
Learn to navigate the seas and build a career as master of vessels up to 24 m in Australian coastal waters. Take on challenges as you lead crews on fishing, commercial and tourist vessels.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 m in coastal waters
instruct your crew
keep detailed records and logbooks
plan and navigate passages for vessels up to 100 m
use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation.
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Eligibility to apply for Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal certification through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Confidence to command and lead your crew.
Resilience to meet the challenges of life at sea.
A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
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 the AMSA Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.
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 physical capability to learn and perform the duties of a Master up to 24 m Near Coastal, including mooring, anchoring and shipboard maintenance on deck and in the engine room
resistance to chronic seasickness
the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions
the capacity to move around a vessel and board survival craft unassisted
the ability to meet minimum medical fitness standards as stipulated for Master less than 24 metres Near Coastal on the AMSA website.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Our graduates go onto roles like: master on commercial vessels up to 24 m in Australian domestic waters
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) sets the rules for each maritime qualification to make sure you’re fully prepared to work in that role. After finishing your TAFE NSW course, you’ll need to apply to AMSA and satisfy any certification prerequisites such as sea time and minimum medical fitness standards. For full details, visit the AMSA website. Obtaining AMSA certification allows you to apply for jobs in the maritime industry.
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
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 III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 15 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.
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