Watchkeeper Deck (STCW II/1)

On this page:

• About this certificate
• Eligibility requirements
• Approved training course
• Qualifying sea service
• How to apply
• Keep your certificate valid
• Add an endorsement
• Career pathways

About this certificate

A Watchkeeper Deck is an STCW certificate of competency (officer-level).

It allows you to work as an officer in charge of a navigational watch on vessels of any size, in any operating area, under the STCW Convention.

With this certificate, you can:

• work as an officer in charge of a navigational watch (OICNW)
• perform duties as an Able Seafarer – Deck.

An unrestricted Watchkeeper Deck certificate is a common progression for seafarers moving from Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT, Integrated Rating, Able Seafarer – Deck or near coastal deck officer roles, into the STCW deck officer pathway.

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 GMDSS radio operator certificate (or GMDSS certificate of recognition)
• complete qualifying sea service
• complete an AMSA-approved training course
• hold a sea service assessment notice
• pass an oral exam.

Approved training course

To be eligible for this certificate, you must complete an AMSA-approved training course and the required STCW short courses  with an AMSA approved training provider.

You must complete the same training regardless of your sea service pathway.

Certificate course

Complete a Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck).

STCW short courses (if not already held)

You must also have:

• Advanced fire fighting (STCW A-VI/3)
• Medical first aid (STCW A-VI/4)(1- 3)
• Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (STCW A-VI/2)
• Basic safety training (STCW Reg VI/1)
• Security awareness training (STCW VI/6 (4))

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).

Qualifying sea service requirements

The sea service you need depends on your training and experience.

Choose the option that best matches your situation.

I am completing an Australian cadetship or trainee deck officer program

Who should use this pathway

For seafarers completing an approved cadetship or trainee deck officer program through an AMSA-approved training provider.

Because your training is AMSA-approved, you need less qualifying sea service.

What you need 
AMSA-approved pre-sea training
At least 18 months qualifying sea service

1) Complete approved pre-sea training

You must have completed AMSA-approved pre-sea training (such as a deck cadet course).

We do not accept any near coastal (domestic) training courses as STCW pre-sea training.

2) Complete qualifying sea service

You must complete: 

• at least 540 days (18 months) sea service
• on vessels 500 GT or more 
• in the deck department 
• performing watchkeeping or other deck duties
• including at least 360 days (12 months) on voyages lasting 24 hours or more
• with at least 180 days (6 months) of your 24 hour voyage experience served as an understudy of officer in charge of a navigational watch, that includes:
  • 100 hours as lookout
  • 100 hours in daylight
  • 100 hours in darkness
  • 180 hours watchkeeping under supervision
  • shifts of at least 4 hours 
  • in the deck department.

Sea service rules
Your sea service only counts after you have completed your pre-sea training and while performing duties at sea.
Time assigned to a vessel alone or sea time served before completing your pre-sea training does not count as qualifying sea service towards a WKD.
Special rules apply for FPSO, FSO, dredger and tug service.
Check the sea service rules for STCW certificates

I completed overseas or non-approved pre-sea training

Who should use this pathway

For seafarers who completed pre-sea training overseas or through a non-approved training provider.

Because your training was not completed through an AMSA-approved structured program, you need more qualifying sea service.

What you need 
A pre-sea course
At least 24 months qualifying sea service

1) Complete pre-sea training

You must have completed pre-sea training overseas or with a non-approved training provider.

2) Complete qualifying sea service

You must complete: 

• at least 720 days (24 months) sea service
• on vessels 500 GT or more 
• in the deck department 
• performing watchkeeping or other deck duties
• including at least 360 days (12 months) on voyages lasting 24 hours or more
• with at least 180 days (6 months) of your 24 hour voyage experience served as an understudy of officer in charge of a navigational watch, that includes:
  • 100 hours as lookout
  • 100 hours in daylight
  • 100 hours in darkness
  • 180 hours watchkeeping under supervision
  • shifts of at least 4 hours 
  • in the deck department.

Sea service rules
Your sea service only counts after you have completed your pre-sea training and while performing duties at sea.
Time assigned to a vessel alone or sea time served before completing your pre-sea training does not count as qualifying sea service towards a WKD.
Special rules apply for FPSO, FSO, dredger and tug service.
Check the sea service rules for STCW certificates

I hold an Integrated Rating or Able Seafarer - Deck certificate

Who should use this pathway

For seafarers who hold an Integrated Rating or Able Seafarer – Deck certificate.

This pathway allows you to build experience while working at sea as a qualified rating. 

Hold a prerequisite certificate 

You must hold either an: 

• Integrated Rating (STCW II/4 and III/4 or II/5 and III/5)
• Able Seafarer - Deck (STCW II/5)

Complete qualifying sea service

You must complete your sea service as part of an approved and monitored onboard training program.

The program must include completing the TAGS books for trainee officers through an AMSA-approved training provider while you gain supervised sea service onboard. 

You must complete:

• at least 720 days (24 months) sea service
• on vessels 500 GT or more
• in the deck department
• performing watchkeeping or other deck duties
• while holding a valid Integrated Rating or Able Seafarer - Deck certificate
• including at least 360 days (12 months) on voyages lasting 24 hours or more
• with at least 180 days (6 months) of your 24 hour voyage experience served as an understudy of officer in charge of a navigational watch, that includes:
  • 100 hours as lookout
  • 100 hours in daylight
  • 100 hours in darkness
  • 180 hours watchkeeping under supervision
  • shifts of at least 4 hours 
  • in the deck department.

Sea service rules
Your sea service only counts after you have completed your pre-sea training and while performing duties at sea.
Time assigned to a vessel alone or sea time served before completing your pre-sea training does not count as qualifying sea service towards a WKD.
Special rules apply for FPSO, FSO, dredger and tug service.
Check the sea service rules for STCW certificates

Complete TAGS books

You must complete the required Task and Guided Study (TAGS) workbooks during your onboard training and sea service:

• TAGS books (Trainee deck officers)

Include the TAGS completion certificate with your application. Do not submit your TAGS books.

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.  

I am building sea service at work (near coastal experience or no pre-sea training)

Who should use this pathway

For seafarers who build their sea service through work in the deck department.

This pathway is commonly used by seafarers with near coastal experience or who have not completed a pre-sea training course.

Complete qualifying sea service

You must complete: 

• at least 1080 days (36 months) sea service
• on vessels 500 GT or more 
• in the deck department 
• performing watchkeeping or other deck duties
• including at least 360 days (12 months) on voyages lasting 24 hours or more
• with at least 180 days (6 months) of your 24 hour voyage experience served as an officer in charge of a navigational watch (OICNW) or an understudy of OICNW. 

If you completed watchkeeping as an understudy

If you are claiming service as an understudy, your experience must include:

• 100 hours as lookout
• 100 hours in daylight
• 100 hours in darkness
• 180 hours of watchkeeping under supervision
• shifts of at least 4 hours
• service in the deck department.

Sea service rules
Your sea service only counts while performing duties at sea. Time assigned to a vessel alone does not count as qualifying sea service towards a WKD.
Special rules apply for FPSO, FSO, dredger and tug service.
Check the sea service rules for STCW certificates

How to apply

Follow these steps to get this certificate.

Show all / Hide all

(1) Check your supporting certificates

To be eligible for a Watchkeeper Deck, you need to hold these supporting certificates.

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).

Find out how to get a medical for an STCW certificate.

GMDSS radio operator

You must hold a valid GMDSS radio operator certificate (or GMDSS certificate of recognition).

Check your GMDSS is current 
Your GMDSS certificate may expire at a different time to your primary certificate. 
Make sure it is valid when you apply.

(2) Get a sea service assessment

Once you have completed your qualifying sea service, you need to apply to AMSA for a sea service assessment.

You will need to provide evidence of your sea service using AMSA’s STCW sea service template

Find out how to apply for a sea service assessment

(3) Pass an oral exam

You must pass an AMSA oral exam before you can apply for this certificate.

Do not book your oral exam until you have received your sea service assessment letter.

Learn about oral exams and how to book.

(4) Prepare your documents

When you apply, you need:

• Proof of identity
• A passport-style photograph (if you live overseas)  
• AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
• GMDSS radio operator certificate or GMDSS certificate of recognition
• Course completion certificate(s) showing the relevant STCW course codes (not transcripts, attendance records or statements of attainment)
• Sea service assessment notice

Do not submit additional documents unless we ask for them.

Find out more about proof of identity and providing supporting documents.

(5) Submit your application

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.

Complete and submit Seafarer form 419

Keep your certificate valid

You must revalidate this certificate every 5 years to continue working.

Apply early to avoid delays
You should apply to revalidate your STCW certificate in the 6 months before it expires

Find out how to revalidate your certificate.

Add an endorsement

You may need additional endorsements depending on the vessel, cargo or duties you perform.

Endorsements available for this certificate include:

• Dynamic positioning operator (limited and unlimited)
• Polar code (basic and advanced)
• Other security endorsements
• IGF code (basic and advanced)
• Tanker endorsements (oil, chemical, gas)
• WIG type A craft
• Passenger vessel
• High speed craft
• Fast rescue boats

Learn more about STCW endorsements

Career pathways

With this certificate, you can progress to higher-level deck officer certificates, including:

• Mate <500 GT
• Chief Mate
• Chief Mate <3000 GT
• Master <3000 GT
• Master (unlimited)

Explore career pathways for deck officers

Regulations and standards

• Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification)
• Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers)

Related content

• Find an AMSA-approved STCW training course
• Get a new STCW certificate
• How to revalidate your STCW certificate
• Use your overseas STCW certificate in Australia (Certificate of Recognition)