Verification: Australian Qualifications
Ellen Armsden
Last Update 8 months ago
It is vital to understand that only AMSA is authorised to issue certificates that are considered to be evidence of qualification, competency or proficiency for the purpose of STCW.
There are a handful of approved training providers, and whilst they can issue course completion certificates, these are not considered evidence of qualification for the purposes of STCW.
Seafarers need to apply to AMSA for their relevant qualification card.
AMSA maintains a list of authorised providers on their website, as at 27 October 2025 it included the following:
- TAFE (3 locations)
- ERGT (3 locations)
- Great Barrier Reef International Marine College (part of TAFE Queensland)
- Maritime Career Training
- Smartship (limited courses such as ECDIS)
- Australia Maritime College
On the Crewdentials verification notes for these issuers, there is a note explaining that only AMSA can issue STCW compliant certificates.
AMSA approved courses are here:
Format of Certificates
The training providers tend to issue an A4 paper based certificate with their corporate branding on (examples below)
AMSA issues either:
- a credit card style certificate, and the seafarer needs to provide both sides of the card in order to assist with identifying the type of qualification.
- a passport booklet style for COC holders that contains information about their modular qualifications
Caution: The Australian equivalent of Basic Safety is called "Certificate of Safety Training" includes Security Awareness and in order to revalidate you need to complete some sea service alongside the refresher courses.
