AMSA will be closed from 5 pm AEDT Tuesday 24 December 2024, re-opening on Thursday 2 January 2025. Our search and rescue will continue to operate every day (24/7) during this time. See which services are affected.

Sheltered waters 

The following Near Coastal certificates of competency are no longer restricted to sheltered waters, regardless of where the sea service was undertaken: 

  • Coxswain Grade 1
  • Master <24m 
  • Master <45m 
  • Master <100m 
  • Engineer Class 3  
  • Marine Engine Driver Grades 1 
  • Marine Engine Driver Grades 2 
  • Marine Engine Driver Grades 3 

If you hold one of these certificates of competency, the printed restriction will have no legal basis from 1 January 2023 and will be removed when you apply to renew your certificate of competency. 

Duties and functions of Master <24m 

From 1 January 2023, holders of a Master <24m certificate of competency may act as a chief mate on a vessel <45m to the EEZ and act as a deck watchkeeper on a vessel <100m and <3000GT within the EEZ. You can also act as a chief mate on a vessel <100m <3000GT within inshore waters and undertake the duties and functions of a General Purpose Hand and Master Inland waters. 

Changes to MED certificates of competency 

  • For new applications there are no longer sea service reductions when applying for MED 2 with a Coxswain or MED 3 certificate of competency.  
  • You must hold an MED 2 certificate of competency or have completed a workshop skills equivalent to be eligible for a MED 1 certificate of competency. 
  • MED 3 with a restriction to outboard motors will no longer be issued