At a glance
Take the next step in your career and enhance your expertise as a maritime seafarer. This course will equip you with specialised skills and knowledge to sail as Ship Master on vessels up to 35 metres in length.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Ship's Mate (Vessels up to 80m)
- Ship's Master
COURSE OUTCOME
MAR40618 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 metres Near Coastal)
Course overview
Take the next step in your career and enhance your expertise as a maritime seafarer. This qualification will equip you with specialised skills and knowledge to sail as Ship Master on vessels up to 35 metres in length.This course is a necessary component of your application to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to gain certification as defined by the National Standard for Commercial Vessels.
Expanding on your developed skill set, this course will equip you with specialised skills to effectively master a vessel up to 35 metres. You will learn to forecast the weather and predict ocean conditions, plan and navigate a passage, manage a propulsion unit, manage a small crew, and act as a chief mate. You will also expand your skills and knowledge to effectively implement safe work practices.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to apply to the national regulator to obtain a Certificate of Competence as a Master <35m Near Coastal.
While studying at TAFE Queensland you will have access to an extensive range of world class maritime training resources including a full mission bridge simulator, an emergency response training simulator, chart room, and radio room.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core units listed below.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| MARA003 |
Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargo | |
| MARA004 |
Manage vessel stability | |
| MARB030 |
Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 80 metres | |
| MARB010 |
Plan and supervise routine maintenance on a vessel up to 80 metres | |
| MARC011 |
Manage a propulsion unit using appropriate engine systems and support services | |
| MARC012 |
Monitor and manage vessel operations | |
| MARC014 |
Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel up to 80 metres | |
| MARF027 |
Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment | |
| MARF028 |
Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel | |
| MARF029 |
Meet work health and safety requirements | |
| MARF030 |
Survive at sea using survival craft | |
| MARF010 |
Work safely in confined spaces on a vessel | |
| MARG002 |
Manage a small crew | |
| MARH015 |
Manage and maintain a navigational watch on board vessels up to 80 metres | |
| MARH016 |
Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres | |
| MARH017 |
Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation | |
| MARH006 |
Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions | |
| MARI004 |
Observe regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 80 metres | |
| MARJ007 |
Monitor environmental management on a vessel | |
| MARK003 |
Manoeuvre a vessel up to 80 metres | |
| MARN004 |
Manage seaworthiness of a vessel up to 80 metres | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
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
What you need to know about studying on campus
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.
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
Payment options
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.
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.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Important Information
Selection criteria
There are no official entry requirements for this course, however it is highly recommended that students hold an AMSA Issued Coxswains Grade 1 or Master 24m licence, or have relevant Watchkeeping experience. To be eligible for an AMSA Master 35m licence, students must have the required Sea Time whilst holding an AMSA Issued Master 24m licence. If you do not hold a current AMSA Issued Master 24m licence, you may complete the Master 35m course, however the licence outcome will be different - you will only be able to obtain a Mate up to 80m.
Please visit https://www.amsa.gov.au/ for Master 35m and Mate 80m 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 MAR40618 certificate students need to complete 21 core subjects of competency. 17 of these 21 units of competency are delivered as part of the Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35m Near Coastal) course over 6 consecutive weeks. In addition, students must complete the 4 units of the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set in order to gain the full MAR40618 qualification. This MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set is completed separately either before or after completion of the 6 week MAR40618 course. Students are given up to 6 months to complete all MAR40618 assessments (tutorials are available).
Participants who have acquired the appropriate Sea Time, and achieved competency in the Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 metres Near Coastal) course may apply to sit the final oral examination (administered by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for a Certificate of Competency as Master up to 35m.
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, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. 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 non synthetic/flammable clothing, safety glasses, and 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, and hat. For fire drills you require a long sleeve shirt, long pants, sunglasses and enclosed shoes.
You are also required to bring a notebook, pens, navigation instruments for chart work (i.e. compass set, parallel rulers, etc.), calculator, 2B pencils, eraser and Small Ships Manual.
Need to know
Licensing / Regulatory information:
Please refer to MAR40618 - Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 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.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees 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.
How to apply
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. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
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 