This certificate allows you to perform the duties or functions of Master, Chief mate or Watchkeeper deck officer on ships of any gross tonnage in any operating area.
Holding a Watchkeeper deck or Master less than 500 GT certificate of competency may allow you to receive up to 15 units credit or recognition of prior learning with continued sea service and competencies. This may potentially reduce the duration of the course up to 14 weeks.
In addition to successful completion of Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requires students to successfully complete each of the following to be issued with a new certificate of competency:
- Meet medical test requirements
- Completed qualifying sea service as an officer in charge of a navigational watch in accordance with AMSA requirements, see link below.
- Pass a final assessment at an AMSA office
People seeking certification should contact the marine regulators, Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Phone: (02) 6279 5000 (8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday EST) or visit the website(opens in a new tab) .
2021 dates TBC
This qualification runs for a duration between 27 and 40 weeks.
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2021 through to 31 December 2021 you'll only pay half the course fees (plus resource fee), capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more.
This course is part of the Lower fees, local skills initiative where you'll only pay half the course fees until December 2021. Fees are capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession, plus resource fees and other fees that may apply to your course. Find out more
This course is a VET Student Loan eligible course. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible.
To find out if you are eligible or to see the list of eligible courses visit our Student Loans page.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of WACE General or ATAR (Minimum C Grades) or equivalent | Completion of WACE General or ATAR or equivalent (minimum C Grades) | Certificate III |
Attendance in class
This course is equivalent to 5 days per week when studied full time across two semesters.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 3 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
Work placement is not a requirement of this course.
What you need
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pen, pencil, exercise book, eraser, folder for notebooks and handouts) and wear enclosed footwear.
In addition, the following dress requirements/PPE is required at all classes:
- Safety steel-capped work boots must be worn during engineering classes. Heavy leather uppers and heavy duty soles.
- No sand shoe volley type of footwear allowed (even with steel caps)
- Overalls during engineering classes
- Water, food, hat and sunscreen for boat days
Fremantle Campus does not have a cafeteria but has basic kitchen facilities (kettle, microwave, fridge).
Parking is available but please ensure apprentices arrive early on the first day to organise parking permit at the Customer Service counter.
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Become a specialist in your field with university study
The information about university credit points and tuition costs provides a general guide only. SM TAFE recommends students discuss credit points with the university or college of their choice at the time of graduation.
Australian Maritime College
This course has a study pathway to the Australian Maritime College(opens in a new tab) as of September 2018.
- Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations to Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science) - The conversion pathway provides an opportunity for Australian and International Ship Officers to convert their existing professional and academic qualifications to a Bachelor of Applied Science (Nautical Science).
To be eligible students must have completed:
- STCW Management level (Master Class 1 I STCW A-II/2) studies and;
- MAR60315 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited)
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred study mode below to get started with your application.