AIMS members who hold Masters’ Certificates of Competency have become concerned that after December 31^st 2016 their certificates will no longer be valid and that if they do not revalidate prior to the December cut-off date that they will have to re-sit the entire Masters Certificate should they ever wish to return to sea.

Master Mariners who were granted their certificate in perpetuity are concerned that this qualification is now being taken away from them if they do not revalidate this year.

Concerns were also raised at the cost of revalidation – up to $16,000.00 to maintain the validity of certificates when many were unsure as to whether they would return to sea. 

 Soon after the press release many AIMS members contacted me to clarify the requirements.

I was able to speak personally with Allan Schwartz, AMSA General Manager Ship Safety, who assured me that this is not the case.

We were advised that If shore based Master Mariners wish to return to sea after the cut-off date and their certificates require re-validation they simply revalidate when and if required.

Any of these certificates that have not been revalidated by this date may be revalidated at any time by either a combination of sea service and shore based training, or, if no sea service, shore based training alone said Schwartz.

AMSA also confirmed that these changes only relate to certificates issued under the STCW Convention and that any certificates issued by a State or Northern Territory Marine Authority are not effected in any way by these changes.

AMSA has a Marine Notice 2016/14 on this matter and a Press Release further clarifying see http://www.amsa.gov.au/media/

Susan Hull,

Executive Officer