What is Australian Maritime Safety Authority?
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the statutory authority responsible for maritime safety regulation in Australian waters. Under the National Law, AMSA maintains the National Maritime Qualification Register and issues Certificates of Competency for maritime officers and crew members.
For Australian skilled migration purposes, AMSA assessments are critical for maritime professionals seeking to work in Australia under the skilled visa system. An AMSA assessment validates that your maritime qualifications meet Australian standards and confirms your competency in your occupation—whether as a Ship's Master or Ship's Engineer Officer.
AMSA operates under legislation including the National Law and relevant maritime regulations. The authority's role in migration is to ensure that only qualified maritime professionals enter the skilled visa pathway, protecting both maritime safety and employment standards in Australia's shipping industry.
Which visas require an AMSA skills assessment?
Maritime professionals assessed by AMSA typically qualify for multiple skilled visa subclasses, depending on their circumstances and employer sponsorship.
An AMSA skills assessment confirms your qualifications meet Australian maritime standards, making you eligible for skilled migration visa pathways. The assessment is a prerequisite for most skilled visa applications and supports both state sponsorship nominations and employer sponsorship for maritime roles.
How AMSA assessment works
The AMSA assessment process evaluates your maritime qualifications, experience, and competency against Australian standards. The assessment typically involves document review, verification of your maritime credentials, and confirmation of your professional standing.
- Complete the AMSA online application form with your personal and maritime qualification details
- Provide certified copies of your maritime certificates, qualifications, and maritime training records
- Verify your professional experience and sea service hours as required for your occupation level
- Undergo assessment of your qualifications against the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) requirements and Australian maritime regulations
- Receive notification of AMSA's assessment outcome confirming your competency level
- Obtain your Certificate of Competency or assessment letter to support your skilled visa application
Assessment pathways
AMSA assessment pathways vary based on your qualification level and professional experience. Assessment considers both formal maritime qualifications and demonstrated practical sea service.
For maritime professionals seeking to work as a Ship's Master in Australia. Requires completion of approved maritime training, documented sea service hours (typically 3,600+ hours), medical fitness certification, and demonstration of command-level competency in navigation, ship operations, and safety management.
For engineering professionals in the maritime industry. Requires completion of approved engineering qualifications, documented engineering sea service hours (typically 3,600+ hours), medical fitness certification, and demonstration of competency in marine engineering systems, maintenance, and safety procedures.
For experienced maritime professionals whose qualifications were obtained under different maritime regulatory frameworks. AMSA may assess extensive sea service and experience as equivalent to formal Australian qualifications, subject to competency verification.
Documents required
Documents required vary by pathway but typically include:
- Original or certified copies of all maritime certificates and qualifications (Bachelor's degree, Diploma of Maritime Studies, or equivalent)
- International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates (Officer of the Watch, Master or Chief Engineer level)
- Certificate of Competency or equivalent from your country of training
- Detailed maritime employment history showing sea service hours, vessels worked on, positions held, and dates
- Sea service documentation or discharge books confirming practical experience on merchant vessels
- Medical fitness certificate (class 1 or class 2 as appropriate for your occupation)
- English language proficiency evidence (IELTS or equivalent) demonstrating maritime English competency
- National Police Clearance or Character Declaration from your country of origin
- Proof of Australian contact details or employment sponsorship letters if applicable
All documents must be officially certified copies or originals. Documents issued overseas must be accompanied by certified English translations if not in English. AMSA will verify original documents with issuing authorities where necessary.
AMSA assessment fees
| Application type | Fee (AUD, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ship's Master Assessment | AUD 450–550 |
| Ship's Engineer Officer Assessment | AUD 450–550 |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Assessment | AUD 600–800 |
| Additional Competency Assessment or Re-assessment | AUD 300–400 |
| Certificate of Competency Revalidation | AUD 200–300 |
Assessment outcomes
AMSA issues one of three outcomes:
A positive AMSA assessment confirms you meet Australian maritime standards and are competent in your occupation (Ship's Master or Ship's Engineer Officer). The assessment is valid for skilled visa applications and supports your eligibility for skilled migration pathways. You'll receive formal documentation confirming the assessment outcome to submit with your visa application.
If AMSA assesses you as not yet competent, you may be able to undertake additional maritime training or sea service and reapply. AMSA will advise which competencies need further development. You have the right to request reconsideration of the assessment decision if you believe it was made in error.
You can request a formal review of your assessment outcome if you disagree with AMSA's decision. A review involves reassessment of your qualifications and experience against the relevant maritime standards, typically by a different assessor.
Occupations assessed by AMSA
AMSA is the nominated assessing authority for the following ANZSCO occupations. Click any occupation to see full visa pathway details.
| ANZSCO | Occupation | List |
|---|---|---|
| 131111 | Ship's Master | MLTSSL |
| 131112 | Ship's Engineer Officer | MLTSSL |
| 311213 | Deck Officer (foreign vessel) | Varies |
| 311214 | Engine Officer (foreign vessel) | Varies |
| 311211 | Able Seaman | Varies |