University of Tasmania
3.5 years minimum, up to 8 years maximum
Prepare for a maritime career as a certified deck officer through this 3.5-year program combining classroom instruction with sea-time training. Gain AMSA certification and the skills to safely navigate and manage commercial vessels worldwide.
Applicants must have completed Year 12 education or equivalent. Course-specific requirements include satisfactory achievement in Mathematics General and Physical Sciences (or equivalent Chemistry or Physics). International students require IELTS (Academic) 5.5 with no band below 5.0, or PTE Academic 43 with no score lower than 36. Students not meeting prerequisites can complete the Foundation Studies Program. A Safe to Practice Agreement confirming medical, physical, and psychological capacity for professional placements is mandatory.
Year 1 (Pre-Sea Deck) covers Fundamentals of Marine Navigation, Shipboard Operations, Marine Communications, and mandatory safety training including Elementary First Aid, Fire Prevention and Fighting, Personal Safety, Personal Survival Techniques, Security Awareness, Marine Confined Space Entry, Marine Damage Control, Long Range Radio Operations, and Tanker Familiarisation. Year 2 (Watchkeeper Deck) includes Marine Electronic Navigation, Navigational Watchkeeping, Marine Transportation, Ship Stability and Seaworthiness, Shipboard Operations II, Nautical Mathematics, Marine Navigation, Weather Watchkeeping, and Bridge Equipment. Advanced training covers Advanced Fire Fighting, Survival Craft Operations, Maritime Environmental Awareness, Teamworking and Leadership, Medical First Aid at Sea, GMDSS, and ECDIS. Work-integrated learning includes mandatory sea-time with shipboard operational experience units.
The University of Tasmania's Advanced Maritime College (AMC) is Australia's premier maritime training institution, offering AMSA-approved qualifications that meet international STCW Convention standards. The program combines rigorous academic instruction with practical sea-time training, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for professional maritime careers. AMC's experienced instructors, state-of-the-art marine simulator facilities, and established relationships with shipping companies provide students with authentic industry experience and employment pathways.
Graduates become AMSA-certified deck officers eligible to work as Watchkeepers, Mates, and Masters on commercial vessels worldwide. Career opportunities extend beyond sea-going positions to senior shore-based roles including shipyard management, fleet management, crew management, marine superintendency, maritime surveying, marine insurance, and maritime education. The qualification also provides pathways to further study in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) degree.
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