Master Class 4 and Skipper Grade 2, Deck Certificate of Competency
- What your certificate will qualify you for
- Sea Service
- The paperwork and payment
- Training
- What you need to provide to revalidate
To be eligible for the issue of a Master Class 4 Certificate of Competency you must be at least 18 years old and hold at least one of the following Certificates of Competency; Master Class 5/Skipper Grade 3; Mate Class 4; or Second Mate.
Your Certificate of Competency will expire after 5 years. It is up to you to revalidate it.
What your certificate will qualify you to act
Master Class 4
- As a Master Class 4 Certificate of Competency holder you are qualified to master commercial trading vessels less than
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- 35 metres in length, for Australian Coastal and Middle Waters (ACMW), within 600 nautical miles of the coast
- 80 metres in length, for inshore operations within 15 nautical miles of the coast.
- As a Chief Mate on a trading vessel less than
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- 35 metres in length for unlimited domestic operations
- 80 metres in length for ACMW operations within 600nm
Skipper Grade 2
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As a Skipper Grade 2 Certificate of Competency holder you are qualified to master commercial fishing vessels less than
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35 metres in length for unlimited domestic operations
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80 metres in length for offshore operations within 200 nautical miles of the coast.
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As Chief Mate on a fishing vessel less than 80 metres in lenght for ACMW operations within 600nm
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As Watchkeeper on a fishing vessel less than 3000 GT and 100 metres in length for unlimited domestic operations
Sea Service
Applicants holding a Certificate of Competency as Master Class 5 Skipper Grade 3, applying for a:
- Master Class 4 must have a minimum of 18 months watchkeeping service since obtaining that certificate.
- Skipper Grade 2 must have a minimum of 12 months watchkeeping service sing obtaining that certificate.
Applicants holding a Certificate of Competency as Second Mate or Mate Class 4 applying for either a Master Class 4 or Skipper Grade 2 must have 12 months watchkeeping service since obtaining that certificate.
Watchkeeping service criteria
In assessing watchkeeping service, the following criteria applies:
- All watchkeeping service shall be on vessels of more than 15m in length.
- At least 12 months watchkeeping service within the previous 5 years shall be while acting in a position appropriate to the certificate held.
- There shall be 6 months watchkeeping service on trading vessels for Master Class 4 applicants and 6 months watchkeeping service on fishing vessels for Skipper Grade 2 applicants.
- At least 50% of watchkeeping service shall be beyond the limits of sheltered waters (smooth and partially smooth waters). If this cannot be met a restricted certificate may be issued that limits the master from holding the position of mate or watchkeeper.
- At least 33% of watchkeeping service shall be on seagoing voyages of 24 hours or more in duration. If this cannot be met a restricted certificate can be issued that limits service as a master or mate to offshore operations (within 200nm)
You need to provide evidence of this sea service which can be in the form of one of the following:
- A Record of Service book signed by the Master, Owner or Agent of the vessel (Record of Service books lodged without a supporting Testimonial will not be considered for watchkeeping service).
- A Watchkeeping testimonial from the Master, Owner or Agent of the vessel(s) on which the service took place (if possible on company letterhead). This testimonial should clearly indicate the name and registration number of the vessel, rank/duties on board, dates of commencement and completion of service. Any gaps (e.g. sick or annual leave) should be indicated.
The paperwork and payment
If this is the first time that you are applying for a Certificate of Competency you will need to submit the forms listed on our forms page.
You can pay on line, in person or you can mail your payment, if paying by mail please do not send cash.
Training
To obtain this Certificate of Competency you need to undertake a training course or provide evidence of training. You will need to contact the training provider to obtain course details. You will have to pay a fee to enrol. Remember that passing a training course is only part of the process. You also need to apply to the Department and, finally, pass an oral exam.
Before we issue you with a Certificate of Competency you will need to do the following training and provide us with evidence of the following. These are normally part of your course but can be undertaken separately:
- Marine Radio Operator's Certificate of Proficiency or equivalent.
- Certificate in Elements of Shipboard Safety or Occupational Health & Safety at Sea.
- Current Senior First Aid Certificate we will not accept expired certificates.
What you need to provide to revalidate:
Certificates of Competency are issued for 5 years and can be revalidated at any time in the 12 months before it expires or at any time after it has expired.
You will need to pay the appropriate fee and completed the forms listed on the forms page.
You also need to provide provide sea service, go to the revalidation page for details.
