TAFE NSW
7 weeks to 12 months depending on study option
Become a qualified master of vessels up to 24 metres in Australian coastal waters. This nationally recognised Certificate III combines theory and practical training to develop your navigation, leadership and seamanship skills, preparing you for AMSA certification and a career commanding commercial, fishing and tourist vessels.
You must hold a Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) and a Coxswain Grade 1 Certificate of Competency from AMSA. You must have relevant experience in the maritime industry that can be used as qualifying sea service towards AMSA Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal Certificate of Competency. You should have the physical capability to perform duties of a Master including mooring, anchoring and shipboard maintenance, resistance to chronic seasickness, ability to work in all weather conditions, capacity to move around a vessel and board survival craft unassisted, and ability to meet minimum medical fitness standards as stipulated by AMSA.
The course comprises 15 units of competency, including 12 core units and 3 specialty units. Core units cover: observing regulations for safe vessel operation up to 100 metres, managing navigational watches, applying survival skills, slipping or docking vessels, supporting workplace relationships, providing first aid, monitoring environmental management, manoeuvring vessels up to 24 metres in Near Coastal waters, performing routine maintenance, conducting seamanship operations, meeting work health and safety requirements, and fire prevention procedures. Specialty units include surviving at sea using survival craft, using wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation, and planning and navigating passages for vessels up to 100 metres.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised training provider offering maritime qualifications aligned with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) standards. The institution provides comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, careers counselling, and access to learning resources. With multiple campus locations across New South Wales and flexible study options, TAFE NSW delivers practical, industry-focused training that prepares graduates for immediate employment in the maritime industry.
Upon completion and AMSA certification, graduates can pursue careers as masters commanding commercial vessels up to 24 metres in Australian domestic waters. This qualification provides a strong pathway to further study in maritime operations, including Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) and Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck). Career opportunities extend across the commercial fishing, tourism, and domestic shipping industries.
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