Marine Commercial Qualifications

Commercial vessels must, by law, be crewed by persons who are certificated as competent.

The certification of commercial deck and engine crew is a statutory function administered by Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.

Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, in conjunction with various training providers, has in place an arrangement to provide examinations throughout the State for registered applicants. Candidates are not required to complete a course in order to attempt the main written examinations, but must meet the prerequisite eyesight, medical and experience requirements, as well as complete certain statutory short courses. Candidates may prepare for the written examinations through self study, with the assistance of a tutor or by completing a correspondence course.

The Department of Further Education Employment Science and Technology (Commonwealth Department) will be offering the accredited course from July 2005.

Through our participation on various industry training panels, Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has played an active role in the development of accredited courses and the registration of providers. The courses of the major training providers, are scheduled to finish on published examination dates (every 3-4 weeks) and all successful candidates need to pass an oral examination by a Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure Examinations officer.

To obtain these qualifications, you need:

• To meet minimum qualifying sea service recorded in a properly completed Sea Service Record Book or Sea Service Testimonial
  
• To meet minimum age requirements
  
• To meet minimum eyesight and Medical requirements
  
• To attend and complete the appropriate courses if client does not feel confident to sit for examinations
  
• To satisfactorily complete the appropriate compulsory short courses eg. Senior First Aid Certificate, OH&S @ sea Certificate
  
• To successfully complete the written and oral examinations conducted by a Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure examiner
  
• To pay the appropriate fees

Application for a certificate of competency
To ensure that you are eligible to sit for a Certificate of Competency you should have your declaration of seatime verified by the Commercial Marine Services, Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure. It is also a good idea to have your eyes tested for colour blindness and vision.

Marine Commercial Qualifications - Certificate of Competency Information and pre- requisite forms to download.

Courses are conducted at:

AFA: Coxswain, Master 5 to Master 3, MED 2 to 1
TAFE Port Lincoln: Coxswain only
Academy of Maritime Training: Coxswain and Master 5