From February 2022 AMSA will complete the transition to more durable, secure and portable certificates of competency for all seafarer certifications with the addition of the new plastic credit-card sized certificates of competency for masters, mates and engineers

This development reflects our commitment to modernising services for seafarers and delivering a faster certification process.

It will also provide consistency across the range of certificates issued by AMSA including ratings certificates of proficiency, near coastal certificates of competency, and AMSA surveyor accreditation.

While Australia has been one of the first countries in the world to issue plastic credit card sized certificates to seafarers, other world-leading maritime authorities including the UK and Norway have now followed.

The new card-sized certificates of competency for masters, mates and engineers will contain the same information as the current passport style booklet.

The front of the card is the same as the inside cover of the booklets and the reverse of the card matches the first page of the booklets. As with our other international certificates these are fully compliant with the STCW code and convention.

The new master, mate and engineer card-sized certificates will be issued from 1 February 2022 on renewal, or when new certificates are issued. The old-style booklets will be issued until the end of January 2022.

You can also apply to replace your existing paper certificate with the new credit card sized certificate at any time.

Introduction of the new card-sized certificates of competency for masters, mates and engineers will also deliver a reduction in the number of certificates needed by STCW masters and mates.

From 1 February 2022 this new certificate will include the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio operator functions, and electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) endorsement, where applicable.