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A Master Mariner oversees the operation of a large ship or marine vessel. You’ll navigate a course and ensure the ship is running efficiently. Master Mariners are in charge of the safety of crew and passengers and will check that all standards and regulations are complied with. You’ll provide instructions to all on board and may communicate with authorities via marine radio.
Master Mariners should be excellent multitaskers and be able to remain calm in challenging situations. You’ll need to display leadership abilities and communicate clearly with people from a range of backgrounds. Master Mariners require strong observational skills and excellent problem solving abilities. It’s important you have good situational awareness and can focus for long periods of time.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Master Mariner.
Possible job outcomes:
Get your AMSA Ship Master (less than 500 GT) with the MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT). This nationally recognised is fully accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Competencies include: vessel manoeuvring in all conditions, managing vessel and crew, operating survival craft and lifesaving appliances, managing medical care and first aid on the vessel, vessel compliance and safety, using GMDSS equipment, operating radar and bridge equipment, CDIS operations, vessel positioning, and more. Enquire now for upcoming enrolment dates and the list of entry requirements. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking the AMSA certification (Master (less than 500 GT), check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
Average duration: 6 months.
Become a Ship Master on near coastal vessels under 80 metres with the MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 80 metres Near Coastal). This nationally recognised diploma is accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Vessel Master competencies include: vessel manoeuvring, command navigation procedures, vessel operations and maintenance management, vessel business administration, cargo management, ship stability, radar and bridge equipment, ECDIS operations, vessel positioning, and more. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, AMSA Ship Master competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking the AMSA certification (Master less than 80 metres Near Coastal), check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
The MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations is a nationally recognised diploma, accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This qualification is suited to Ship Masters, Mates, and Watchkeeper Deck Officers on a range of different sized vessels. Course competencies include: planning and conducting a passage, determining vessel position, using radar and bridge equipment, manoeuvring the ship, navigational watch responsibilities and safety, using visual signalling to transmit and receive information, monitoring the loading and security of cargo, leadership skills, and much more. Enquire now for entry requirements, AMSA outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking an AMSA certification, always check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
Average duration: 12 months.
Become a Master Mariner with the MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited). This intense qualification prepares you for certification with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as a Master (Unlimited). The course covers: managing stability and maintenance of very large vessels, managing vessel compliance and security, personal safety, preventing fires on board, survival at sea, managing vessel abandonment, managing cargo and crew, manoeuvring a vessel larger than 500 gross tonnage, transmitting and receiving information, visual signalling, advanced navigation, and much more. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, AMSA certification outcomes, and available training dates. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification, always check your study units and elective choices with your training provider before enrolling..
In Australia, a full time Master Mariner generally earns $1,600 per week ($83,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this field has decreased over the last five years. There are currently 10,100 people employed in this area in Australia, and many of them specialise as a Master Mariner. Master Mariners may find work across regions of Australia where maritime activities are common.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If a career as a Master Mariner interests you, consider enrolling in an Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited). This course covers a range of topics including managing stability and maintenance of very large vessels, managing vessel compliance and security, survival at sea, managing cargo and crew, advanced navigation and visual signalling. A Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master up to 500GT) may also be suitable.
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Here are some potential career pathways within maritime. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Maritime
Assistant Shipwright
$960 weekly pay
Coxswain
$865 weekly pay
Deckhand
General Purpose Hand
Second Engineer
Boat Builder
$1,200 weekly pay
Chief Cook
$1,050 weekly pay
Chief Engineer
$1,350 weekly pay
Engineer Watchkeeper
Marine Engineer
$1,600 weekly pay
Marine Mechanic
$1,250 weekly pay
Marine Surveyor
$1,440 weekly pay
Sea Captain
Ship Mate
Shipwright
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
Master Mariner
Naval Architect
$1,730 weekly pay
Ship Master
Learn more about Master Mariner courses in your area.