This qualification allows you to perform the duties or functions of Master, Chief Mate or Watchkeeper deck officer on ships of any gross tonnage in any operating area.
You'll gain high level skills in a range of areas, including survival at sea and personal survival techniques in the event of vessel abandonment; transmitting and receiving information by visual signalling and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); maintaining a safe navigational watch; planning and managing safe loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo; the use of radar, bridge equipment, electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation; forecasting weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage; coordinating search and rescue operations; medical first aid and advanced firefighting on board ship; the operation of propulsion plant, engineering systems and services; and more!
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
Take command of your maritime career, become a master of the seas and rise to the top as the ship's most responsible officer.
This course will allow you to work in international waters as a:
- Master, Chief mate or Watchkeeper deck officer on ships of any gross tonnage in any operating area.
Note that holding a Watchkeeper deck or Master less than 500 GT certificate of competency may allow you to receive up to 15 units credit or recognition of prior learning with continued sea service and competencies. This may potentially reduce the duration of the course.
Be guided by our expert team of lecturers as you build an advanced specialist skillset in how to manage a vessel of any size, and step up to be responsible for the stability and handling of the vessel and the safety of those onboard. You'll develop leadership qualities as you learn to direct a crew and plan your voyage by forecasting weather and maintaining safety of navigation. You'll also be trained in high level security procedures as well as how to coordinate search and rescue operations, survive at sea and operate survival craft.
Gain an advanced maritime qualification for international waters and the world is your oyster!
Visit the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) website for details regarding sea service and certification requirements.
Study in specialist facilities
Situated in the port city of Fremantle, SM TAFE’s Fremantle campus includes some of the most comprehensive facilities for maritime training in the country, with advanced training equipment and highly experienced and qualified lecturing staff. SM TAFE’s maritime training integrates simulator technology, a fleet of three vessels, biological and computing laboratories, along with engineering, seamanship and aquaculture workshops.
You can learn real-world skills in the ship, bridge and engineering simulator training suite and become job ready for your role. The technology used features the most advanced mathematical modelling and shipping databases in the world and the hardware replicates the current equipment installed on seagoing ships.
The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.