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

This course is designed for those looking to start or advance a career in the maritime industry. This hands-on course gives you the practical skills and operational knowledge required to command commercial vessels up to 24 metres in length in near coastal waters.

You will be enrolled for six months and participate in seven weeks of classes; the course combines classroom learning, practical vessel-based training, and Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) mandated practical assessments. You will develop skills in navigation, vessel operations, safety procedures, seamanship, marine regulations, and crew management while working in realistic maritime environments.

Throughout this course, you will develop the practical and theoretical skills needed to operate and command commercial vessels in near-coastal waters safely.

You will learn how to:

• Navigate and operate commercial vessels up to 24 metres
• Plan and manage voyages in near coastal environments
• Apply maritime safety procedures and emergency response techniques
• Interpret weather, tides, and navigational information
• Operate marine radios and communication equipment
• Conduct vessel maintenance and seaworthiness checks
• Manage crew operations and onboard safety
• Apply maritime legislation and AMSA regulatory requirements
• Perform survival at sea and fire safety procedures
• Undertake practical vessel handling and seamanship activities

You will also complete AMSA Mandated Practical Assessments (AMPAs) and may have the opportunity to complete the Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP).

The learning and assessment of this course will be face-to-face, five days per week, 9.00am to 4.30pm, for six weeks.

Student completion support sessions will be available throughout the course to assist students with completing assessments and meeting competency requirements. These sessions may be delivered face-to-face and will be supported by qualified maritime trainers and assessors.

On completion of the six weeks of learning and assessment, one additional week will be dedicated to AMSA Mandated Practical Assessments (AMPAs), supported completion activities, and an opportunity to complete the Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP). These sessions will be delivered face-to-face, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm, at the primary SWTAFE campus of the enrolled intake or onboard the SWTAFE training vessel Aqua Jack, as required.

Note: Elements of this course may be delivered from another SWTAFE campus or maritime training location, including but not limited to Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland. Students may be required to make their own way to these locations depending on transport availability, weather conditions, and staffing requirements.

Upon completing this course, you may find employment in a range of maritime and marine industry roles, including:

• Commercial Vessel Master (up to 24 m Near Coastal)
• Charter Boat Operator
• Fishing Vessel Operator
• Tourism and Eco-Tourism Vessel Operator
• General Purpose Hand (GPH)
• Master Inland Waters
• Marine Transport Crew Member
• Emergency Services Marine Operator
• Deck Watchkeeper or Chief Mate pathway roles

This qualification provides a pathway into further maritime study, including the MAR40324 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal).

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

To enrol in this course, you must be: 

• At least 16 years of age
• Physically fit and capable swimmer

To be eligible for this qualification, you must complete 15 units, 12 core and 3 electives.

Core Units

Elective Units

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
   Find out more about subsidised training
   
   
2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
   Find out more about concession rates
   
   
3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
   Find out more about Free TAFE
   Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs
   
   
4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

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Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

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1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS
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1. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)
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1. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.
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Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

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There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.

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1. Apply – Submit your online application form.
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2. LLN Assessment – Complete an LLN assessment if required.
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3. Chat to our team – Discuss your course and study plan with a teacher or specialist.
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4. Enrol – Accept your offer and confirm your details.
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5. Pay – Receive your invoice and arrange payment.
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Need help? Contact us or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.