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

You will need to complete these courses:

• Engineer class 1—STCW Reg III/2
• 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.

All 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

You will need to provide evidence that you have completed one of the following options:

Option 1

You will need to complete at least 36 months sea service in charge of an engine room watch:

• on ships greater than or equal to 750 kilowatts propulsion power of the kind to which the certificate relates, while holding an Engineer watchkeeper or Engineer class 2 certificate of competency
• with at least 12 months on ships greater than or equal to 3000 kilowatts using propulsion of the kind to which the certificate relates.
• with at least 12 months holding an Engineer class 2 certificate of competency (STCW Reg III/2).

Option 2

Completed at least 24 months sea service in charge of an engine room watch:

• on ships greater than or equal to 750 kilowatts propulsion power of the kind to which the certificate relates
• with at least 12 months as First engineer on ships greater than or equal to 3000 kW propulsion power using propulsion of the kind to which the certificate relates while holding a Engineer class 2 certificate of competency.

Option 3

Completed at least 42 months sea service in charge of an engine room watch:

• on ships greater than or equal to 750 kilowatts propulsion power of the kind to which the certificate relates
• with at least 18 months served on ships greater than or equal to 3000 kilowatts propulsion power using propulsion of the kind to which the certificate relates while holding an Engineer class 2 certificate of competency
• at least 24 months while holding an Engineer class 3 near coastal certificate of competency or a state issued unrestricted Engineer class 3 if issued before 1 July 2013.

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 the 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.

Provide existing certificates

You will need to hold, or have held:

• Engineer class 2 certificate of competency
• any certificate that AMSA considers equivalent.

How to apply

You will need to complete this sea service and then submit 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.

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 completion of an approved program of study, you can qualify for an Electro-technical officer certificate of competency.