How do I apply for a general purpose hand certificate

What you need to do:

• Complete a Maritime Application for Marine Certification form;
• Provide proof of your identity;
• Supply two colour passport photos if you do not already have a Record of Service (RoS) or ROPES book;
• Supply your RoS book or ROPES Master 5 or Coxswain book;
• Provide a Certificate from an approved training provider showing one of the following qualifications:
• Certificate 1 in Transport & Distribution (Maritime Operations)
• Certificate 1 in the Seafood Industry (Fishing Operations)
• Certificate 1 in National Marine Operations
• Provide a current approved first aid certificate (senior first aid certificate, Apply first aid (HLTFA301B); Apply advanced first aid (HLTFA402B) or Manage first aid in the workplace (HLTFA403A)); and
• Meet specific medical and eyesight standards.

You may lodge an application at any Maritime office. Your general purpose hand certificate will be issued on the spot.

There is no fee for a general purpose hand certificate. Your general purpose hand certificate will be recorded in your RoS or ROPES book.

Ongoing medical and first aid requirements

It is a condition of every Certificate of Competency that you must hold a current first aid certificate and a current certificate of medical fitness that certifies you meet required medical and eyesight standards. It is an offence not to hold a current first aid certificate and a current certificate of medical fitness. (Note: Transitional provisions from the Marine Safety (Commercial Vessels) Regulation 2010 exempt holders of certificates of competency from this requirement until 1 January 2012.)

A first aid certificate is valid for 3 years.

A medical certificate is valid for 2 years, unless a shorter period is specified on the certificate.

The requirements for first aid certificates are specified above and requirements for medical certificates can be found in the Application for Marine Certification form.