• Our program emphasizes practical experience on quality vessels, ensuring you gain confidence and real skills for immediate use on the job.
• Learn directly from maritime professionals who bring extensive on-water knowledge and insights into every lesson.
• We’re committed to your success, providing guidance every step of the way to help you excel in your maritime career.
• Our course content is designed to meet professional standards, enriched by partnerships that enhance your training experience and open doors for future career opportunities.

The Master <24 Metres Near Coastal course is designed for maritime professionals looking to captain vessels up to 24 metres, such as yachts, water taxis, and ferries. Ideal for those expanding skills in vessel command, chief mate roles, or deck watchkeeping, this AMSA-certified qualification equips you with essential regulatory and operational knowledge to ensure maritime safety and effective leadership on the water.

• Command vessels up to 24 metres in length
• Serve as chief mate on vessels up to 45 metres
• Act as deck watchkeeper on vessels under 100 metres and 3000 GT
• Serve as chief mate on vessels under 100 metres and 3000 GT in inshore waters
• Perform General-Purpose Hand NC and Master (Inland Waters) NC functions

Course Fee: $3,895.43

• Additional Costs: The Long Range Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) application fee is $289. The final assessment and CoC lodgement incur additional fees.
• First Aid Requirement: Our courses do not include HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid); this must be completed externally at your own expense.
• Government Funding: For potential funding and incentives, please refer to the New South Wales  government funding pages.

• AMPA Fee $500.00. This fee is due upon enrolment for those opting to complete the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA) to obtain a low complexity interim certificate of competency . 

• The interim certificate of capacity fee is $100.00, payable upon booking your ICoC assessment.

To enrol, simply click the enrol now button above.

• Pay your deposit or course fees.
• Complete the online enrolment form.

You’ll receive an instant email receipt  confirm your booking. you will be contacted within 24 hours of enrolment to complete your induction and ensure you are ready to start on the course opening date

For more information, please refer to the Student Handbook or call us directly on 1300 139 347.

The Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal Certificate of Competence is issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Alongside successful completion of the MAR30921 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal), you’ll need to meet the following requirements to obtain your Master up to 24 Metres License:

Qualifying Sea Service

• With an approved AMSA Task Book: at least 120 days on a commercial vessel ≥7.5 m in a deck capacity, or
• With an approved AMSA Task Book: at least 360 days on a vessel ≥7.5 m (half on a commercial vessel), in a deck capacity or combined deck/engineering role.
• Complete the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)
• Obtain a Radio Certificate of Proficiency (e.g., LROCP or AWQ)
• Submit a Certificate of Competency Application (AMSA form 426)
• Complete a Certificate of Medical Fitness for Marine Qualification (AMSA document 1850)

For further details on licensing and sea service requirements, refer to Part D of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels or Marine Order 505.

To be eligible for a Master <24 Metres Near Coastal certificate, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old on the certificate issue date
• Be able to speak and understand English, including written documents
• Be medically fit for the duties, including meeting eyesight requirements
• Complete any required sea service
• Complete ESS training

The four ESS units (MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set) don’t need to be completed before enrolling; however, evidence of their completion must be provided before the MAR30921 certification is issued. If you already hold a GPH or Coxswain certificate, you will have completed the ESS units. The ESS units can also be completed at Marine Training Academy.

Language, Literacy, and Numeracy

It is a requirement of this course that all enrolling students undertake a language, literacy and numeracy assessment.

Technology

As some of the delivery of the course is on-line and all resources are contained in a dedicated learner portal, students must have access to a computer (with Microsoft Office 365 software).

Note: Students will require basic computer skills to complete the course without disadvantage. This includes how to access the internet, download documents, save files to a hard drive and upload files within the student portal. All students receive a Student Portal learner Guide to getting started.

Our distance education training program offers students the flexibility to study wherever and whenever even if you connect to the internet our online platform still allows you to study. As soon as you reconnect to the internet all your completed work automatically updates to your course.
Course Delivery Overview

This 12-month qualification combines online and face-to-face training and assessment.

Face-to-Face Workshop
Delivered over eight days, the workshops include:

• Classroom training
• Navigation
• Onboard vessel activities 
• Safety drills 
• Engineer workshop tasks

Online Activities
Complete pre-learning and assessments before the workshop, including:

Extra Support
Attend additional workshops at no extra cost.

The Master <24 qualification consists of 15 units of competency. Ten of these units are delivered within this course, while four units indicated below are prerequisites, comprising the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set (ESS), outlined below. Additionally, ‘Provide First Aid’ is not included in the course schedule, so students must submit proof of completion before certification.

MAR30921 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

• BSBFLM303 Contribute to effective workplace relationships
• MARB029 Perform routine maintenance on a vessel up to 24 metres
• MARB030 Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARH015 Manage and maintain a navigational watch on board vessels up to 80 metres
• MARH016 Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARH017 Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation
• MARI004 Observe regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARJ007 Monitor environmental management on a vessel
• MARK008 Manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 metres within near coastal waters
• MARN009 Perform seamanship operations on board a vessel up to 24 metres

Prerequisite Units (MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set – ESS):

• 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
• HLTAID011 Provide first aid

Marine Training Academy (MTA) offers a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, enabling learners to have previous study, work, or life experience recognised toward this qualification. If students believe they have already gained competence in specific skill areas, they may apply for RPL upon enrolment. RPL fees vary based on individual circumstances and will be discussed upon application. An MTA trainer will work closely with each student to assess the potential for a successful RPL outcome.

Additionally, MTA recognises qualifications and Statements of Attainment from other RTOs and will apply credit transfers in line with vocational requirements. For more information on credit transfer and recognition, please refer to the Student Handbook or contact support@mta.com.au.

MAR30921 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

• BSBFLM303 Contribute to effective workplace relationships
• MARB029 Perform routine maintenance on a vessel up to 24 metres
• MARB030 Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARH015 Manage and maintain a navigational watch on board vessels up to 80 metres
• MARH016 Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARH017 Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation
• MARI004 Observe regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARJ007 Monitor environmental management on a vessel
• MARK008 Manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 metres within near coastal waters
• MARN009 Perform seamanship operations on board a vessel up to 24 metres

The below units are covered in elements of Shipboard Saftey

• 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
• HLTAID011 Provide first aid

Identification:
Australian driver’s licence, current passport or birth certificate, and Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Sea Service:
Please bring evidence of qualifying sea service. Refer to the Record of Sea Service Form.

RPL (if applying):
Academic transcripts, CV, and letters from previous employers.

Electronic Device:
A device capable of online assessments, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop.

Clothing:
Wear work or casual attire for both theory and practical sessions.

Footwear:
Deck shoes, joggers, sandshoes, or work boots (no thongs).

Radio Day:
One passport photo for the Marine Radio course.

Firefighting Day:

• No synthetic outer clothing, socks, or underwear
• Long-sleeve cotton work shirt
• Long cotton pants or jeans
• Hair tied back, if applicable

Sea Survival Day:

• In-water survival attire (t-shirt/shirt and pants)
• Spare clothing for after practical
• Lunch, a water bottle, large towel, warm jacket, and a large plastic bag for wet clothes

The Australian Boating Manual by Dick Gandy is the definitive reference for the maritime industry and professional crew, serving as the primary course text. Access to this manual is included in your course fees for the duration of the program. 

A self-directed study component is required throughout the course.

To apply for your Certificate of Competency (industry licence), you will need to submit an application to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This can be done at any Registered Australia Post Retail Outlet. Ensure you have met all the requirements and completed the AMSA Form 426 application form.

For further information, please review the AMSA requirements for the Certificate of Competency relevant to this course.

By signing your enrolment form, you confirm your understanding of your rights and responsibilities and agree to Marine Training Academy’s terms and conditions.

Please note that course fees, schedules, content, and policies may be updated without prior notice. It is your responsibility to review the full terms and conditions available on our website.