STCW Basic Safety Training Australia | AMSA Certificate of Safety Training (CoST)
The mandatory first step for anyone wanting to work at sea.
Whether you’re heading for Superyachts in the Mediterranean, cruise ships, commercial vessels, or charter boats in Australia — this is the certificate every employer will ask for before you step on board.
What You Walk Away With
When you complete this course with Superyacht Crew Academy, you leave with:
Your STCW Statement of Completion Certificate — Internationally recognised, accepted by employers worldwide, and issued upon successful completion of your training. This certification allows you to work on Superyachts and vessels internationally straight away. This is also used to apply to AMSA for your CoST card — the legal requirement for working on Australian commercial vessels.
A nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for the MARSS00033 Safety Training Certification Skill Set — covering the required safety training units aligned with STCW standards.
Working in Australia (Important)
If you wish to work on commercial vessels in Australia, you must hold an AMSA Certificate of Safety Training (CoST).
Your STCW Statement of Completion Certificate is internationally recognised and can be used to work on Superyachts and foreign-flagged vessels, including those operating in Australian waters. However, it is not sufficient on its own for work on Australian commercial vessels.
To work on Australian-flagged commercial vessels, you will need to apply directly to AMSA for your CoST card using your completed training. For application requirements and instructions, please refer to the AMSA website.
Is This a Real STCW Certificate?
Yes — and it’s worth understanding why.
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. It’s an international convention established by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) that sets the global baseline for maritime safety training across 150+ countries. Every commercial vessel in the world operates under it.
In Australia, STCW Basic Safety is delivered as the AMSA Certificate of Safety Training (CoST). Australia is on the IMO white list, which means your qualification is recognised and accepted by employers globally — including superyacht captains in the Med and Caribbean.
So when you complete this course, you have a genuine, internationally accepted STCW.
What the Course Covers
This course delivers all five STCW Basic Safety modules:
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques (Table A – VI/1-1)
- STCW Basic Fire Prevention & Firefighting (Table A – VI/1-2)
- STCW Elementary First Aid (Table A – VI/1-3)
- STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (Table A – VI/1-4)
- STCW Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness (Reg V1/6 and Part A of Section A – VI/6 Paragraph 4)
Training includes comprehensive, hands-on practical sessions, where you will actively participate in in-water survival exercises, live firefighting scenarios, and emergency response drills—going well beyond traditional classroom-based learning.
*You may be exempt from attending the Elementary First Aid module/training. To be exempt, you must hold BOTH of the following Australian First Aid units of competency:
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid. (Completed within the past 3 years. We recommend at least 1 year validity on this certificate, if not, complete the course again as part of your enrolment for currency)
- HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. (Completed within the past 12 months)
Please acknowledge you meet these requirements as part of your booking, administration staff will then verify your certification to ensure you are exempt from First Aid upon enrolment.
Can I Work on Superyachts With This Certificate?
Yes. STCW Basic Safety is the non-negotiable entry requirement for Superyacht crew worldwide. Completing this course puts you in a position to be hired.
That said, it’s worth being upfront: the certificate gets you in the door, but Captains also want to see a strong CV, a valid ENG1 medical, and ideally you being in the right place at the right time (the Med or Caribbean during season).
If you want to maximise your chances, consider completing the Superyacht Deckhand or Interior Crew training packages — you’ll be significantly more competitive when looking for work.
What Vessels Can I Work On?
Your AMSA CoST qualifies you to work across a wide range of commercial vessels both internationally and nationally. Whether you’re chasing Superyachts overseas or looking for work closer to home, this is the foundation certificate every commercial vessel type requires.
Superyachts
Cruise Ships
Offshore Support Vessels
Tugboats
Passenger Ferries and Charter Vessels
Cargo and Container Ships
Research and Survey Vessels
Who Can Do This Course?
This is an entry-level course. You don’t need any prior maritime experience.
You need to be:
- 16 years or older
- Reasonably fit — there are physical elements including swimming, firefighting drills, and survival simulations
- Comfortable with English
- In good general health
Colour vision deficiency (colour blindness) does not prevent you from completing the course, though it may affect certain navigational officer roles later in your career.
What Certifications Will You Receive Exactly?
- Personal survival techniques (STCW VI/1, Table A-VI/1-1)
- Fire prevention and fire fighting (basic) (STCW VI/1, Table A-VI/1-2)
- Elementary first aid (STCW VI/1, Table A-VI/1-3)
- Personal safety and social responsibilities (STCW VI/1, Table A-VI/1-4)
- Security awareness training (STCW VI/6, Table A-VI/6-1)
This is your internationally recognised STCW certificate, accepted by employers worldwide immediately. This is also used to apply to AMSA for your CoST card — the legal requirement for working on Australian commercial vessels.
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
- MARF035 – Fire prevention and firefighting
- MARF037 – Vessel security procedures
- MARF041 – Personal safety and social responsibility
- MARF046 – Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment
*You may be exempt from attending the First Aid unit/training. To be exempt, you must hold BOTH of the following Australian first aid units of competency:
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid. (Completed within the past 3 years. We recommend at least 1 year validity on this certificate, if not, complete the course again as part of your enrolment for currency). If exempt, you will be granted credit transfer as part of your enrolment for this unit.
- HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. (Completed within the past 12 months)
Please acknowledge you meet these requirements as part of your booking, administration staff will then verify your certification to ensure you are exempt from First Aid upon enrolment.
How to Get Your AMSA CoST Card
After the course, you’ll apply to AMSA using your STCW Statement of Completion Certificate and Seafarer Form 419.
If you’re in Australia: Lodge in person at any participating Australia Post outlet with your documents and application fee.
If you’re overseas: Email your completed application to STCW.applications@amsa.gov.au and AMSA will advise you on paying the fee online.
For more information head to AMSA’s official website – Click Here
Where Training Takes Place
Classroom: Superyacht Crew Academy, Unit 5a/4 Skyline Place, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086
Firefighting Practical: NSW Mines Rescue Facility
Sea Survival Practical: Warringah Aquatic Centre
We provide a complimentary shuttle to all practical locations outside our office location.
Ready to Get Started?
This is the course that makes you employable at sea. Everything else builds from here.
BOOK ONLINE BY CLICKING THE BOOK NOW BUTTON UP THE TOP OF PAGE IF YOU ARE ON DESKTOP OR DOWN THE BOTTOM ON MOBILE.
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