Fact Sheet STCW 23
SEAFARER CERTIFICATIONS
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SEA SERVICE
Deck Certificates
(b)
To obtain a Certificate of Competency an applicant must
have approved seagoing service, which is assessed in
accordance with Marine Order 70 + 71, Schedule 3.
Qualifying Sea Service (QSS) is calculated in Marine
Order 71 Schedule 3.2 and 3.3 as follows:
3.2 (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;
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.
(b)
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.
Note: Considering current employment trends, QSS as
defined above will count when a seafarer is undertaking
duties or functions on a vessel and is applicable
regardless of whether they live on board or not.
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.
Note: Considering current employment trends, QSS as
defined above will count when a seafarer is undertaking
duties or functions on a vessel and is applicable
regardless of whether they live on board or not.
Special Determination for Training Record Book
(TRB) requirement for Engineer Watchkeeper
i. Engineering Experience Training Program
ii. Trainee Engineer Program
Considering the current vessel manning requirements:
•
when there is a higher ranking Engineer on board other
than the TRB holder, the TRB must be signed off by the
higher ranking Engineer provided that they hold at least
a Certificate of Competency as Marine Engine Driver
Grade 1 and above; or
•
where the Engineer Class 3 could be the highest ranking
engineer or sole engineer on board, AMSA will permit the
master of the vessel or superintendent to authenticate
the TRB. No sea service penalties will apply.
For further information, refer to Fact Sheets:
STCW 04 Applications – Master and Deck Officers,
Engineer Officers and Ratings
and
STCW 06 Ratings and Applications – Revalidation of
Certificates and Continued Competence.
Engineering Certificates
To obtain a Certificate of Competency an applicant must
have approved seagoing service, which is assessed in
accordance with Marine Order 70 + 72, Schedule 3.
Qualifying Sea Service (QSS) is calculated in Marine
Order 72 Schedule 3.2 and 3.3 as follows:
if the machinery is in use or immediately available
for use for less than 8 hours in a 24 hour period
and the seafarer is on duty or on call for that
period, the sea service is taken to be for the actual period the machinery is in use or available
for use plus 25% of that time.
For further information, refer to Fact Sheets:
STCW 04 Applications – Master and Deck Officers,
Engineer Officers and Ratings
and
STCW 06 Applications – Revalidation of Certificates and
Continued Competence.
3.2 (a) if the machinery is in use or immediately available
for use for at least 8 hours in a 24 hour period and
the person is on duty or on call for that period, the
sea service is taken to be served as a whole day;
and
Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Canberra ACT Australia - January 2017
AMSA 1586 (1/17)
Page 1 of 4
Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides summary information only. AMSA makes decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer
certification) 2014, Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2014, Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers) 2014 and Marine Order 73 (Ratings) 2014.
Please refer to these Marine Orders for full details of eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.
Fact Sheet - STCW 23 - Sea Service
Integrated / Chief Integrated Rating Certificates
To obtain a Certificate of Proficiency as Integrated Rating or
Chief Integrated Rating an applicant must have approved
seagoing service, which is assessed in accordance with
Marine Order 70 + 73, Schedule 3.
3.2 Qualifying Sea Service (QSS) is calculated in Marine
Order 73 Schedule 3.2 and 3.3 as follows:
• Marine Order 73 specifies that the sea service for issue
of an IR certificate should be on an “appropriate” vessel.
An appropriate vessel is greater than 24m in length, or
greater than 750kW propulsion power, and undertaking
voyages of more than 24 hours.
•
(a) if the person is undertaking rating or trainee rating
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 rating or trainee rating
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.
Note: The Tags program consists of five books,
which must be satisfactorily completed during the
nine (9) months sea service to the satisfaction of
the approved college provider.
•
Once a trainee has completed TAGS Book 1, and holds
a steering certificate and completed at least four (4)
months qualifying sea service as a trainee, which must
be in the form of an original or certified true copy of the
letter from their company, they may apply at an AMSA
regional office for the endorsements in the back of
TAGS Book 1 to be signed by an AMSA Examiner
•
On completion of their training program, before an
applicant can be issued with an IR Certificate, in
addition to application form, medical fitness and fee
requirements, AMSA must be in possession of suitable
documentation from the appropriate college and
shipping company indicating that the applicant has
completed the necessary training and qualifying sea
service (QSS) as follows:
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.
Note: Considering current employment trends, QSS as
defined above will count when a seafarer is undertaking
duties or functions on a vessel and is applicable
regardless of whether they live on board or not.
For further information, refer to Fact Sheets:
STCW 04 Applications – Master and Deck Officers,
Engineer Officers and Ratings
and
STCW 06 Applications – Revalidation of Certificates and
Continued Competence.
Additional Information for Issue of a Certificate of
Proficiency as Integrated Rating
• The Australian Seafarer Traineeship (AST) has replaced
the existing entry-level training arrangements for IR in the
Australian shipping industry. The traineeship comprises
approximately 14 weeks 'off-the-job' training at one
of the approved providers being Australian Maritime
College (Launceston), South Metropolitan College of
TAFE (Fremantle), or the TAFE NSW Hunter Institute
(Newcastle), and at least nine (9) months 'on-the-job'
qualifying sea service, involving successful completion
of a TAGS program managed by the college. AMSA has
approved this training program as meeting the requirement
of the STCW Convention Regulations II/4 and III/4 and,
subject to completion of additional 7 months qualifying
sea service, STCW Convention Regulations II/5 and III/5.
During their 'on the job' phase, before an AST trainee
can form part of a bridge or engine room watch the
trainee must have completed four (4) months qualifying
sea service and fully completed all tasks in Tags Book 1.
– Documentation from the AMC indicating that the
applicant has passed the required components of
the TAGS program and completed a Certificate III in
Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating); OR
– Documentation from South Metropolitan College
of TAFE (Fremantle) or Hunter TAFE (Newcastle)
stating that the applicant has completed the course
requirement for issue of a Certificate III in Marine
Operations (IR) which consists of two components
('Off the Job' academic training and 'On the Job'
TAGS training); AND
– Evidence from their shipping company in the form of
original or certified true copy of the letter/s detailing
at least nine (9) months QSS since completion of
the college pre-sea course component.
Note: In order to receive the ratings endorsement
after completion of TAGS Book 1 the applicant must
have at least 4 months service, however, AMSA does
not require applicants to complete more than nine
months qualifying sea service in order to receive an
Integrated Rating certificate.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Canberra ACT Australia - January 2017
AMSA 1586 (1/17)
Page 2 of 4
Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides summary information only. AMSA makes decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer
certification) 2014, Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2014, Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers) 2014 and Marine Order 73 (Ratings) 2014.
Please refer to these Marine Orders for full details of eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.
Fact Sheet - STCW 23 - Sea Service
Vessels not suitable as an “appropriate vessel”
For issue of a Certificate of Proficiency as Integrated
Rating, Able Seafarer - Deck or Engine and Navigational
Watch Rating and Engine Watch Rating Certificates,
AMSA will not accept service on Jack up drill rigs and
barges engaged in port construction.
• On completion of requirements, a 'Bridging IR' applying
for their IR Certificate, as well as meeting application
form, medical fitness and fee requirements, must provide
evidence from the appropriate college and shipping
company that the applicant has completed the necessary
training and qualifying sea service as follows:
–Documentation from the AMC indicating that the
applicant has passed the required components of
the TAGS program and completed a Certificate III
Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) or
Subject to a determination by the Manager Seafarer
Certification Service AMSA may accept up to a maximum
of four months qualifying sea service on semi-submersible
drill rigs and floating cranes. In making this determination
the Manager will take into consideration the size of the
vessel, if it operates with a normal shipboard management
structure, is fitted with lifeboats and other SOLAS survival
equipment and crew take part in emergency drills and
training that meets the requirements of the relevant
regulations in SOLAS Chapter III. Determinations will be
made on a case by case basis.
– Documentation from Challenger TAFE (Fremantle) or
Hunter TAFE (Newcastle) stating that the applicant
has completed the course requirements for issue
of a Certificate III in Marine Operations (IR) which
consists of two components ('Off the Job' academic
training and 'On the Job' TAGS training); and
– Evidence from their shipping company in the form of
an original or certified true copy of the letter detailing
required qualifying sea service since completion of
the college component which, for holders of an AB
certificate, must include at least two (2) months
documented sea service relevant to an engine room
rating, and, for holders of an engine room rating,
must include at least two (2) months documented
sea service relevant to an AB.
Additional information for the issue of a Certificate
of Proficiency as Chief Integrated Rating(CIR)
• Prior to the issue of a certificate as CIR the applicant
must hold a Certificate of Proficiency as an Integrated
Rating and have completed at least 24 months sea
service as an Integrated Rating (i.e. since obtaining
an IR certificate) and have satisfactorily completed an
AMSA approved CIR course.
Bridging IR Information - Able-Seaman, EngineRoom Ratings (Greasers) and Royal Australian Navy
(RAN) equivalents, undertaking Bridging Training to
apply for an IR Certificate of Proficiency
• Certificate of Rating as AB or Able Seaman, Deck Rating,
Engine-room Rating and Greaser, while valid certificates,
are not mentioned in Marine Order 73 (Ratings) 2014.
• Holders of a Certificate of Rating as AB or an Engine
Room Rating, Rating certificates listed in Marine Order
73 or persons holding RAN equivalents, may undertake
relevant components of the approved 'off the job' training
towards becoming an integrated rating. The AMC, South
Metropolitan College of TAFE and Hunter TAFE have
recognition of prior learning systems approved by AMSA
to assess an applicant's learning requirements in order to
undertake the necessary bridging IR training.
Revalidation Information – IR, CIR, Able Seafarer Deck and Able Seafarer - Engine
• Due to changes to the STCW Convention in 2010,
all AMSA certificates issued in perpetuity, or with no
expiry date, will be deemed to expire on 31/12/2016,
regardless of indication on the certificate.
•
All holders of AMSA certificates of Rating as IR, Able
Seafarer – Deck and Able Seafarer – Engine wishing
to hold those qualifications beyond 31/12/2016 must
demonstrate ongoing competence in Basic Fire Fighting
and Proficiency in Survival Craft in the previous five (5)
years which can be used once for revalidation. Some
of those competencies must be demonstrated in a
controlled environment ashore, ie, at a training facility,
as well as required on board sea service, training and
drills etc.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Canberra ACT Australia - January 2017
AMSA 1586 (1/17)
Page 3 of 4
Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides summary information only. AMSA makes decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer
certification) 2014, Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2014, Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers) 2014 and Marine Order 73 (Ratings) 2014.
Please refer to these Marine Orders for full details of eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.
Fact Sheet - STCW 23 - Sea Service
•
Certificate of Rating as AB or Able Seaman, Deck
Rating, Engine-room Rating and Greaser, while valid
certificates, are not mentioned in Marine Order 73
(Ratings) 2014. These certificates are deemed to
expire on 31 December 2016 (Refer to Fact Sheet
59). Subject to demonstrating ongoing competence in
basic firefighting and proficiency in survival craft, an
equivalent certificate listed in Marine Order 73 will be
issued valid for five years.
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Applicants
AMSA may recognize certain RAN sea service, training,
experience and qualification for the purpose of gaining an
AMSA IR qualification as below:
•
An applicant who has held the rank and rate of RAN
Leading Seaman Bosun’s Mate with at least 12 months
qualifying sea service is eligible to enter the IR training
program, and will require an additional 6 months
qualifying sea service on an appropriate vessel. Such
applicants may apply to the college for recognition of
prior learning. The college may require such applicants
to meet the full RPL processes, which may include
exams, tests or practical demonstrations.
•
All seafarers will be required to undertake fire fighting
and survival training each and every five (5) years.
The holder of an RAN Advanced Combat Survivability
Certificate issued within the previous five years may
apply to the relevant college for RPL for Basic Fire
Fighting.
•
• Seafarers with appropriate on board service, training
and drills may complete “refresher training” at an AMSA
approved college. However seafarers with no sea
service, or record of drills and on board training with be
required to complete the full courses at the appropriate
level at an AMSA approved college.
A person who has held the rank of RAN Petty Officer
in a relevant seagoing capacity may make application,
and such applications will be considered on a case by
case basis.
•
See also Fact Sheet STCW 24 Sea Service – Recognition
of Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Qualifications.
•
•
All holders of AMSA certificates of rating as CIR to hold
this qualification beyond 31/12/2016 must demonstrate
ongoing competence in Advanced Fire Fighting And
Proficiency in Survival Craft in the previous five (5)
years which can be used for revalidation. Some of those
competencies must be demonstrated in a controlled
environment ashore, ie, at a training facility, as well as
required on board sea service, training and drills etc.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Canberra ACT Australia - January 2017
AMSA 1586 (1/17)
Page 4 of 4
Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides summary information only. AMSA makes decisions about seafarer certificates under Marine Order 70 (Seafarer
certification) 2014, Marine Order 71 (Masters and deck officers) 2014, Marine Order 72 (Engineer officers) 2014 and Marine Order 73 (Ratings) 2014.
Please refer to these Marine Orders for full details of eligibility and other requirements for certificate applications.