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Certificate III in Maritime Operations

This qualification is the training behind an AMSA certificate of competency as master of a commercial vessel up to 24 metres, working within the exclusive economic zone.

  • Duration: 2 months to 1 year
  • Study mode: Online and on campus
  • Course code: MAR30924

Where you can study this course

Where
Study mode

  • TAFE NSW

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    Campuses
    7 campuses
    Duration
    2 months to 1 year
    Study mode
    Varies by campus
    Full fee
    $9,970
    Eligible students: subsidised from $1,480, concession $240

    What students say

    Many students speak well of the facilities and campus, and some rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching and student support, and some found the organisation and admin frustrating.

  • University of Tasmania

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    Campuses
    17 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Students often praise the facilities and campus, and opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching. Some students found organisation and admin frustrating, and some felt student support was lacking.

  • TAFE Gippsland

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    Campuses
    11 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

  • TAFE Queensland

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    Campuses
    30 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

    What students say

    Many students rate the facilities and campus highly. Some found course content and organisation and admin frustrating, while opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching.

  • Central Regional TAFE

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    Campuses
    2 campuses
    Duration
    Not stated by provider
    Study mode
    Online and on campus
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

  • South Metropolitan TAFE

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    Campuses
    Fremantle
    Duration
    Not stated by provider
    Study mode
    Varies by campus
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

    What students say

    Students often rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on both teaching and campus facilities. Some also found student support frustrating to access.

  • North Regional TAFE

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    Campuses
    Broome
    Duration
    Not stated by provider
    Study mode
    On campus
    Full fee
    Not stated by provider

  • South West Institute of TAFE

    Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
    Campuses
    5 campuses
    Duration
    Not yet checked
    Study mode
    Not yet checked
    Full fee
    Not yet checked

Last reviewed 20 September 2026.

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Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

  • Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.
  • Yes. This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Master up to 24 metres NC under Marine Order 505. AMSA also requires a long range operator Certificate of Proficiency, qualifying sea service, medical fitness and a final assessment.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:

  • an interest in working on the water
  • a calm head in changing conditions
  • good communication skills with a crew
  • a practical approach to maintenance and safety

What will you learn?

You learn to manage and maintain a navigational watch, manoeuvre the vessel in near coastal waters, and run the seamanship tasks that keep a working boat safe and legal, from routine maintenance and slipping the hull to firefighting, first aid and survival at sea. The course also covers the regulations and environmental management that come with carrying passengers or cargo. Keep in mind that finishing the qualification is only part of the process: AMSA also asks for sea service, a marine radio certificate, medical fitness and a final assessment before it issues the certificate.

  • Navigational watch keeping
  • Manoeuvring near coastal vessels
  • Vessel maintenance and slipping
  • Firefighting and survival at sea
  • Maritime regulations and safety
  • First aid and workplace safety

Units of competency (12 core)

Everyone completes these core units. Select a unit to see what it covers.

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Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).