How do I revalidate a Certificate of Competency

Certificates of competency are issued for 5 years and must be revalidated before the expiry date.

What you need to do:

• Complete a Maritime Application for Marine Certification form;
• Provide proof of your identity;
• Supply two colour passport photos;
• Your original Certificate of Competency;
• Declare that you have completed either
• One year of sea service within the previous 5 years, or
• An approved revalidation course, or
• An assessment by a Maritime examiner or
• One year of employment within the previous five in an occupation such as a marine surveyor, marine pilot, harbour master, trainer providing marine training in a Registered Training Organisation, or manager of a commercial fishing vessel, passenger vessel or trading vessel;  
• 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));
• Meet specific medical and eyesight standards; and
• Pay the revalidation fee.

Evidence of sea service does not need to be provided for revalidation of Certificates of Competency. However, applicants must be able to present documentary evidence of sea service should Maritime request it.

You may lodge an application to revalidate your Certificate at any Maritime office or mail an application to Marine Certification, Maritime, Locked Bag 5100, Camperdown NSW 1450.  Your revalidated Certificate will be returned to you by registered mail.

If you do not revalidate your Certificate:

If you do not revalidate your Certificate it will expire and may be cancelled. It is an offence to serve as crew on a commercial vessel with an expired or cancelled Certificate of Competency.

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.

Additional links

Application form