This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification applies to people working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification in the capacity of Master on vessels up to 45 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Duties and Functions
Duties and functions for which AMSA certificate of competency is required are listed in the MAR Maritime Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
This qualification is currently cited as meeting some of the requirements for certification as:
- Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal as specified in Marine Order 505
- Chief Mate up to 100 metres Near Coastal as specified in Marine Order 505.
Certification as a Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal will require achievement of:
- MAR40324 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal), and
- Certification as a Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal,
- long range operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) issued by ACMA (or higher qualification),
- having passed final assessment as specified in Marine Order 505 and
- holding a current first aid certificate as specified in Marine Order 505.
Seafarers seeking certification should check with AMSA.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
2 years
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment | Core |
| Command and manage a voyage on a vessel up to 45 metres (Near coastal) | Core |
| Enter and work in confined spaces | Core |
| Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel | Core |
| Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions | Core |
| Manage a propulsion unit using appropriate engine systems and support services | Core |
| Manage a small crew | Core |
| Manage and maintain a navigational watch on board vessels up to 100 metres | Core |
| Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargo | Core |
| Manage seaworthiness of a vessel up to 100 metres | Core |
| Manage vessel stability | Core |
| Manoeuvre a vessel up to 100 metres | Core |
| Meet work health and safety requirements | Core |
| Monitor and manage vessel operations | Core |
| Monitor environmental management on a vessel | Core |
| Observe regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 100 metres | Core |
| Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel up to 100 metres | Core |
| Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 100 metres | Core |
| Plan and supervise routine maintenance on a vessel up to 100 metres | Core |
| Provide First Aid | Core |
| Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 100 metres | Core |
| Survive at sea using survival craft | Core |
| Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation | Core |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Marine Engineer
ANZSCO 231212
Marine Engineers control and manage the operation and maintenance of ship's plants and equipment.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Ship's Master
ANZSCO 231213
Ship's Masters control and manage the operation of ships or boats.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Ship's Officer
ANZSCO 231214
Ship's Officers navigate and control the safe operation of ships and supervise and coordinate the activities of deck crew.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Other Marine Transport Professional
ANZSCO 231299
Other Marine Transport Professionals includes jobs like Boating Safety Officer, Marine Safety Officer, and Vessel Traffic Officer.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal)
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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WHITSUNDAY MARITIME TRAINING CENTRE (RTO code 6028)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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ECA Maritime College (RTO code 31344)
Contact this provider
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Paradigm Maritime College (RTO code 41059)
Contact this provider
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Rail Ready (RTO code 90440)
Contact this provider
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Sea School International Pty Ltd (RTO code 91732)
Contact this provider
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SEAFOOD AND MARITIME INDUSTRIES TRAINING LTD (RTO code 1112)
Contact this provider
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Seafood Training Tas (RTO code 7074)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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University of Tasmania (RTO code 60131)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.