Engine room watch rating

For initial issue of a Certificate of proficiency you are required to 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.

You will need to complete the following training courses:

• an approved program of study which includes completion of the approved training and guidance (TAGS) program of the appropriate discipline
• Basic safety training, including security awareness training.

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).

Many existing seafarers have considerable experience on various ship types and in varying operating environments. The operating environment, voyage length, and type of vessels may make tasks difficult to complete. The seafarer may demonstrate competence by discussion and role play. The on-board supervisor may sign off these tasks using a variety of assessment tools to ensure the seafarer has the underpinning knowledge and required skills.

You will need to have completed one of the following sea service options:

• at least 2 months sea service in the engine room department
• at least 6 months sea service in the engine room department.

Seafarers with two months qualifying sea service must:

• Complete approved shore based vocational training
• Hold a current Certificate of Safety Training (STCW Reg VI/1) with a security awareness endorsement (STCW Code A-VI/6 para. 4)
• Hold a valid Certificate of medical fitness
• While on board a vessel/s complete the approved TAGS Book. Obtain statement of satisfactory completion of the TAGS book from the AMSA approved college
• Provide evidence of at least two months qualifying sea service by letters from employer/s. Letters signed by masters or chief engineers are not acceptable
• Seafarers wanting the endorsement to form part of a navigational watch must also hold a steering certificate.

Seafarers with six months qualifying sea service must:

• Hold a current Certificate of safety training (STCW Reg VI/1) with a security awareness endorsement (STCW Code A-VI/6 para. 4)
• Hold a valid Certificate of medical fitness
• While on board a vessel/s complete the approved TAGS Book. Obtain statement of satisfactory completion of the TAGS book from the AMSA approved college
• Provide evidence of at least six months qualifying sea service by original letters from employer/s. Letters signed by masters or chief engineers are not acceptable
• Seafarers wanting the endorsement to form part of a navigational watch must also hold a steering certificate.

All submitted sea service must be documented qualifying sea service. Read more about sea service.

You will need to lodge a formal application using Seafarer form 419 to be assessed towards the requirements for an Engine room watch rating.

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.

You will need to provide evidence that you are medically fit to perform duties as an Engine room watch rating.

To revalidate your current certificate you will need an AMSA medical completed on form 303. If this form is completed outside Australia, it must be completed in a country that holds an agreement with us.

You can organise a medical examination by contacting Sonic HealthPlus.

To book a medical examination, you can:

• Call toll free: 1300 763 822

Email: seafarermedicals@sonichealthplus.com.au

Obtain a Certificate of medical fitness from overseas

We will accept a Certificate of medical fitness completed in a country we have an agreement with for revalidation purposes.

You will need to print the relevant medical paperwork and make an appointment with a medical examiner. The medical examiner must be approved by the administration of the country which has an agreement with us.

Read more about medical fitness.

You will need to provide evidence that you have completed sea service performing functions for your current certificate for either:

• At least 12 months in total during the preceding 5 years before application
• 3 months in total during the preceding 6 months prior to revalidating.

All submitted sea service must be documented qualifying sea service. Read more about sea service.

All certificates and training must comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and be with an organisation we have approved.

If you are revalidating your certificate and you are an overseas permanent resident, some STCW short courses may be completed in a country we have an agreement with.

With required sea service

If you already have the required sea service, you will need to:

• Obtain a letter(s) from your employer(s) confirming:
  • sea service
  • your participation in the mandatory abandon ship and fire drills required by SOLAS
  • your participation in scheduled drills required by the on-board Safety Management System (see sample template).
• Keep the original of this letter and send us a copy with your application.
• Complete continued competence training for the STCW short courses in Basic firefighting and Personal survival techniques in the previous 5 years.

These continued competence training courses are valid for up to 5 years.

It is a requirement of the STCW Code that seafarers, every five years, provide evidence of having maintained the required standards of competence in firefighting and sea survival at the appropriate level, as well as fast rescue boats. Currently AMSA considers this requirement as one of the criteria for issue or revalidation of an Australian seafarer certificate issued under the Navigation Act, as specified in the Marine Order 70 series. In the case of revalidation, this is considered every five years.  An Australian seafarer certificate will not lapse or expire if, during the five-year period of the certificate’s validity, STCW training has not been maintained by the seafarer. 

However, AMSA nonetheless strongly recommends seafarers maintain the currency of their STCW Code training over the life of their Australian seafarer certificate, as this is often enforced by foreign administrations and companies operating foreign flagged vessels. This simply means that seafarers need to be conscious of the period that has elapsed since they last completed STCW Code training requirements and ensure they renew their training five years from this date, even if the five-year period does not coincide with the renewal date of their Australian seafarer certificate. 

Without required sea service

If you do not have the required sea service, you will need to complete the full STCW short courses in:

• Basic firefighting
• Personal Survival Techniques

Read more about approved training organisations and revalidating your current certificate.

You will need to lodge a formal application using the Seafarer form 419 to revalidate your qualification as an Engine room watch rating.

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.