Overview
Apply online with myAMSA
You can now apply for near coastal certificates online using myAMSA, our new application portal.
With myAMSA you can apply at a time and place of your choosing.
If you cannot use myAMSA, you can still use AMSA form 426 to apply for your certificate of competency. Instead of applying online, you will need to:
- Download and print this application form.
- Attach physical copies of all required documents.
- Take your application and proof of identity to an AMSA-contracted Australia Post outlet to lodge and pay for your application.
If you use this form you will not be able to track your application.
How to complete this form
- Open the AMSA 426 form.
- On the form, select the type of certificate you are applying for and the type of application you are making. For example, Coxswain Grade 1 NC and Apply for this certificate for the first time.
- The form will make a list of all the documents you need for this application.
- Go through each step and fill in your details.
- At the last step, sign the declaration and click Generate form.
- Print the form and attach copies of all the required documents.
Alternatively, you can fill in the first 2 fields online then download the form, print it, and complete it by hand.
Please download a new form for each application you make so we send you the right certificate and charge you the right fee.
If you cannot to access or download the application form please contact us.
Submitting the form
Lodging your application with Australia Post
You must lodge your application in person at an AMSA-contracted Australia Post outlet.
Australia Post will:
- Check your form is complete. This includes making sure you have included your middle name(s) if you have them and checking that you have attached the documents named in the checklist.
- Take payment of the application fee. Payment may be made by credit card, cash or EFTPOS. Australia Post will provide you with a tax invoice and attach a payment record to your application. Please note the payment record is not a tax invoice and we will not be able to provide you with a tax invoice if you misplace the one provided by Australia Post.
- Take your photograph and attach it to your application.
- Check you have signed the Declaration and consent.
- Check your identity using our proof of identity requirements.
- Submit your application to AMSA.
If you have not fully completed the form and attached all the required documents Australia Post will not accept your application. Read our incomplete application policy.
If you live in a remote rural location or cannot access an Australia Post outlet, please contact AMSA Connect. Under exceptional circumstances, we can offer an accessible service for people who cannot access an Australia Post outlet.
More information
After you submit your application
When we receive your application from Australia Post, we will send you an email letting you know we have it.
If we request further documentation:
- submit your documents together
- provide all of the documents from your checklist or processing of your application may be delayed.
Please allow at least 30 days for your certificate to be issued. We take steps to verify documents and sea service. Issue of your certificate of competency may be delayed where we cannot verify information provided to us.
After we assess your application
For a Master <45m, Master <100m, MED 1, or Engineer Class 3:
- we will we will invite you to book an oral exam.
For all other certificates, we will email you our decision. If your application is approved we will:
- issue and mail your certificate of competency to your the delivery address on your application form
- email you an interim certificate of competency so you can work immediately.
If your application is refused, we will:
- email you our decision and reasons for the decision.
Moving house—remember to let us know
If you move house after submitting your application, you need to tell us. This will avoid any unnecessary delays getting your certificate to you. Just call or email AMSA Connect.
There may be an additional cost if we need to reissue your certificate to a different address.