MAR30924

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

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.

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STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 02 Feb 2026 Duration: 7 weeks View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$2,925

Subsidised

$3,630

Full Fee

$6,885

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

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 100 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).

What can I do?

Chief Mate (Vessels up to 45 metres)
Master (Commercial Vessels up to 24 metres)
Deck Watchkeeper (Vessels up to 45 metres)
Chief Mate (Vessels up to 100 metres, inshore waters)
Deck Watchkeeper (Vessels up to 100 metres, inshore waters)

Course outcome:

MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

Training vessel

"Diversity" is GBRIMC's 19 metre commercially registered vessel and is utilised to meet the practical requirements of relevant maritime training programs.

Technology

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.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core units listed below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBLDR301

Support effective workplace relationships

UNIT CODE :
BSBLDR301

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather information and support effective relationships and networks, with particular regard to communication and representation.
UNIT NAME
Support effective workplace relationships

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE
MARB029

Perform routine maintenance on a vessel up to 24 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARB029

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform routine remedial, preventative and survey deck maintenance. It includes basic deck maintenance, cleaning tasks, marine painting, and servicing deck machinery and systems on commercial vessels up to 24 m.
UNIT NAME
Perform routine maintenance on a vessel up to 24 metres

UNIT CODE
MARB060

Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARB060

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to slip or dock a vessel of up to 100 metres and carry out all required maintenance procedures to manage hull deterioration and maintain the watertight integrity of the vessel.
UNIT NAME
Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE
MARF028

Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

UNIT CODE :
MARF028

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply defined policies and procedures when carrying out fire minimisation procedures and fighting a fire on board a vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

UNIT CODE
MARF029

Meet work health and safety requirements

UNIT CODE :
MARF029

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to follow defined work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures to ensure the safety of self, others on board and the vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW in waters to the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Meet work health and safety requirements

UNIT CODE
MARF030

Survive at sea using survival craft

UNIT CODE :
MARF030

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to survive at sea using survival craft. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Survive at sea using survival craft

UNIT CODE
MARF060

Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

UNIT CODE :
MARF060

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment.
UNIT NAME
Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

UNIT CODE
MARH017

Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation

UNIT CODE :
MARH017

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to maintain safe navigation of a commercial vessel through the use of radar and other equipment used for the navigation of a vessel.
UNIT NAME
Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation

UNIT CODE
MARH036

Manage and maintain a navigational watch on board vessels up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARH036

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply the recommended principles to be observed in managing and maintaining a navigational watch on board vessels up to 100 metres.
UNIT NAME
Manage and maintain a navigational watch on board vessels up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE
MARH037

Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARH037

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan and safely conduct a passage on a vessel up to 100 metres, including obtaining and interpreting weather information and position fixing.
UNIT NAME
Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE
MARI006

Observe regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARI006

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply current Commonwealth, state and territory Acts, legislation, codes of practice and other publications pertaining to the safe operation of a vessel up to 100 metres.
UNIT NAME
Observe regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 100 metres

UNIT CODE
MARJ007

Monitor environmental management on a vessel

UNIT CODE :
MARJ007

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to monitor the implementation of environmental management policies and procedures on a vessel up to 80 m to ensure compliance with marine regulations and environmental considerations.
UNIT NAME
Monitor environmental management on a vessel

UNIT CODE
MARK008

Manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 metres within near coastal waters

UNIT CODE :
MARK008

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manoeuvre a vessel of up to 24 m in length within Near Coastal (NC) waters.
UNIT NAME
Manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 metres within near coastal waters

UNIT CODE
MARN009

Perform seamanship operations on board a vessel up to 24 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARN009

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply practical seamanship skills and techniques as part of operations on board a vessel up to 24 m.
UNIT NAME
Perform seamanship operations on board a vessel up to 24 metres

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

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	02 Feb 2026	7 weeks	Full time 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm	Concession: $2,925 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,630 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,885 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 02 Feb 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 7 weeks The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,925 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,630 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,885 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	01 Jun 2026	7 weeks	Full time 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm	Concession: $2,925 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,630 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,885 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 01 Jun 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 7 weeks The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,925 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,630 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,885 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	06 Oct 2026	7 weeks	Full time 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm	Concession: $2,925 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,630 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,885 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 06 Oct 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 7 weeks The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $2,925 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,630 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,885 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) (MAR30924)

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Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

COURSE CODE: MAR30924

Payment Options

How can I pay for this 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.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You 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.

Selection criteria

It is recommended that you meet all of the following criteria:

Have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent) with sound achievement in English and Mathematics or are of mature age.
Be at least 16 years of age (at time of commencement) to be eligible for a related AMSA Certificate of Competency/licence.

Physical Fitness Requirements for Maritime Training

To ensure safety and success in practical maritime training, you must possess a suitable level of physical fitness. This includes the ability to:

Lift and carry equipment safely
Climb ladders and access various parts of a vessel
Perform physically demanding tasks in dynamic marine environments
These capabilities are essential for participating in onboard activities, emergency drills, and other hands-on components of the training program.

If you are enrolling into the Shipboard Safety Units (MARF028, MARF029, MARF030, MARF060) you will also be required to demonstrate water competency by:

Swimming a distance of 50 metres while wearing a life jacket
Remaining afloat for 5 minutes while wearing work clothes, both with and without a life jacket
Pulling yourself unaided into a life raft while wearing a life jacket

These requirements are essential for participating in onboard training and emergency preparedness exercises.

Resources required

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.

TAFE Queensland students have access to Microsoft 365 apps & services. For more information: TQ Student Access to Microsoft 365

Personal Equipment

Personal stationery
Navigation instruments (are required for chart work)
2B pencils
USB memory device
Calculator
Notebook

Learning Resources
Have access to: 

Australian Boating Manual by Capt. Dick Gandy 
Small Ships Manual

Personal Protective Equipment
Industry-appropriate clothing, including: 

Steel-capped footwear for all workshop and vessel operations
Clothing that meets current industry safety standards

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes. 

For the Shipboard Safety units (MARF028, MARF029, MARF030, MARF060) you will require the following:

non synthetic/flammable clothing
safety glasses
enclosed shoes

You will not be permitted to attend any classes without appropriate footwear.

For wet drills you also require:

clothes to get wet in (similar to work clothes, but no wet suits)
a second set of clothes (to change into)
a towel
sunscreen
hat

For fire drills you require:

a long sleeve shirt
long pants
sunglasses
enclosed shoes

Important information

The Shipboard Safety units and the first aid unit are delivered in a separate block from the other units in this course.
For intake dates, please refer to:

MARSS0008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set - units MARF028, MARF029, MARF030, MARF060
SSHLT0031 First Aid and CPR Skill Set - unit HLTAID011

Additional AMSA requirements Information
Please see AMSA Information regarding the AMSA Certificate of Competency requirements.

 AMSA mandated practical assessments (AMPA)
On successful completion of this qualification, you will have completed the AMSA mandated practical assessments (AMPA). This will be issued on the last day of the course. The AMPA will expire 12 months after the first date listed on the AMPA. (Not the final sign off date).

Please see detailed AMPA Information.

Interim Certificate of Competency
If you have applied for a AMSA certificate of competency you can request an Interim Certificate of Competency from the Assessor. This is subject to the student and assessor meeting the AMSA criteria requirements as per the AMSA process.

Licensing / Regulatory information:
Please refer to MAR30924 - Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

Assessment methods

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.

Pathways

University pathways

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

How to apply

Direct application

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.

Course disclaimer

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.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

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.

Learn more

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Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Training vessel

Technology

Core units

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Physical Fitness Requirements for Maritime Training

Resources required

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers