This certificate enables you to work as a Master or Chief mate on vessels less than 500 gross tonnage in any operating area and as Watchkeeper deck officer on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area.
With this certificate you can perform the duties or functions of:
- 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 and chief mate on ships less than 3000 gross tonnage in near coastal waters.
- Able seafarer—deck.
In addition to successful completion of this course, 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 and eyesight requirements
- Completed qualifying sea service time as either understudy of the officer in charge of a navigational watch or equivalent. Please refer to AMSA website below for further information
- Pass a Final Assessment at an AMSA office.
Refer to the following information on the AMSA website(opens in a new tab) for further details.
People seeking certification should contact the marine regulators, Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Phone: Head Office (02) 6279 5000 (8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday EST) or visit the website(opens in a new tab) .
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 37 weeks.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 2 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.
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred study mode below to get started with your application.