What is a Certificate of Competency?

A Certificate of Competency demonstrates a seafarer’s ability to handle a vessel and its passengers. If you plan to work on a domestic commercial vessel in Australia, you must obtain a Certificate of Competency. However, if your aspirations involve working on an internationally operating vessel, the Navigation Act 2012 applies to you.

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How to Apply for a Certificate of Competency?

Obtaining your Certificate of Competency is a straightforward process. Simply visit the AMSA website and access the relevant application forms. Submit these along with any required supporting documents and pay the relevant fees. More information here.

Eyesight Test

For General Purpose Hand and Marine Engine Driver Grades 3 and 2 certificates, a vision test by a registered optometrist is necessary for first-time applicants only, with no test required for renewal. Applicants seeking Coxswain Grades 2 and 1, Master (Inland Waters), and Master <24m certificates must take both a vision test and a color-vision test for first-time of issue of your certificate, but not for renewal. As for all other certificates, a vision test and color-vision test are required for both initial and renewal applications.

Medical Test

The medical fitness declaration form must be completed for all first-time and renewal applications for General Purpose Hand, Coxswain Grades 1 and 2, Master <24m, Master (Inland Waters), and Marine Engine Driver Grades 2 and 3.

For those applying for a Master <35m, Mate <80m, Master <80m, Marine Engine Driver Grade 1, and Engineer Class 3 certificate, a certificate of medical fitness from a doctor is mandatory for both first-time issuance and renewal.

Alternatively, if you possess a current AMSA medical certification, you can use it as a substitute for one of the above requirements.

Obtaining your Certificate of Competency is a crucial step in pursuing a career on the seas.

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