Performing assessments as an AMSA approved final assessor

As an AMSA approved final assessor, you must meet certain requirements when assessing candidates. Those requirements are explained here. More technical detail is available in the attached document.

Assessor requirements

Each assessment must be conducted by an assessor named on the RTO’s Certificate of approval to conduct final assessments issued by AMSA. 

As an assessor, you should as a minimum:

• Hold a current near coastal certificate of competency at the same level as the qualification being assessed with at least 365’ relevant sea service.
• Hold a relevant seafarer certificate, as master, engineer or deck officer, issued under the Navigation Act 2012.
• Hold an AQF qualification as required in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015. 
• Have attended the AMSA presentation or been instructed by a person who has attended the AMSA presentation or successfully completed the AMSA e-learning module.

Assessment conditions

• Assessment strategies must be broad enough to cover the full range of assessments.
• Candidates must be allowed to review the AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA) they will be undertaking before they begin the assessment.
• Candidate must be allowed to discuss any issues about the AMPA before starting.
• Each candidate should be fully briefed about the assessment criteria and process.
• Assessments must meet the requirements of the AMPA.
• Each assessment should take place in the workplace and/or under realistic workplace conditions.
• The workplace conditions should use of the full range of equipment that is expected to be used.
• Tasks or activities are to be performed within the same timelines that are expected in the workplace.
• Tasks and activities are to be performed in whatever the weather conditions are on the day provided it is safe to do so.
• The on-water components of the assessment must be carried out on a vessel that meets the requirements of the AMPA. 
• The maximum number of candidates for group exercises is five. Each candidate in the group must be assessed on their own performance.
• Each candidate should be provided with an introduction to the vessel or place of assessment.
• Assessments should be terminated and rescheduled if there is a dangerous situation or exposure to risk.
• Candidates who are unsuccessful at an assessment task should have an opportunity to undergo re-assessment.
• Each candidate should be informed that assessment documentation may be made available to AMSA.
• Parts of the assessment may take place in a workshop, simulated situation, commercial repair or hard stand area as appropriate.
• The assessment may be carried out all at once after training is complete, or over a series of sessions or days spread throughout the training
• Additional simulated exercises and oral questions may be used to clarify a point or for a candidate to demonstrate competence.

Interim certificates of competency

An interim certificate of competency is not an automatic entitlement. As an assessor you may only issue a candidate with an AMSA approved interim certificate of competency when you have sighted:

• evidence of successful completion of the applicable MAR Maritime Training Package qualification.
• evidence of successful completion of the applicable AMPA; and
•  a completed Certificate of competency application form 426. This must include a declaration from the candidate that they have completed the required amount of sea service and meet all other requirements for issue of a certificate of competency. All required attachments should be sighted.

You must send an email copy of each interim CoC to AMSA within 30 days of issue.

Record keeping

• You must retain all completed assessment forms and associated documents for at least 7 years.
• You must retain a copy of all interim certificates of competency for at least 7 years.
• Documents may be scanned and kept in digital form.

Domestic certificates of competency that these requirements relate to:

• Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal)
• Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
• Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal)
• Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)
• Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)
• Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master Inland Waters)

AMSA contact details

Email address: NearCoastal.RTO@amsa.gov.au

Author 

Australian Maritime Safety Authority