OverviewAbout this course
Challenge yourself to become Master of international vessels as you develop the skills needed to work as a Master or Chief Mate on commercial vessels up to 500 GT in the Australian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and in international waters.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Develop skills in ship handling
Lead and manage a ship crew
Conduct safe navigational watches in a variety of conditions
Conduct fire-fighting as a team and manage emergency responses
Provide first aid onboard a vessel
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Experience in managing firefighting and fire prevention activities onboard a vessel
Exposure to conducting emergency response drills and man-overboard drills using life-saving equipment in simulated environments
Train on an AMSA-approved Ship's Bridge Simulator to analyse information from bridge equipment and conduct a safe navigational watch in a variety of conditions
Eligibility to apply for a Master less than 500 gross tonnage vessel Certificate of Competency through AMSA
First Aid certification
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Before your first day of class you must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 4 across the Learning, Numeracy and Oral Communcation bands,a score of 3 across the Reading and Writing bands and 2 across one band of Digital Literacy. This helps us to determine that your skills match the demands of the course, to direct you to an alternative study option or to provide you with the appropriate support for your success. Your teacher will let you know when this must be completed.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
The ability to attend practical assessment sessions on campus and/or at related facilities
The ability to bring suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for your assessments
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A Master less than 35 Metres Near Coastal Certificate of Competency, a Master less than 80 Metres Near Coastal Certificate of Competency, or have equivalent experience
The ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket and in work attire
A resistance to acute ocean sickness
The ability to perform basic trigonometry at Year 10 level maths or equivalent
Comfort working safely in confined spaces on a vessel
The ability to supply or use your existing Personal Protective Equipment like safety shoes and protective clothing
The ability to supply navigation and plotting equipment like a scientific calculator, parallel rulers, compasses and dividers
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.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like: master or chief mate on ships less than 500 gross tonnage in any operating area, watchkeeper deck officer on ships of any gross tonnage in any operating area, master and chief mate on ships less than 3000 gross tonnage in near coastal waters and able seafarer - on deck.
Licensing
To work as a master on commercial vessels up to 500 gross tonnage, you need to attain the AMSA Certificate of Competency. To be eligible for this license, you need to meet the following requirements: be at least 16 years old; hold either a Master less than 35 metres near coastal or Mate less than 80 metres near coastal Certificate of Competency; meet medical, eyesight, sea service and course requirements as indicated on the AMSA website and successfully complete the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT). Please see the AMSA website for further information.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study1 Course
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT) does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT) does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
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.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 26 units of competency, including 0 core and 26 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.
Provide First AidHLTAID011
Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship stability)MARA017
Monitor, loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargoMARA025
Apply leadership and team working capabilityMARF031
- ... 5
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
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