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National code: MAR40320

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal)

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Overview About this course

Gain the specialist skills and training needed to apply for an AMSA certificate of competency and work as a master on domestic vessels up to 45 metres. You’ll learn to take a high level of professional responsibility for the safety of others when you graduate and work in this exciting sector.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Monitor and manage vessel operations

  • Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel up to 80m

  • Manage the loading, discharging and stowing of cargo

  • Observe regulations to ensure the safe operation of a vessel

  • Plan and navigate a passage on a larger commercial vessel

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Skills in handling strategies and resource management (crew, water, fuel, food, spare parts)

  • Exposure to survival techniques in a safe, simulated environment

  • The ability to prevent and minimise fire risk, including fighting a fire on board a vessel

  • Strong leadership and seamanship skills

  • Eligibility to apply for a Master less than 45 metres near coastal certificate of competency through AMSA

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • Successful completion of the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) or an equivalent or higher qualification as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • The ability to contact a headteacher prior to starting the course to discuss your experience and goals

  • Employment or experience in the maritime industry

  • An AMSA Master Less Than 24m Certificate of Competency or equivalent / higher qualification

  • The ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket and in work attire

  • No history of acute ocean sickness

  • The ability to work in various weather conditions in a moving environment

  • Learning, reading, writing, literacy, and numeracy competencies at the level of year 10 at high school

  • A free Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. This assessment helps us to work with you to understand your individual study needs, to direct you to the right course for you and to give you the personalised support you need to succeed.

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.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Ship's Master

Ship's Masters control and manage the operation of ships or boats.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    86%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    600 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    47 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $2,260

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    48 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    High

  • Gender share

    3% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Strong Growth

Other jobs include: master on commercial vessels up to 45m long within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), master on vessels up to 80m long in inshore waters and chief mate or deck watchkeeper on vessels up to 80m long within the EEZ.

Licensing

The Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA) sets specific requirements for each maritime qualification to ensure you are ready to join the industry. Once you graduate from your TAFE NSW course, you will be assessed against the relevant requirements through an AMSA examination process. Once you pass the exam and become certified, you will be able to apply for roles and work in the industry. Graduating from this course only meets part of the AMSA exam criteria. You will need to meet other requirements including minimum age, minimum professional sea time hours and medical and eyesight assessments which need to be arranged by you. Visit the AMSA website for more information.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 1 Course

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

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

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 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 22 units of competency, including 22 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.

  • Provide First Aid HLTAID011

  • Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargo MARA022

  • Manage vessel stability MARA024

  • Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 80 metres MARB030

  • ... 6

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

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