Watchkeeper Deck less than 500 GT (STCW II/1)

On this page:

• About this certificate
• Eligibility requirements
• Apply for this certificate
• Upgrade to work on larger near coastal vessels
• Keep your certificate valid
• Add an endorsement
• Career pathways

About this certificate

A Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT is an STCW certificate of competency (officer-level).

It allows you to work on vessels of less than 500 GT, in any operating area.

With this certificate, you can:

• work as an officer in charge of a navigational watch (OICNW) on vessels less than 500 GT
• perform Able Seafarer – Deck duties on vessels of any size.

If endorsed, you can also work on vessels less than 3000 GT in near coastal waters.

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 the required AMSA-approved training course and qualifying sea service
• hold a sea service assessment notice
• pass an oral exam.

Apply for this certificate

Follow these steps to get this certificate.

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(1) Check if you're eligible

To be eligible for a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT, you need to hold these supporting certificates.

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).

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

GMDSS radio operator certificate

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) Complete an approved training course

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

Certificate course

Complete a Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) with an AMSA approved training provider.

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).

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 provider

(3) Meet qualifying sea service requirements

There are 2 ways to meet the sea service requirements for this certificate.

• a standard pathway (36 months) for seafarers gaining experience by working in the deck department
• a reduced sea service pathway (18 months) for seafarers completing an approved cadetship or trainee deck officer program through an AMSA-approved training provider.

Choose the option that best matches your situation

Option 1: Work based pathway (36 months)

You must complete: 

• at least 1080 days (36 months)
• on vessels 12 metres or more in length
• in the deck department, performing watchkeeping duties or functions
• including at least 360 days (12 months) on vessels 24 m or more and voyages 24 hours or more
• with at least 180 days (6 months) as an officer in charge of a navigational watch or as an understudy

Option 2: Approved cadetship or trainee officer (18 months)

You must complete: 

• at least 540 days (18 months)
• on vessels 12 metres or more in length
• in the deck department, performing watchkeeping duties or functions
• including at least 360 days (12 months) on vessels 24 m or more and voyages 24 hours or more
• with at least 180 days (6 months) as an officer in charge of a navigational watch or as an understudy

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 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

(4) 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.

Find out how to prepare your evidence and apply for a sea service assessment.

(5) 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.

(6) 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.

(7) 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

Upgrade to work on larger near coastal vessels

You can apply to add an endorsement to work on near coastal vessels less than 3000 GT to this certificate.  

To be eligible, you must have:

• at least 180 days (6 months) sea service
• on vessels 24 metres or more
• as officer in charge of a navigational watch
• while holding a valid Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT certificate.

Apply for the NC endorsement using 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 end 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

Watchkeeper Deck <500GT is part of the STCW deck officer certification pathway.

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

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

If you hold a near coastal endorsement for vessels less than 3000 GT, you can also work towards:

• Watchkeeper Deck
• Chief Mate <3000 GT (near coastal)

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)