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AMSA Engineer Watchkeeper Requirements - Australia Seafarer Qualifications


AMSA Engineer Watchkeeper CoC Requirements (General, Sea Service and STCW) for Australian International Seafarers

engineer watchkeeper amsa

This section includes the AMSA International Qualifications (CoC) and requirements under STCW for Engineer Watchkeeper (Motor), Engineer Watchkeeper (Steam), and Engineer Watchkeeper (Steam and Motor). With this certificate you can perform the duties or functions of Engineer Watchkeeper on a seagoing vessel powered by main propulsion machinery of any propulsion power, of the kind stated on the certificate, in any operating area.

If endorsed, second engineer duties or functions on vessels <3000 kW propulsion power in any operating area; if endorsed, chief engineer duties or functions on vessels <3000 kW propulsion power operating in near-coastal waters; Electrical, electronic and control engineering duties, and Able seafarer - engine rating duties or functions.

 ship engine room amsa


This certificate enables you to work as an engineer watchkeeper on certain vessels

General Requirements for Engineer Watchkeeper

  • To be eligible for a Engineer Watchkeeper certificate of competency you must meet medical, sea service and course requirements.
  • The requirements depend on whether you are getting a certificate for the first time or revalidating an existing certificate.
  • The person must have passed a final assessment

AMSA Engineer Watchkeeper CoC Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have completed at least 1 of the following engineer training programs - an engineer cadet program of at least 3 years duration; a trainee engineer program; or an engineering experience training program.
  • If the person has only completed the engineering experience training program - hold or have held for at least 12 months an Engineer Class 3 NC certificate of competency or an unrestricted Engineer Class 3 certificate of competency issued by a State before 1 July 2013.

Engineer Cadet Program

Engineer Cadet Qualifying Seagoing Service

  • Of at least 36 weeks on vessels ≥750 kW propulsion power, performing engineer watchkeeper duties or functions in an engine room and under the supervision of a person holding an Engineer Watchkeeper certificate, an Engineer Class 1 certificate or an Engineer Class 2 certificate, of which (except for the holder of an Engineer Class 1, Engineer Class 2 or Engineer Watchkeeper grade of certificate of the other kind) at least 16 weeks was on a vessel using propulsion of the kind to which the certificate relates

Trainee Engineer Program

  • A trainee engineer program consists of the following, of which the combined program of workshop skills and qualifying seagoing service must be of at least 12 months duration -
  • An approved training course that complies with STCW Code section A-III/1; and either - if the person holds a workshop skills equivalent qualification - does not include a program of workshop skills training;
  • Or if the person holds a qualification that is not workshop skills equivalent - includes a program of workshop skills training, as determined by the seafarer training organization providing the course taking into account any relevant education, skills or practical experience of the person, in the following competencies mentioned in STCW Code table A-III/1 column 1.

Trainee Engineer Program Qualifying Seagoing Service

  • At least 36 weeks on vessels ≥750 kW propulsion power, performing engineer watchkeeper duties or functions in an engine room and under the supervision of a person holding an Engineer Watchkeeper certificate, an Engineer Class 1 certificate or an Engineer Class 2 certificate, of which (except for the holder of an Engineer Class 1, Engineer Class 2 or Engineer Watchkeeper grade of certificate of the other kind) at least 16 weeks was on a vessel using propulsion of the kind to which the certificate relates; and

Engineering Experience Training Program

  • An engineering experience training program, for a person with a State unrestricted Engineer Class 3 certificate of competency or an Engineer Class 3 NC certificate of competency, consists of the following, of which the combined program of workshop skills and qualifying seagoing service must be of at least 12 months duration.
  • An approved training course that complies with STCW Code section A-III/1; and includes a program of workshop skills training, as determined by the seafarer training organization providing the course taking into account any relevant education, skills or practical experience of the person, in the following competencies specified in STCW Code table A-III/1 column 1.
  • Holding a certificate of proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats (that complies with STCW Code section A-VI/2 paragraphs 1 to 4)

Engineering Experience Training Program Qualifying Seagoing Service

  • At least 26 weeks while holding a State unrestricted Engineer Class 3 certificate of competency or an Engineer Class 3 NC certificate of competency on vessels ≥ 750kW propulsion power, of which (except for the holder of an Engineer Class 1, Engineer Class 2 or Engineer Watchkeeper grade of certificate of the other kind) at least 16 weeks was on a vessel using propulsion of the kind to which the certificate relates.

Engineer Watchkeeper Endorsements

  • For endorsement as Second engineer (<3000 kW), the holder of the certificate must - have at least 12 months documented qualifying seagoing service in vessels ≥750 kW propulsion power; and have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A-III/3
  • For endorsement as Chief Engineer NC (<3000 kW), the holder of the certificate must have at least 24 months qualifying seagoing service on vessels ≥375 kW propulsion power of which at least 12 months was while holding an endorsement as Second engineer (<3000 kW), a Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 NC certificate of competency or an unrestricted Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 certificate of competency issued by a State before 1 July 2013; and have completed an approved program of study that meets the standards specified in STCW Code section A-III/3.