Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master Up to 24 Metres Near Coastal)

Whilst we pride ourselves on our hands-on training, we have had to adjust most of our courses for study from home and remote learning during the COVID-19 restrictions. This means courses will be delivered using a range of methods including online learning, virtual classrooms, workbooks and direct contact with your teacher.

Given the government restrictions that are now in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Australia, we expect this new model of study will continue until the government makes changes to these restrictions.

This qualification applies to people working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency in the capacity of:

• master on commercial vessels up to 24 m in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or
• chief mate or deck watchkeeper on vessels up to 35 m in length within the EEZ or
• chief mate or deck watchkeeper on vessels up to 80 m in length in inshore

This course will teach you how to operate propulsion systems, steering and navigation systems, radar and other electronic navigation equipment, radio systems and safety management equipment as well as maintenance on most aspects of a vessel. Students will get the chance to get hands on experience with maintenance and operation in each of these topics.

The units of the MAR30918 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master 24 1 Near Coastal) are delivered over 12 months as a self-paced, self-directed distance learning program supported by a 22 day workshop (delivered in class face-to-face) for students requiring additional practical and theory support. Where students have the required minimum 600 days sea service an AMSA form 771 must be submitted. Students without the minimum 600 days sea service will need to complete the AMSA approved Master 24 (Near Coastal) task book with at least 120 days sea service on commercial vessels ≥7.5 m long. If required a Task Book will be provided upon enrolment.

Many students undertaking this course have already completed the below four units as part of another Maritime qualification or as part of the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set.

• 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

As these units form part of this course, students who have not completed them, will be required to attend an additional 4-days (delivered in class face-to-face) sometime within the duration of their course.

The delivery of this qualification is facilitated through a blend of different modes including:

• Workshops (in class face-to-face)
• Online Training (including webinars and skype training sessions to facilitate one-on-one training)
• Self-paced and self-directed learning
• Workplace learning activities (a Task Book completed in the workplace and authenticated by SWTAFE)

All students have access to their own trainer available via phone (Mon to Fri 0800 – 1630) or email and text for additional support.

Please Note:

• The AMSA practical assessment is built into the delivery/ assessment of this course.
• Appropriate clothing and enclosed footwear must be worn at all times while on training vessels and in workshop environment

MAR30918 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal)

The maritime industry has identified vocational outcomes and/or areas of local demand in transport, construction, shipping and tourism sectors along the east coast.

Employment Pathway:

Operate a commercial vessel up to 24m within 200nm of the coastline.

Higher qualification Pathways:

MAR30818 Certificate llI in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

MAR40618 Certificate lV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 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

A general command of spoken and written English, as well as the ability to write a simple report is required.

As a safety consideration, SWTAFE recommends all students be physically fit to carry out all the roles and responsibilities of a Master on a commercial vessel up to 24m within 200nm of the coastline as described under the National Standards for Commercial Vessels – Part D.

Students should also be able to swim (any stroke) a minimum of 50 metres fully clothed.

 Students undertaking this course will be required to complete the minimum sea service requirements (refer AMSA) within 12 months of their start date to be issued with a Certificate.

You need to be employed in this field before commencing this course. If you are currently not employed in this field please contact the Skills and Jobs centre for further advice on 1300 648 911.

To be eligible for this qualification you must successfully complete 14 core units.

Core Units

A combination of practical, and theory assessments will be undertaken. The assessments may consist of written projects, quizzes, and practical observations.

On-line assessment

The process for on-line assessment will be as follows –

• Students download a copy of the assessment from their student portal (this will be downloaded as a protected MS Word document).
• Students complete the assessment before sending it back to the portal for marking.
• In the case of an unsatisfactory submission, students must download the marked file (with assessor’s comments attached) and correct the incorrect responses and send it back for re-marking.
• Students are allowed three (2) submissions in total (initial submission and two (1) resubmissions).
• SWTAFE will undertake to have all assessments marked and returned to students within 14 working days of receiving a
• Assessors will contact a student by phone after an unsuccessful submission to provide additional training to assist the student to complete the second submission.

Practical Assessment

Prior to attending a practical assessment

• Students must complete all the theory
• Students must provide a completed task book and/or appropriate sea
• Students will be allowed 2 attempts, if required, for all practical

Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.

Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.

Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI

Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.

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.
   Check your eligibility
   
   
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.
   Find out more about concession rates
   
   
3. Free TAFE - Students who are eligible for Victorian government-subsidised training 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.
   
   
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 and may be subject to change without notice and given individual circumstances. Your actual fees will be calculated based on your individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. Funding made available to eligible individuals by State and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect future opportunities to access additional funding in the future. 

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.

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

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account, debited from your Centrelink payments or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. 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.

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.

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. Call, email or drop in.

Call 5564 8515 or email skillsandjobscentre@swtafe.edu.au

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

1. Apply - complete a short online application form. Once this form is submitted we'll send you a thank you email.
2. Get ready - your thank-you email will contain links to a pre-training review, to a unique student identifier and to government-subsidised training eligibility.
3. Chat with your teacher - your teacher or course specialist will contact you about your Pre-Training Review outcomes and additional course information.
4. Enrol - after chatting with your teacher, you will receive an email with your enrolment form and a link to verify your identity.
5. Sign - once you've completed your enrolment, you will receive a declaration form to review and sign.

If need any assistance with applying, contact our Customer Service team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

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.