This certificate will allow you to work:
- as chief engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 500 kilowatts within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
- as chief engineer on a vessel with an outboard engine of unlimited propulsion power within the EEZ
- as second engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 750 kilowatts within the EEZ
- as an assistant under the general supervision of the chief engineer within the EEZ
- in the engine room of a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 3000 kilowatts within the EEZ
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Marine engine driver grade 3 near coastal certificate, you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age on the certificate issue date
- Be able to speak and understand English, including written documents
- Be medically fit for the duties
- Gain any needed sea service
- Complete training
For more information, select what you need to apply for below.
Syllabus
Trade qualification assessment
AMSA does not assess trade qualifications. If you hold a trade qualification that is not listed in Order 505, you will need to get assessed as equivalent to one that is. An RTO who delivers one of the qualifications or trades listed in Marine Order 505 can do this through recognition of prior learning (RPL). We will accept a letter of equivalence from this RTO once your trade has been assessed as equivalent.
Please note: An RTO may request you to do skills gap training.
Important disclaimer
These instructions are summary information only. We make decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — national law) 2022. This document has full details of the eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.
What do you need to apply for?
New certificate
What do I need to do?
To obtain this certificate, you will need to:
- Meet medical and fitness requirements
Download the:
1. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate
The Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 1850 lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.
2. Standards for the medical assessment of domestic seafarers
Provide the medical practitioner with the Standards for the medical assessment of domestic seafarers and have them fill out the Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate form 1850.
If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303), you can use this instead.
You must submit your completed form as part of your application.
- Provide evidence of sea service
You need to show you have experience working at sea as a general purpose hand (with or without a certificate), as a Coxswain grade 2 or 1 near coastal, or assisting an engineer, while on vessels with at least 75 kilowatts propulsion power.
You can reduce the amount of sea service you need by completing an AMSA task book. If you have completed a task book, you must attach a copy of the seafarer details page to your application.
With a completed AMSA task book, you will need:
- 20 days of sea service on commercial vessels
- At least half of the sea service on vessels with inboard diesel engines
Without an AMSA task book, you will need:
- 60 days of sea service on commercial vessels
- At least half of the sea service on vessels with inboard diesel engines
You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:
- Record of sea service form 771
- the on board sea service record from your task book
- a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service
- an approved sea service log book
Read more about qualifying sea service.
If you want a task book
You can get a Marine engine driver grade 3 task book from us or from some registered training organisation. To order a task book directly from us, use the AMSA chargeable publications order form.
Read more about task books.
- Complete a training course
Complete a marine engine driver grade 3 course at a registered training organisation.
You will need to submit your course completion certificate or your interim certificate of competency with your application.
- Meet additional requirements
You must also hold a valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.
If you do not hold this certificate contact a registered training organisation.
- Pass a final assessment at a registered training organisation
Before being issued your certificate of competency, you are required to complete an AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA). This must be conducted by a registered training organisation approved by us as a final assessor.
Refer to the syllabus document to find out what may be included in your final assessment.
After passing the final assessment, the registered training organisation may give you an interim certificate of competency that will allow you to start working immediately. To be eligible for the interim certificate of competency, you must have completed your Certificate of competency application form 426, including signing the declaration.
You must submit the cover page of your completed AMPA with your application.
- Complete and submit a certificate of competency application
To apply, complete and submit the Certificate of competency application form 426.
Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate.
Renewal of certificate
A Marine engine driver grade 3 near coastal certificate of competency is generally valid for five years. To keep working using your certificate, you need to renew it every five years.
What do I need to do?
To renew your certificate, you will need to:
- Meet medical and eyesight requirements
You must complete a declaration of medical fitness on the Certificate of competency application form 426. This lets us know that you are still medically fit to work at sea.
- Provide evidence of sea service
You do not need sea service to renew a Marine engine driver grade 3 near coastal certificate of competency.
- Provide existing certificates
- existing Marine engine driver grade 3
- valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.
- Complete and submit a certificate of competency application
To apply, complete and submit the Certificate of competency application form 426.
Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate.
Endorsements and restrictions
You may apply for the following endorsements on your certificate:
- endorsement as chief engineer on vessels with steam propulsion less than 750 kilowatts
Endorsement as chief engineer on vessels with steam propulsion less than 750 kilowatts in the EEZ
What do I need to do?
To obtain this endorsement, you will need to:
- 1. Meet medical and eyesight requirements
You must complete a declaration of medical fitness on the Certificate of competency application form 426. This lets us know that you are still medically fit, and that your eyesight meets the necessary standard, to work at sea.
- 2. Provide evidence of sea service
You will need to show 100 hours of sea service:
- on vessels with steam propulsion power up to 750 kilowatts
- while performing duties as an assistant to an engineer or engine driver, or as a general purpose hand.
You will also need to complete an AMSA steam task book.
Attach a copy of the seafarer details page from your task book to your application.
Submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:
- Record of sea service form 771
- the on board sea service record from your task book
- a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service.
- an approved sea service log book
Read more about qualifying sea service.
Get a task book
To get a steam task book contact us.
- 3. Meet additional requirements
You must also hold:
- a valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.
- hold a high risk work licence for standard boiler operation issued by a State or Territory authority responsible for work health and safety legislation.
- 4. Provide existing certificates
Submit a copy of your existing Marine engine driver grade 3 certificate.
- 5. Complete and submit a certificate of competency application
To apply, complete and submit the Certificate of competency application form 426.
Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate.
- 6. Pass a final assessment
You need to pass a final assessment before getting your certificate of competency. Once we have assessed your application, you will be invited to contact AMSA Connect to book your final assessment. We will take payment of the examination fee and confirm your booking.
Refer to the syllabus document and the examiner checklist to find out what may be included in your final assessment.
When you pass the final assessment, you will be given an interim certificate of competency so that you can start working immediately. If you do not pass the final assessment, you will be able to try again. Your assessor will advise you when you can book your resit. You will have to pay the fee each time you sit for the final assessment.
- 7. Related information
If you would like to find out more about endorsements, refer to the National Regulator Endorsements Approval 2014.