New sea service requirements for Coxswain/Master 5/Skipper 3

New sea service requirements have been introduced for coxswain, Master Class 5 and Skipper Grade 3 certificates of competency.

Grade	Sea Service Requirements
Coxswain	200 hours with a task book, of which 100 hours must be outside sheltered waters. 100 hours must be on a commercial vessel with a current survey certificate. All service must be on vessels greater than 5m in length.
Master Class 5	900 hours with a task book, of which: 450 hours must be beyond sheltered waters. 90 hours must be on a trading vessel. All service must be on commercial vessels greater than 8 m in length with a current survey certificate.
Skipper Grade 3	900 hours with a task book, of which: 450 hours must be beyond sheltered waters. 90 hours must be on a fishing vessel. All service must be on commercial vessels greater than 8 m in length with a current survey certificate.

 

Requirements that apply

Applicants must complete the structured tasks listed in a Maritime Record of Service book, ROPES book or task book issued by another State or Territory. A Record of Service book can be purchased at any Maritime Office.

All tasks must be demonstrated by the applicant and only signed off by the master or engineer when the applicant is able to perform the task safely and without supervision. 

All sea service must relate to vessel handling and manoeuvring, time spent on other activities must not be included.

The maximum number of hours that can be claimed in one day is 10 hours.  The maximum number of hours that can be claimed in any week is 60 hours.

Sea service must be accrued over a minimum number of trips. 

• For a coxswain, a minimum of 30 separate trips must be completed over a minimum of 6 weeks.
• For a Master 5 or Skipper 3, a minimum of 100 separate trips must be completed over a minimum of 20 weeks.

Sea service must be accrued in a range of weather conditions and include service at night.

If you do not accrue the required sea service beyond sheltered waters, you will be issued with a certificate restricted to sheltered waters.

How do I apply for a Record of Service or ROPES book

You need to:

• Complete a Maritime Application for Marine Certification form;
• Provide proof of your identity;
• Supply two colour passport photos; and
• Pay the fee.

You may purchase a Record of Service or ROPES book at any Maritime office.

How do I apply for a Certificate of Competency

You need to:

• Complete a Maritime Application for Marine Certification form;
• Provide proof of your identity;
• Supply two colour passport photos;
• Meet minimum age requirements;
• Supply a task book showing that you meet minimum the sea service requirements outline above;
• Complete an approved training course;
• 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;
• Pass a final assessment by a Maritime examiner; and
• Pay fees.

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