What do I need to do?

To get this certificate, you need to:

Provide proof of medical fitness

Prior to the initial issue of a certificate of competency and Certificate of recognition you must obtain a Certificate of medical fitness in Australia.

The medical examination can be organised by contacting Sonic HealthPlus. We strongly recommend that you complete the medical examination before you commence training to ensure that you are medically fit for a seagoing career.

To book a medical examination, you can:

• Call toll free: 1300 763 822
• Email: seafarermedicals@sonichealthplus.com.au

Read more about medical fitness.

Complete training courses

If you were serving as an electrician performing Electro-technical officer duties after 1 April 2014, you will need to complete these courses:

• An approved course that includes a program of workshop skills training from an approved training organisation for an Electro-technical officer
• Complete the approved Training Record Book
• Basic safety training, including security awareness training
• Advanced firefighting
• Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats
• Medical first aid.

These courses must be completed with an approved training organisation. These organisations will recognise your prior learning if you hold an electrical trade certificate, or equivalent.

All of the certificates and training you complete and provide evidence of must comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Provide evidence of sea service

Serving as an Electro-technical officer before 1 April 2014

If you were serving as an electrician performing Electro-technical officer duties prior to 1 April 2014, the STCW Convention Electro-technical officer transitional provisions in accordance with STCW Convention are no longer applicable.

Serving/Served as an Electro-technical officer

If you were serving or have served as an electrician performing Electro-technical officer duties after, you must have completed at least 6 months sea service on ships with total installed electrical generation capacity of at least 750 kW as part of an approved training program.

All submitted sea service must be documented qualifying sea service. Read more about sea service.

How to apply for sea service assessment

You will need to complete this sea service and then submit a Seafarer form 419 to us so we can assess your sea service and issue you with an AMSA assessment letter. This letter is the evidence you need to prove that you have met the sea service requirements for your qualification. This letter will also instruct you to complete your oral examination.

Pass an oral examination

Once you have been assessed and issued with an assessment letter you will need to book and successfully pass an oral examination. Read more about booking an oral examination.

How to apply

You will need to lodge a formal application using Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for an Electro-technical officer certificate of competency.

Lodge from within Australia

You will need to fill out Seafarer form 419, attach all required supporting documents and lodge it at a participating Australia Post retail outlet.

You will need to pay the fees for your application at the post office at the time of lodgement.

Lodge from overseas

You will need to fill out Seafarer form 419, attach all required supporting documents including a colour passport-style photograph and send the paperwork to us by email to STCW.applications@amsa.gov.au When we receive your email, we will let you know how to pay the fee for your application via AMSA online portal.

With additional sea service and training courses, you can qualify for an Engineer watchkeeper certificate of competency.