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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.

Apply now
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STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 01 Jun 2026 Duration: 6 weeks View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$2,925
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$3,630
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$6,885
Eligibility calculator
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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

  • 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

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
01 Jun 2026
6 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
demo

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
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 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm
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
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.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
06 Oct 2026
6 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
demo

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
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 5 days per week 8:30am - 4:30pm
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
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.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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:

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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

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