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:

• Watchkeeper deck.
• 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 have completed at least 12 months sea service on voyages of 24 hours duration with at least 6 of the 12 months as either understudy of the officer in charge of a navigation watch, or what we consider equivalent to this.

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

• An AMSA approved pre-sea course and onboard training program for trainee deck officers, with at least 18 months sea service on vessels greater than or equal to 500 GT
• A non-AMSA approved pre-sea course and AMSA approved onboard training program for trainee deck officers, with at least 24 months sea service on vessels greater than or equal to 500 GT
• An AMSA approved onboard training program for Integrated ratings, or Able seafarers deck, with at least 24 months sea service on vessels greater than or equal to 500 GT as an Integrated rating or Able Seafarer-Deck
• 36 months sea service on vessels greater than or equal to 24 metres.

Read more about sea service.

How to apply for sea service assessment

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.

Pass a final assessment

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.

Additional requirements

You will need to hold 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 Watchkeeper Deck 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.