What is an interim certificate of competency?
An interim CoC is a document that allows you to start working in a role relating to the certificate you've applied for, while you wait for your full certificate of competency (CoC card) to arrive.
Once you have an interim CoC you can start your new duties immediately. You must always keep a copy of the interim CoC on you while working on a commercial vessel. This can be a printed copy or a photo on your phone.
How do I get one?
How you obtain an interim CoC differs depending on whether you're applying for a low or high complexity certificate.
- Low complexity certificates (assessment involves a practical exam)
Apply for an interim CoC by supplying documents and filling in a form with your RTO. - High complexity certificates (assessment involves an oral exam)
AMSA will email you an interim CoC after assessing your full CoC application.
Note: We call certificates ‘high’ or ‘low’ complexity depending on how complex it is for us to assess the application.
Low complexity interim CoC
We classify these certificates as 'low complexity':
- General purpose hand (GPH)
- Coxswain grade 2 near coastal
- Coxswain grade 1 near coastal
- Marine engine driver grade 3 near coastal
- Master (Inland waters)
- Master less than 24 metres near coastal
- Marine engine driver grade 2 near coastal
Check with your RTO before applying for an interim CoC. The decision to issue an interim certificate of competency is at the discretion of the RTO.
You can apply for an interim CoC through your RTO after you have applied for the full CoC at the post office.
How to apply
- (1) Follow the steps to apply for a full CoC
See application steps for each low complexity certificate:
- (2) Submit your application through Australia Post
Make sure you keep your application documents and your post office receipt.
Make a copy of the AMSA 426 form before giving it to Australia Post. You’ll need to give this form to your RTO in step 3.
- (3) Present the application documents and post receipt to your RTO
Present these documents to the AMPA assessor at your RTO:
- completed full CoC application, including the required documents:
- course completion certificate
- first aid certificate
- AMSA 1850 medical form
- copy of AMSA 426 form
- radio certificate (if required).
- your Australia Post payment receipt.
Note: You'll need to include a certificate of completion in your full CoC application. If you haven't received one yet, you can request a course completion letter from your RTO. Just remember to provide AMSA with your certificate of completion as soon as you have received it.
The AMPA assessor will fill in the interim CoC application form on your behalf, including:
- completing checks of all documentation
- verifying your details
- filling in and signing the interim CoC form.
Make sure you read all the information on the form and check your details are correct.
- completed full CoC application, including the required documents:
Note: An interim CoC is only valid for one certificate of competency. If you need more than one, for example, Master less than 24 metres and Marine engine driver grade 3, you will be issued with 2 separate interim CoC forms.
High complexity interim CoC
We classify these certificates as 'high complexity':
- Master less than 100 metres near coastal
- Master less than 45 metres near coastal
- Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal
- Engineer class 3 near coastal
Only AMSA issues interim CoCs for high complexity certificates. They are not issued by RTOs.
AMSA will email you an interim CoC after you have completed all prerequisites for your certificate, including passing the oral exam.
You don’t need to apply for an interim CoC. We’ll email it to you once we’ve assessed and approved your application.
Note: Make sure you include your email address in your application. You will receive an interim CoC by email from AMSA once your application is approved.
What do to after you receive your interim CoC
Take it to work
If you’re working as a seafarer on a domestic commercial vessel in a role to which your certificate applies, you must carry a copy of your interim CoC with you. Bring it work and keep it on you until you receive your full certificate of competency (CoC card).
You must be able to show a marine safety inspector a valid interim CoC if asked.
If it expires
Your interim CoC will expire:
- when you receive your full-term certificate of competency (CoC card), or
- 60 days from date of issue, or
- if AMSA has determined your application does not meet the requirements.
AMSA knows when your CoC is nearing the 60-day expiry mark. You don't need to do anything. We will prioritise your application for assessment before your interim CoC expires.
Once we assess and approve your full CoC application, AMSA will email you a new (updated) interim CoC. This will allow you to continue operating until your full CoC card arrives in the post.
Need to know
- Include your email address in your application so you receive the updated interim CoC.
- If you do not meet the eligibility criteria mentioned in s.9 of Marine Order 505 for the grade of certificate applied for (see s.22 of Marine Order 505), the interim certificate is no longer valid.
- You must notify AMSA in writing as soon as possible if you become aware that the interim CoC was made in error or on the basis of incorrect information.
- An interim certificate of competency is invalid if not complete.
What to do after you receive your full certificate (the CoC card)
Take it to work
After receiving your full certificate of competency, you must carry the CoC card to work and keep it on you. You must be able to show a marine safety inspector a valid CoC card if asked.
You don't need the interim CoC anymore because it won't be valid.