Marine Safety
Crew Certificates of Competency
Marine qualifications | Approval of training | Training courses
Marine qualifications
Persons in charge of either the navigational watch or the machinery, or of both functions, on a commercial vessel are required by the NT Marine Act to hold appropriate Certificates of Competency.
The certificates required can either be issued by the NT Marine Authority or if issued by another Authority may be recognised as an equivalent.
All unrestricted certificates are issued in accordance with the Uniform Shipping (USL) Laws Code.
Persons holding a Certificate of Competency issued outside the Northern Territory should consult the Marine Safety Branch to ascertain the Northern Territory equivalent and are required to apply for Northern Territory recognition.
The following are exempt from the above requirements:
- Vessels not more than 5 metres in length, carrying not more than 4 persons, including crew, and operating in designated 'sheltered waters' and inland waters.
- Fishing vessels less than 6.2 metres in length operating in conjunction with a mother vessel and within 5 nautical miles of the mother vessel.
- Fishing vessels less than 6.2 metres in length operating within 5 nautical miles of the coast.
Maritime Qualifications issued by Marine Safety Branch, Department of Planning and Infrastructure are as follows:
Deck
- Certificate of Competency as Coxswain
- Certificate of Competency as Master Class 5
- Certificate of Competency as Mate Class 4
- Certificate of Competency as Master Class 4
- Certificate of Competency as Master Class 3
- Certificate of Competency as Skipper Grade 3
- Certificate of Competency as Skipper Grade 2
- Certificate of Competency as Skipper Grade 1.
Engineering
- Certificate of Competency as Marine Engine-Driver Grade 3
- Certificate of Competency as Marine Engine-Driver Grade 2
- Certificate of Competency as Marine Engine-Driver Grade
- Certificate of Competency as Engineer Class 3.
Penalties exist under the Marine Act for failure to comply with the requirement to hold the requisite Certificate of Competency.
Some Application Forms and Guidance Notes can be found at Publications.
For further information contact the Marine Safety Branch.
STCW 95 Endorsements
Holders of state-issued Master Class 3, 4 and 5 Certificates of Competency wishing to obtain STCW95 endorsement should contact the:
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
Lot 3163 Export Drive
Trade Development Zone
Berrimah NT 0828
PMB 88 Winnellie NT 0821
Phone (08) 8947 3794
Fax (08) 8947 3874.
Approval of training organisations or programs
A person or organisation may apply to the Marine Safety Branch for the issue, renewal or amendment of a Certificate of Approval for the conduct of training programs and practical training courses leading to the issue of maritime qualifications listed below.
Note: The Marine Safety Branch, Department of Planning and Infrastructure issues these qualifications.
The application must be made in writing to the Marine Safety Branch.
Training courses
TL3 national AYF small craft safety and handling course for power boats
On successful completion of the TL3 National AYF Small Craft Safety and Handling Course candidates will be awarded the National Powerboat Handling Certificate TL3.
This certificate may be recognised for the issue of a recreational boat licence in some States. Please contact the relevant State marine authority.
Essentially, the course is intended to introduce boat owners, drivers and crew to the basic sea safety skills which are required for operating pleasure craft in near coastal and sheltered waters.
The aim of the power boat training scheme is to give those with limited experience handling small powered boats an insight into the safe use of such craft, the equipment they must carry and knowledge of the aspects of seamanship, navigation aids and the weather.
The course includes practical experience in handling small power craft over a set course.
Course details:
Duration: 30 hours
Availability: Weekdays or Evening and Weekends
Pre-requisites: 16 years or older
Provider: Casuarina Senior College, Phone: 8920 1200.