Division 1 Preliminary
1 Name of Order
This Order is Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2014.
2 Purpose
(1) This Order:
(a) specifies standards of competence to be attained and other conditions to be satisfied by a person to be a qualified master or deck officer under the Navigation Act; and
(b) gives effect to the STCW Convention.
Note for paragraph (a) For alternative master or deck officer qualifications under the Navigation Act for yachts — see Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015.
Note for paragraph (b) The 2011 edition of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code (including the amendments to the annex of the Convention known as the 2010 Manila Amendments) can be purchased from the International Maritime Organization. A December 2015 Supplement is also available. See the IMO website at http://www.imo.org/publications. The STCW Convention (ATS series number [1984] ATS 7) and STCW Code (ATS series number [1997] ATS 33) including any amendments in force are in the Australian Treaties Series accessible from the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website at http://www.austlii.edu.au.
(2) This Order is to be read with Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014.
3 Power
(1) The following provisions of the Navigation Act provide for this Order to be made:
(a) section 28 which provides that regulations may provide for seafarer certificates and give effect to the STCW Convention;
(b) subsection 29(1) which provides that regulations may prescribe different classes of seafarer certificates and require an individual to hold a seafarer certificate of a particular kind to undertake particular duties, or perform particular functions, as a seafarer;
(c) subsection 29(2) which provides that the regulations may prescribe, for seafarer certificates, proficiencies, competencies and standards, qualifications, experience, minimum age, character, health, nationality, citizenship or residence;
(d) subsection 29(3) which provides that the regulations may provide for:
(i) how the attainment of proficiencies, competencies and standards is to be evidenced (including the gaining of sea service and other experience); and
(ii) the instruction, training and examination of seafarers (including the conduct of exams etc); and
(iii) the recognition of certificates and other documents granted or issued to or for masters, officers and seafarers under the national law, the law of a State, a Territory or a foreign country; and
(iv) conditions to which seafarer certificates are subject;
(e) subsection 314(1) which provides that regulations may provide for the following matters for certificates: the persons who may apply, the forms for applying, the way of applying, the information to be included in applications and the documents to accompany applications;
(f) subsection 314(3) which provides that the regulations may provide, for certificates, criteria to be satisfied for their issue, variation or revocation, the time limits for the determination of applications, information to be included in certificates, the person in whose name a certificate is to be issued, conditions to which certificates are subject and conditions that may be imposed on certificates by issuing bodies, the time certificates, variation of certificates and revocations of certificates come into force, the time certificates cease to be in force and ways of replacing certificates;
(g) subsection 314(4) which provides that criteria and conditions may relate to compliance with specified standards;
(h) subsection 314(5) which provides that regulations may provide for the renewal, suspension, transfer and surrender of certificates, and reports and declarations of issuing bodies, inspectors or other persons;
(i) subsection 342(1) which provides for the making of Marine Orders for any matter for which provision must or may be made by the regulations.
(2) Subsection 339(1) of the Navigation Act also provides a general regulation making power for matters required or permitted to be prescribed by the Navigation Act, or that are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to the Act.
Note The Navigation Act includes a number of offences relating to seafarer certificates — see Chapter 2, Part 2, Division 3 of the Act. Offences include falsely representing that a person holds a kind of certificate (section 34), performing duties or functions without the appropriate seafarer certificate (section 35) and breaching a condition of a seafarer certificate (section 37).
4 Definitions
(1) In this Order:
certificate of medical fitness has the meaning:
(a) for the issue of a seafarer certificate as master or deck officer — that is given by paragraph (a) of the definition of certificate of medical fitness in section 4 of Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017; and
(b) for the revalidation of a seafarer certificate or a certificate of recognition — that is given by paragraph (a) or (b) of the definition of certificate of medical fitness in section 4 of Marine Order 76 (Health — medical fitness) 2017.
chief mate duties or functions means the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a chief mate that are specified as competencies in STCW Code, Table A‑II/2, column 1.
FG means foreign going.
foreign certificate means a certificate that:
(a) is issued by a country other than Australia in accordance with the STCW Convention; and
(b) is not a certificate restricted to service on vessels engaged on near-coastal voyages (that complies with STCW Code section A-II/1 paragraph 7, A-II/2 paragraph 8, A-II/3, A-III/1 paragraph 10, A-III/2 paragraph 8 or AIII/3 paragraph 8).
length, for a vessel, means the overall length of the vessel.
Master <24 m NC certificate of competency means a certificate of competency of that name mentioned in Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — national law) 2022 that is issued by the National Regulator under the national law.
Master <45 m NC certificate of competency means a certificate of competency of that name mentioned in Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — national law) 2022 that is issued by the National Regulator under the national law.
master duties or functions means the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a master that are specified as competencies in STCW Code, Table A‑II/2, column 1.
National Regulator has the same meaning as in section 9 of the national law.
monitored, for a training course, means monitored by the seafarer training organisation providing the course.
watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions means the tasks, duties and responsibilities of a watchkeeper on the watch that are specified by STCW Code, Table A‑II/1, column 1.
(2) Terms defined in Marine Order 70 (Seafarer qualifications) 2014 and used in this Order have the meaning given by that Order.
Note 1 For information on obtaining copies of IMO documents mentioned in this Order see AMSA’s website at http://www.amsa.gov.au or email international.relations@amsa.gov.au.
Note 2 Some terms used in this Order are defined in Marine Order 1 (Administration) 2013 including:
· AMSA Act
· IMO
· national law
· Navigation Act
· NSCV
· SOLAS
· STCW Code.
Note 3 Other terms used in this Order have the same meaning that they have in the Navigation Act, including:
· AMSA
· Government vessel
· master
· officer
· owner
· regulated Australian vessel
· seafarer
· seafarer certificate
· STCW Convention.
Note 4 For delegation of AMSA’s powers under this Order — see the AMSA website at http://www.amsa.gov.au.
5 Application
This Order applies to the following persons:
(a) a person performing or intending to perform, duties or functions as a master or deck officer on a regulated Australian vessel;
(b) a person who holds a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer.
6 Certification taken to be qualification to perform duties
For section 35 of the Navigation Act, a person is qualified to perform the duties or functions of a master or deck officer for a regulated Australian vessel if:
(a) the person holds a seafarer certificate that this Order requires the person to hold to perform those duties or functions; and
(b) the certificate permits the person to perform duties or functions mentioned in Schedule 1 for the grade of certificate.
Note A seafarer certificate issued under the Navigation Act, including a certificate of recognition, may include endorsements permitting the certificate holder to perform stated duties or functions — see section 8 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014.
7 Grades of certificate — permitted duties or functions
(1) For paragraph 35(1)(a) of the Navigation Act, a person must hold a seafarer certificate of a grade mentioned in Schedule 1 to perform the permitted duties or functions mentioned in Schedule 1 for the grade of certificate.
Note A certificate of recognition is a kind of seafarer certificate — see subsection 7(2) of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014.
(2) However, a person who holds a seafarer certificate of a grade mentioned in Schedule 1 to Marine Order 74 (Masters and deck officers — yachts) 2015 may perform the permitted duties or functions mentioned in that Schedule for the grade of certificate.
8 Endorsements of certificates
A person holding a seafarer certificate that is a certificate of competency as master or deck officer who performs, on a vessel equipped with ECDIS, duties or functions mentioned in Schedule 1 for the grade of certificate must also hold an endorsement of certificate of proficiency as ECDIS trained.
Division 2 Requirements
9 General requirements
(1) For paragraph 31(1)(b) of the Navigation Act, the criteria for the issue by AMSA to a person of a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer are as follows:
(a) the person is familiar enough with the English language that the person can fully understand directions and documents relating to the performance of the duties permitted under the certificate;
(b) the person satisfies the eligibility requirements for the certificate that are mentioned in Schedule 2.
(2) For paragraph 31(1)(b) of the Navigation Act, the criterion for the issue by AMSA to a person of a seafarer certificate as a master or deck officer under the transitional arrangements in Division 3 is that the person satisfies the eligibility requirements for the certificate under Schedule 5.
10 Qualifying seagoing service — general requirements
(1) A qualifying seagoing service eligibility requirement mentioned in Schedule 2 for a certificate must comply with Schedule 3.
(2) A qualifying seagoing service revalidation requirement mentioned in Schedule 4 for a certificate must comply with Schedule 3.
Note See also Subdivision 3.1 of Marine Order 70 (Seafarer certification) 2014 for the general rules for the calculation of qualifying seagoing service.
11 Revalidation requirements
(1) AMSA may revalidate a seafarer certificate as master or deck officer so that it expires before 1 January 2017 if satisfied that:
(a) the certificate is not suspended, cancelled or revoked; and
(b) the applicant satisfies the revalidation requirements mentioned in clauses 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 of Schedule 4.
(2) AMSA may revalidate a seafarer certificate as master or deck officer, or a certificate of recognition of that kind of certificate, so that it expires after 31 December 2016 if satisfied that:
(a) the certificate is not suspended, cancelled or revoked; and
(b) the applicant satisfies the revalidation requirements mentioned in Schedule 4.
Division 3 Transitional arrangements
12 Expiry of previously issued certificates
A certificate of competency as master or deck officer that was in force on 31 March 2014, and any endorsement of it, expires on:
(a) if AMSA determined a day for expiry of the certificate — the determined day; or
(b) if AMSA did not determine a day for expiry of the certificate — 1 January 2017.
13 Current master or deck certificate holders
(1) A person holding a certificate of competency that was issued under Marine Order 3 (Seagoing qualifications) 2004 is taken to hold the following seafarer certificate:
(a) if the certificate held under that Order is a certificate of competency as master — a certificate of competency as master;
(b) if the certificate held under that Marine Order is a certificate of competency as deck officer — a certificate of competency as deck officer.
Note seafarer certificate means a certificate issued under s 31 of the Navigation Act — see s 14 of the Navigation Act.
(2) A person holding an AMSA certificate, or a State certificate bearing an AMSA STCW95 or AMSA STCW78 as amended endorsement, that is mentioned in an item in Schedule 5 may be issued with a certificate of the grade next mentioned in the item if the person satisfies the eligibility requirements, if any, mentioned in the item.
(3) For subsection (2), if the certificate held by the person is in force, the issued certificate must expire as follows, unless it is revalidated:
(a) if the certificate held is an AMSA certificate — on the same day as the certificate held;
(b) if the certificate held is a State certificate with an AMSA STCW 95 or AMSA STCW 78 as amended endorsement — on the date of expiry of the endorsement.
(4) For subsection (2), if the certificate held, or the AMSA endorsement of the State certificate, is not in force, the person must meet the revalidation requirements mentioned in Schedule 4 for a certificate to be issued to the person.
Schedule 1 Grades of certificate — permitted duties or functions
(section 7)
| Grade of certificate | Permitted duties or functions |
| Master <24 m FG | (a) Master, chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <24 m long in any operating area (b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties on vessels <500 GT in near‑coastal waters (c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT | (a) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area (b) if endorsed, watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters (c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Mate <500 GT | (a) Chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area (b) Master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in near‑coastal waters (c) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters (d) if endorsed, Chief Mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters (e) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Watchkeeper Deck | (a) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on a vessel of any gross tonnage in any operating area (b) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Chief Mate <3000 GT | (a) Chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in any operating area (b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area (c) if endorsed, master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area and on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters (d) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Master <500 GT | (a) Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area (b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area (c) Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters (d) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Chief Mate | (a) Chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area (b) if endorsed, master duties or functions on vessels <500 GT in any operating area and on vessels <3000 GT in near‑coastal waters (c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Master <3000 GT | (a) Master or chief mate duties or functions on vessels <3000 GT in any operating area (b) Watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area (c) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
| Master | (a) Master, chief mate or watchkeeper deck officer duties or functions on vessels of any gross tonnage in any operating area (b) Able Seafarer — Deck duties or functions |
Schedule 2 Eligibility requirements for certificates
(paragraph 9(1)(b))
| Grade of certificate | Eligibility requirements |
| Master <24 m FG | Person must: (a) have completed at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service as an officer in charge of a navigation watch on vessels >12 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration outside sheltered waters, while holding: (i) an unrestricted Master <24 m NC certificate of competency; or (ii) any other certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to the certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i); and (b) have completed an approved course of basic safety training (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2); and (c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section A‑II/1 and the relevant section in A‑II/2 of the STCW Code and includes approved modules in command navigation, shipmasters business and management, and vessel operations and administration; and (d) have completed training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); and (e) have completed security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (f) hold the following certificates: (i) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (ii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (g) have passed a final assessment |
| Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT | Person must: (a) be at least 18 years old; and (b) have completed at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service (or at least 18 months if part of an approved and monitored course) performing watchkeeping duties or functions in the deck department on vessels ≥12 m, of which: (i) at least 12 months was served on vessels ≥24 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and (ii) at least 6 months of the 12 months mentioned in subparagraph (b) (i) was served as: (A) understudy of the officer in charge of a navigation watch on a vessel; or (B) an officer in charge of a navigation watch on a vessel, that AMSA considers equivalent to the watchkeeping service mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); and (iii) for endorsement as Watchkeeper Deck on vessels <3000 GT on near‑coastal voyages, at least 6 months was served on vessels ≥24 m as the officer in charge of a navigational watch while holding a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT certificate of competency; and (c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A‑II/1 and includes the following: (i) an approved course of basic safety training (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2); (ii) training in advanced firefighting (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/3); (iii) training in medical first aid (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3); (iv) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (d) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (e) have passed a final assessment For sub-subparagraph (b)(ii)(A), the service as an understudy of an officer in charge of a navigational watch must be performed while completing an approved deck watchkeeper understudy program and the seagoing service is: (a) performed: (i) in the deck department; and (ii) in shifts of at least 4 hours; and (b) includes the following: (i) 100 hours performing duties as lookout; (ii) 100 hours performing duties in daylight hours; (iii) 100 hours performing duties in darkness; (iv) 180 hours performing watchkeeping duties under supervision. Note for subparagraph (b)(iii) See subsection 20(4) of Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2015 for when seafarers under 18 may perform night work for training purposes for approved programs. |
| Mate <500 GT | Person must: (a) be at least 18 years old; and (b) meet 1 of the following: (i) hold or have held a certificate of competency as unrestricted Master Class 5; (ii) hold or have held an unrestricted Master <24 m NC certificate of competency; (iii) hold an AMSA Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT or Master <24 m FG certificate of competency; (iv) hold another certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in subparagraphs (i), (ii) or (iii); and (c) have completed at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service performing watchkeeping duties or functions in the deck department on vessels ≥12 m, of which: (i) at least 24 months was served as master or an officer in charge of a navigational watch; and (ii) at least 12 months was served on vessels ≥24 m, on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and (iii) for endorsement as Chief Mate on vessels <3000 GT on near‑coastal voyages, at least 6 months was served on vessels ≥24 m as officer in charge of a navigational watch while holding a Mate <500 GT certificate of competency; and (d) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A‑II/1 and the relevant section in A‑II/2 and includes the following: (i) approved modules in command navigation, shipmasters business and management, and vessel operations and administration; (ii) an approved course of basic safety training (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2); (iii) training in advanced firefighting (that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3); (iv) training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); (v) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (e) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (f) have passed a final assessment |
| Watchkeeper Deck | Person must: (a) be at least 18 years old; and (b) have completed any of the following: (i) an approved pre‑sea course and an approved monitored onboard training program for trainee deck officers including at least 18 months documented qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥500 GT; (ii) a pre‑sea course and an approved and monitored onboard training program for trainee deck officers including at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥500 GT; (iii) an approved and monitored onboard training program for integrated ratings including at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥500 GT while holding a certificate of proficiency as Integrated Rating; (iv) at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥24 m; and (c) have served, of the applicable qualifying seagoing service mentioned in paragraph (b): (i) at least 12 months on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and (ii) at least 6 of the 12 months mentioned in subparagraph (c) (i) as either: (A) understudy of the officer in charge of a navigation watch on a vessel; or (B) watchkeeping service, as an officer in charge of a navigation watch on a vessel, that AMSA considers equivalent to the service mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); and (d) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section A‑II/1 of the STCW Code and includes the following: (i) an approved course of basic safety training (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2); (ii) training in advanced fire fighting that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3; (iii) training in medical first aid (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 1 to 3); (iv) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (e) if the person holds a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT certificate of competency — hold a Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near-coastal endorsement; and (f) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (g) have passed a final assessment For sub-subparagraph (c)(ii)(A), the service as an understudy of an officer in charge of a navigational watch must be performed while completing an approved deck watchkeeper understudy program and the seagoing service is: (a) performed: (i) in the deck department; and (ii) in shifts of at least 4 hours; and (b) includes the following: (i) 100 hours performing duties as lookout; (ii) 100 hours performing duties in daylight hours; (iii) 100 hours performing duties in darkness; (iv) 180 hours performing watchkeeping duties under supervision. Note for subparagraph (b)(iii) See subsection 20(4) of Marine Order 11 (Living and working conditions on vessels) 2015 for when seafarers under 18 may perform night work for training purposes for approved programs. |
| Chief Mate <3000 GT | Person must: (a) either: (i) hold or have held a certificate of competency as Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement), Mate < 500 GT, Watchkeeper Deck or Master <500 GT; or (ii) hold a foreign certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent to the certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i); and Note For the definition of foreign certificate see section 4. (b) have completed at least 12 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥24 m on voyages of at least 24 hours duration while holding a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a); and (c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section A‑II/1 and the relevant section in A‑II/2 of the STCW Code and includes the following: (i) approved modules in command navigation, shipmasters business and management and vessel operations and administration; (ii) training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3); (iii) training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); (iv) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (d) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (e) have passed a final assessment For endorsement as Master <3000 GT near‑coastal and Master <500 GT in any operating area, the holder of a certificate of competency as Chief Mate <3000 GT must have completed: (a) at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥24 m: (i) while holding any of the following certificates of competency: (A) an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, Watchkeeper Deck, Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement) or Mate <500 GT; (B) another certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); and (ii) of which at least 24 months was served on vessels of voyages of at least 24 hours duration; or (b) at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥24 m, of which: (i) at least 12 months was served on vessels as Master or Chief Mate while holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT or Mate <500 GT; and (ii) 16 months was served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration |
| Master <500 GT | Person must satisfy either of the following 2 sets of eligibility requirements: Option 1 Person must: (a) hold or have held: (i) an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency; or (ii) a Master <24 m FG certificate of competency; or (iii) a Mate <500 GT certificate of competency; or (iv) another certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i) or (ii); and (b) have completed at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service as an officer in charge of a navigation watch on vessels of ≥24 m: (i) while holding a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a) or the following certificates: (A) an unrestricted Master <24 m NC certificate of competency or a Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT certificate of competency; (B) any other certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent; and (ii) that meets the following conditions: (A) at least 12 months was served while holding either an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency, Mate <500 GT or any other certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to that certificate; (B) at least 24 months was served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration Option 2 Person must have completed at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥24 m: (a) of which at least 12 months was served as Chief Mate or Master; and (b) while holding 1 of the following certificates: (i) a certificate of competency as Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement); (ii) any other certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent to the certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i); and (c) of which at least 16 months was served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration For both options Person must also: (a) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in section A‑II/1 and the relevant section in A‑II/2 of the STCW Code and includes the following: (i) approved modules in command navigation, shipmasters business and management, and vessel operations and administration; (ii) an approved course of basic safety training (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/1 paragraph 2); (iii) training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3); (iv) training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); (v) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (b) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (c) have passed a final assessment |
| Chief Mate | Person must: (a) either: (i) hold or have held a certificate of competency as Watchkeeper Deck, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <3000 GT or Master <500 GT; or (ii) hold a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to the certificate mentioned in subparagraph (i); and Note For the definition of foreign certificate see section 4. (b) have completed at least 12 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥500 GT: (i) while holding a certificate mentioned in paragraph (a); and (ii) on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and (c) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code sections A‑II/1 and A‑II/2 and includes the following: (i) training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/3); (ii) training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); (iii) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (d) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (e) have passed a final assessment For endorsement as Master <3000 GT near‑coastal and Master <500 GT in any operating area, the holder of a certificate of competency as Chief Mate must have completed: (a) at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels > 24 m: (i) while holding any of the following certificates of competency: (A) an unrestricted Master <45 m NC certificate of competency, Watchkeeper Deck, Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement), Mate <500 GT, Master <500 GT, Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT; or (B) another certificate that AMSA considers at least equivalent to 1 of those certificates; and (ii) of which at least 24 months was served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; or (b) at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥ 24 m, of which: (i) at least 12 months was served on vessels as Master or Chief Mate while holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT or Mate <500 GT; and (ii) at least 16 months was served on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration |
| Master <3000 GT | Person must: (a) hold or have held a certificate of competency as Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT; and (b) have completed: (i) at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥24 m while holding any of the following certificates: (A) a certificate of competency as Watchkeeper Deck <500 GT (with Watchkeeper Deck <3000 GT near-coastal endorsement), Mate <500 GT, Watchkeeper Deck, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT or Chief Mate; (B) a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); or Note For the definition of foreign certificate see section 4. (ii) at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥24 m, of which at least 12 months was served as Chief Mate or Master, on vessels ≥24 m while holding 1 of the following certificates: (A) a certificate of competency as Mate < 500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement), Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <5000 GT or Chief Mate; (B) a foreign certificate AMSA considers to be at least equivalent to the certificate mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); and (c) have served on vessels for at least 24 months on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and (d) have served at least 12 months of the qualifying seagoing service mentioned in paragraph (b) that applies, on vessels while holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT; and (e) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A‑II/1 and A‑II/2 and includes the following: (i) training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code A‑VI/3); (ii) training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); (iii) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and |
| | (f) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (g) have passed a final assessment |
| Master | Person must: (a) hold or have held a certificate of competency as Master <3000 GT, Chief Mate or Chief Mate <3000 GT; and (b) have completed either: (i) at least 36 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥500 GT of which at least 6 months was served on vessels ≥1500 GT while holding any of the following certificates: (A) a certificate as Watchkeeper Deck, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Master <500 GT, Chief Mate, Master <3000 GT, or Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement); (B) a foreign certificate AMSA considers at least equivalent to a certificate mentioned in sub‑subparagraph (A); or (ii) at least 24 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥500 GT, of which at least 6 months was served on vessels ≥1500 GT and 12 months was served in the capacity of Chief Mate or Master, while holding a certificate of competency as Master <500 GT, Chief Mate <3000 GT, Chief Mate or Mate <500 GT (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement); and (c) have served at least 24 months of the qualifying seagoing service mentioned in paragraph (b) that applies, on voyages of at least 24 hours duration; and (d) have served on vessels for at least 12 months while holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate <3000 GT, Chief Mate or Master < 3000 GT; and (e) have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards mentioned in STCW Code sections A‑II/1 and A‑II/2 and includes the following: (i) training in advanced fire fighting (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/3); (ii) training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); (iii) security awareness training (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/6 paragraph 4); and (f) hold the following certificates: (i) a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4); (ii) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2); (iii) a certificate of medical fitness; and (g) have passed a final assessment |
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Schedule 3 Qualifying seagoing service — general requirements
(section 10)
3.1 Service must have been performed as a master, deck officer, trainee deck officer, deck cadet or rating.
3.2 Qualifying seagoing service is calculated as follows:
(a) if the person is undertaking master or deck officer duties or functions for at least 8 hours in a 24 hour period, the sea service is taken to be served as a whole day;
(b) if the person is undertaking master or deck officer duties or functions for less than 8 hours in a 24 hour period, the sea service is taken to be for the actual hours served plus 25% of that time.
3.3 For clause 3.2, sea service calculated to be at least 8 hours in any 24 hour period is taken to be served as a whole day and no more than a whole day.
Schedule 4 Requirements for revalidation of certificates
(paragraph 11(1)(b) and (2)(b) and subsection 13(4))
4.1 The person must have at least 1 of the following:
(a) documented qualifying seagoing service calculated in the same way as required for the issue of the certificate to be revalidated, of:
(i) 12 months in the 5 years before the application for revalidation; or
(ii) 3 months in the 6 months before the application for revalidation;
(b) completed, within the 5 years before the date of applying for revalidation of the certificate, an approved revalidation course appropriate for the grade of certificate to be revalidated;
(c) performed duties or functions and completed approved courses appropriate for the grade of certificate to be revalidated that together AMSA considers at least equivalent to the service mentioned in paragraph (a);
(d) within the 5 years before the date of applying for revalidation of the certificate:
(i) completed approved short courses appropriate for the grade of certificate; and
(ii) have passed a final assessment.
4.2 The person must hold the following certificates:
(a) a certificate of medical fitness;
(b) a GMDSS radio operator certificate (that complies with STCW Code section A‑IV/2).
4.3 The person must have maintained the STCW Code required standard of competence in security awareness (as specified in STCW Code Table A-VI/6-1).
4.4 If the certificate to be revalidated is a certificate of competency other than a Master <24 m FG certificate of competency, the person must also have maintained the STCW Code required standard of competence in:
(a) proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (as specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/2‑1); and
(b) advanced fire fighting (as specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/3).
4.5 If the certificate to be revalidated is a Master <24 m FG certificate of competency, the person must also have maintained the STCW Code required standard of competence in:
(a) personal survival techniques (as specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/1‑1); and
(b) fire prevention and fire fighting (as specified in STCW Code Table A‑VI/1‑2).
4.6 If the person is to undertake duties or functions on ECDIS equipped vessels — the person holds a certificate of proficiency as ECDIS trained.
Schedule 5 Transitional arrangements for certificates
(subsections 9(2) and 13(2))
| Item | Grade of AMSA certificate or AMSA endorsement of State certificate held | Grade of certificate to which holder is entitled | Eligibility requirements |
| 1 | Chief Mate (<3000 GT) Chief Mate Class 2 | Chief Mate | Person must hold a certificate of medical fitness |
| 2 | Master (<3000 GT) Master Class 2 | Master | Person must hold a certificate of medical fitness |
| 3 | Master (<500 GT) Master (<500 GT) (with Chief Mate <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement) AMSA Master Class 3 | Master <500 GT | Person must hold a certificate of medical fitness |
| 4 | Master (<500 GT) (with Master <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement) AMSA Master Class 3 (with Master <3000 GT near‑coastal capacity) | Chief Mate (<3000 GT) (with Master <3000 GT near‑coastal endorsement and Master (<500 GT)) | Person must hold a certificate of medical fitness |
| 5 | Mate <500 GT | Mate <500 GT | Person must hold a certificate of medical fitness |
| 6 | AMSA STCW Full Endorsement – Master Class 4 (other than near‑coastal) | Mate <500 GT | Person must: (a) have completed training in medical care on board ship (that complies with STCW Code section A‑VI/4 paragraphs 4 to 6); and (b) hold a certificate of medical fitness |
| 7 | AMSA STCW Full Endorsement – Master Class 3 | Master (<500 GT) | Person must hold a certificate of medical fitness |
| 8 | Mate <500 GT (Watchkeeper only) | Watchkeeper Deck < 500 GT | Person must hold a certificate of medical fitness |