AMSA has issued Marine Notice yo draw the attention to the fact that many Australian certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency will expire on 31 December 2016.
AMSA noted that a large number of seafarers are yet to apply to have their certificates revalidated beyond this date and to avoid their certificates becoming invalid, AMSA strongly encourages certificate holders to not leave this until the last moment. Certificate holders should also be aware that for certificates expiring on 31 December 2016, revalidating in advance of this date will deliver a new expiry date five years from 31 December 2016, not from the date of application.
Background
The 2010 (Manila Amendments) to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended (STCW), requires ALL seafarers holding STCW certificates (excluding GMDSS Radio Operator Certificates) to demonstrate continued competence by undertaking refresher training every five years.
The refresher training required is:
• Sea survival, and
• Firefighting.
This refresher training must be completed in order to revalidate an STCW certificate. The changes to STCW also contain continued competence requirement for holders of Certificate of Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats. AMSA notes that a large number of seafarers are yet to meet these requirements.
AMSA is unable to revalidate a STCW certificate beyond 31 December 2016 unless the continued competence training has been completed.
Further details may be found by reading the Marine Notice herebelow
Source: AMSA
