How do I convert a perpetual certificate

A perpetual certificate is a certificate that does not have an expiry date and is not revalidated. As a general rule perpetual certificates are used on fishing vessels, though all pre USL certificates listed in the table below are perpetual certificates.

Holders of perpetual certificates have until 31 December 2012 to apply for an equivalent certificate of competency.  After this date all perpetual certificates will expire.  These changes were introduced in the Marine Safety (Commercial Vessels) Regulation 2010 which requires all certificates to be revalidated.  This will ensure that all holders of certificates of competency meet and continue to meet minimum requirements in relation to fitness to perform their duties and have current first aid skills.

What you need to do:

• Complete a Maritime Application for Marine Certification form (Tick the Revalidation box in section 1 and complete sections 2, 3,5 and 7);
• Provide proof of your identity;
• Supply two colour passport photos;
• 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 or mail an application to Marine Certification, Maritime, Locked Bag 5100, Camperdown NSW 1450. Your Certificate will be sent to you by registered mail. Your new certificate will need to be revalidated every five years.

Maritime will be writing to all holders of perpetual certificates over the next 12 months advising them to convert their perpetual certificates before 31 December 2012 if they wish to continue working as crew on commercial vessels. 

You can apply to convert your perpetual certificate at any time.  You do not need to wait until you receive a letter from Maritime. 
If you are no longer working in the industry or you already have a certificate of competency you do not need to do anything, your perpetual certificate will automatically expire on 31 December 2012.  However, you may want to apply for a general boat driving licence.  You do not need to complete a boating safety course, provide evidence of practical boating experience or complete a licence test.  If you hold a perpetual certificate as a master, mate or coxswain a three year general boat driving licence will be issued. 

The table below shows the equivalent certificate of competency that will be issued for a Certificate of Service or Pre USL certificate.

If after your new certificate has been issued you want to apply for a higher grade of certificate or remove the restrictions listed below, full training and sea service requirements must be completed.