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MAR30921
Embark upon a maritime career with this entry level qualification. This course is perfect for an anyone who wants to upgrade their qualification and grow their career as marine transport professionals.
Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more
There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more
This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.
Set yourself on the path to success with this entry-level maritime course. Learn the basic skills needed to be competitive in various roles including marina hand or master (of vessels up to 24 metres). According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the marine transport sector is expected to experience growth in the coming years. They anticipate there will be around 2,000 job openings for marine transport professionals over the next five years with around 30 per cent of these roles located in Queensland.
This course covers a number of core skills needed to successfully gain certification from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. You'll learn to survive at sea using a survival craft, slip or dock a vessel, maintain hull on a vessel up to 80 metres, and how to use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation. You will be led by industry professionals who will guide you through your course and enable you to successfully reach your goals.
Successfully completing this course will allow you to seek registration with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and gain employment in roles including marina hand, master (inland waters) or master (of vessels up to 24 metres).
MAR30921 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)
Our 20 metre commercially registered vessel “MV Gwendoline May” is configured to meet the practical requirements of relevant training programs in the maritime industry giving you access to real-world training.
When you choose to study this qualification at TAFE Queensland you’ll have access to an extensive range of state-of-the-art training resources, including full mission bridge simulator and the emergency response training simulator.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core units listed below.
You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart
| CAMPUS | STUDY MODE | START DATE | DURATION | WORKLOAD | WHAT YOU'LL PAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
|
On Campus
|
28 Jul 2025
|
6 weeks
|
Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
|
|
Great Barrier Reef International Marine CollegeOn Campus
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
28 Jul 2025
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
6 weeks
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
|
|||||
|
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
|
On Campus
|
27 Oct 2025
|
6 weeks
|
Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
|
|
Great Barrier Reef International Marine CollegeOn Campus
START DATE
The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly.
27 Oct 2025
DURATION
The total length of time it takes to complete the course.
6 weeks
Workload
The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.
Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format
Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.
Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS
Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).
No
ASSESSMENT
The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.
On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS
The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
|
|||||
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Learn moreThis may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Learn moreYou will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.
The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.
Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.
Read the Skills Check FAQs.
Students are advised to please note that AMSA has Commercial Sea Time and other requirements that are to met to gain a Master 24m licence. It is highly recommended that students have previous Commercial Vessel experience before attending the course.
Please visit Master less than 24 metres near coastal (amsa.gov.au) for Master 24m Licence Requirements.
It is also recommended that students be 16 years of age, have a minimum of Year 10 with a sound achievement in English and Mathematics or the equivalent, or gain mature age entry. To obtain a full MAR30921 certificate, students need to complete 15 core subjects of competency. 10 of these 15 units of competency are delivered as part of the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) course over 6 consecutive weeks. In addition, students must complete the 4 units of the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set and HLTAID011 Provide First Aid in order to gain the full MAR30921 qualification. The MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set and HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, are completed separately either before or after completion of the 6 week MAR30921 course. Students are given up to 6 months to complete all MAR30921 assessments (tutorials are available).
On successful completion of the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) qualification, the student will also have completed the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment. They then may request an Interim Certificate of Competency once they have completed the Certificate of Competency Application Form 426 ensuring that the declaration section is signed. This is also subject to the student meeting the AMSA criteria requirements as per Master less than 24 metres near coastal (amsa.gov.au).
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network. It is also recommended that you have access to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Guidance Notes.
You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes.
For Elements of Shipboard Safety this includes having access to and wearing appropriate attire including:
You will not be permitted to attend any classes without appropriate footwear.
For wet drills you also require:
For fire drills you require:
You are also required to bring a notebook, pens, compass set, parallel rules, calculator, 2B pencils and eraser.
Licensing / Regulatory information:
Please refer to MAR30921 - Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal).
This qualification has been replaced by MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations as of 21 November 2024. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 20 November 2025. Students who have not fully completed this qualification prior to this date will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about University Pathways
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
