What do I need to do?

To obtain 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:

• Mate less than 500 gross tonnage certificate of competency including approved modules in command navigation, shipmasters business and management, and vessel operations and administration
• Basic safety training, including security awareness training
• Advanced fire fighting
• Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boat
• Medical care on board ships.

These courses must be completed with an approved training organisation.

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

You will need to provide evidence that you have completed 36 months sea service performing watchkeeping duties in the deck department on ships greater than or equal to 12 metres including:

• At least 24 months served as master or an officer in charge of a navigation watch
• At least 12 months was served on ships greater than or equal to 24 metres on voyages at least 24 hours duration.

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.

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, one of these certificates:

• Watchkeeper deck less than 500 gross tonnage
• unrestricted Master less than 24 metres near coastal certificate of competency
• A certificate we consider equivalent to these.

Additional requirements

You will need to hold one of the following valid certificates:  

• GMDSS radio operator's certificate
• GMDSS certificate of recognition

If you are serving on an ECDIS equipped ship, you will also need to hold an ECDIS endorsement.

How to apply

You will need to lodge a formal application using Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for a Mate less than 500 gross tonnage certificate of competency.

Once you have been assessed and we have issued you an assessment letter, you will need to:

• Book an oral examination
• Book a medical fitness examination (if you have not already completed a medical)
• Lodge another Seafarer form 419 for the issue of your 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.