.
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
Keep your certificate valid
You must revalidate this certificate every 5 years to continue working.
Find out how to revalidate your certificate.
Apply early to avoid delays
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
- Proficiency in fast rescue boats
- ECDIS trained
Learn more about STCW endorsements
Career pathways
Chief Integrated Rating is generally the highest rating-level certificate for seafarers working across both deck and engine departments.
With this certificate you can:
- work in senior integrated rating roles with supervisory responsibilities
- gain sea service towards officer-level deck certificates.
Explore career pathways for ratings.