Gain the specialist skills and training needed to apply for an AMSA certificate of competency and work as a master on domestic vessels up to 45 metres. You’ll learn to take a high level of professional responsibility for the safety of others when you graduate and work in this exciting sector.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Monitor and manage vessel operations
Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel up to 80m
Manage the loading, discharging and stowing of cargo
Observe regulations to ensure the safe operation of a vessel
Plan and navigate a passage on a larger commercial vessel
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Skills in handling strategies and resource management (crew, water, fuel, food, spare parts)
Exposure to survival techniques in a safe, simulated environment
The ability to prevent and minimise fire risk, including fighting a fire on board a vessel
Strong leadership and seamanship skills
Eligibility to apply for a Master less than 45 metres near coastal certificate of competency through AMSA
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Successful completion of the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) or an equivalent or higher qualification as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
The ability to contact a headteacher prior to starting the course to discuss your experience and goals
Employment or experience in the maritime industry
An AMSA Master Less Than 24m Certificate of Competency or equivalent / higher qualification
The ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket and in work attire
No history of acute ocean sickness
The ability to work in various weather conditions in a moving environment
Learning, reading, writing, literacy, and numeracy competencies at the level of year 10 at high school
A free Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. This assessment helps us to work with you to understand your individual study needs, to direct you to the right course for you and to give you the personalised support you need to succeed.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Ship's Masters control and manage the operation of ships or boats.
86%
600 workers
47 years
$2,260
48 hours
High
3% female
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: master on commercial vessels up to 45m long within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), master on vessels up to 80m long in inshore waters and chief mate or deck watchkeeper on vessels up to 80m long within the EEZ.
The Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA) sets specific requirements for each maritime qualification to ensure you are ready to join the industry. Once you graduate from your TAFE NSW course, you will be assessed against the relevant requirements through an AMSA examination process. Once you pass the exam and become certified, you will be able to apply for roles and work in the industry. Graduating from this course only meets part of the AMSA exam criteria. You will need to meet other requirements including minimum age, minimum professional sea time hours and medical and eyesight assessments which need to be arranged by you. Visit the AMSA website for more information.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) does not have any post-graduate courses.
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 22 units of competency, including 22 core and 0 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community