Seafarer Recertification - Important Update for members

MUA Members whose certification is expiring please note the following information. 

AMSA will not be enacting any further blanket extensions on qualifications.

However individual seafarers can apply to AMSA for an individual extension for their qualifications.
AMSA may grant extensions if:

• There are no places available in the required recertification training courses before the expiry of a seafarer’s qualification, or
• Lockdown/travel restrictions have prevented the seafarer from participating in recertification training, or
• Other extenuating circumstances are preventing completion of the recertification training

The decision regarding extensions will be made on a case-by-case basis, none of which will exceed 6 months.

To apply for an extension:

1. Email amsaconnect@amsa.gov.au with the subject line ‘International Qual Team – Extension Request’.
2. In the body of the email, include:
   • Name, date of birth, contact information, Seafarer ID
   • Specific details of your reason for requesting extension (no courses available, travel restrictions, unable to attend due to Covid, courses cancelled etc)
3. Await the yes/no response email from AMSA
4. If it is approved, AMSA will provide a link to an online payment portal to pay the extension fee of $136

Process for renewal of qualification
The steps for renewing are straightforward, but require seafarers to select the right course and gather the necessary documents:

1. Complete the correct training course (see next section)
2. Collect the required documents
   1. Certificate received from the recertification training
   2. Old qualification/card being renewed
   3. AMSA Medical (current at the time off application)
   4. Proof of sea service (if seafarer is completing the shorter Refresher course rather than the longer Revalidation course)
3. Complete the AMSA form 419 online
4. Print the 419 form and submit it at a participating post office

Selecting the correct course

The recertification training that is needed depends on two things:

• The qualification that needs to be renewed (CoST, IR, CIR etc), and
• Whether the seafarer meets the AMSA sea service requirements needed to participate in the shorter ‘Refresher’ course, or if they will be required to participate in the longer ‘Revalidation’ course. The sea service requirements to qualify for the Refresher are:
  • 12 months (365 days at sea) within the 5 preceding 5 years
  • 3 months at sea withing the last 6 months

Please Note: AMSA assesses the two periods of sea service from the date that the application is submitted by the seafarer. It is critical that the seafarer be sure they have enough sea service to meet requirements if they are doing the refresher course.

Training Providers

* TAFE NSW Ultimo can deliver the required courses for IR Revalidation, however they are not presented as a group and require separate enrolments into the individual components. This is not recommended as a suitable option for seafarers from out of state who will require travel & accommodation to attend training.

Qld – ECA Maritime College and Whitsunday MTC are no longer delivering, as they do not have access to a firegrounds.

South Australia – Australian Maritime Fisheries Academy is not offering any further STCW courses.

If you are experiencing financial hardship please contact your branch official to discuss options.