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    National code: MAR50320

    Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT)

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    Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT)
    Overview

    About this course

    Challenge yourself to become master of international vessels. Develop the skills needed to work as a master or chief mate on commercial vessels up to 500 gross tonnes (GT) in the Australian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and in international waters.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • develop ship handling skills

    • lead and manage a ship’s crew

    • conduct safe navigational watches in a range of conditions

    • work as part of a firefighting team and manage emergency responses

    • provide first aid onboard a vessel.

    Course outcomes

    Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    • Experience managing firefighting and fire prevention activities onboard a vessel.

    • Participating in emergency response and man-overboard drills using life-saving equipment in simulated environments.

    • Training on an AMSA-approved ship’s bridge simulator to analyse information from bridge equipment and maintain 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 the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

    • First aid certification.

    Suitability

    Is 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. To meet the course requirements, you must achieve level 4 in learning, numeracy and oral communication, level 3 in reading and writing, and level 2 in one digital literacy band.

    • This helps us check that your skills match the demands of the course. It also helps us to recommend an alternative study option or provide the right support for your success. Your teacher will let you know when you need to complete this.

    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 equivalent experience

    • the ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket and while wearing work attire

    • resistance to acute ocean sickness

    • the ability to perform basic trigonometry at Year 10 level or equivalent

    • comfort working safely in confined spaces on a vessel

    • the ability to supply or use your own personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety shoes and protective clothing

    • the ability to supply navigation and plotting equipment, such as a scientific calculator, parallel rulers, compasses and dividers.

    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.

    Find Your Fit

    This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.

    Start quiz
    Pathways

    Future 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 or chief mate on ships less than 3000 gross tonnage in near coastal waters and able seafarer (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: - 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 - successfully complete the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT). Visit the AMSA website for more information.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    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

    Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.

    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.

    Units

    Units 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 19 core and 7 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 services

    Facilities 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

    Study options

    Find a location to enrol