Certificate III in Maritime Operations Master <24m Near Coastal (MAR30924)

Experienced Maritime Crew

Suitable for experienced maritime crew looking to develop the skills required to take greater responsibility for vessel operations and command.

Coxswains

Ideal for Coxswains looking to advance their maritime knowledge and progress towards operating larger commercial vessels.

Charter Vessel Operations

Relevant for people working in charter vessel operations who want to develop advanced vessel handling, navigation and command skills.

Commercial Fishing

Suitable for experienced commercial fishing personnel progressing into vessel management and master responsibilities.

Tourism and Passenger Vessels

Suitable for maritime personnel working across tourism, charter and passenger vessel operations who are progressing into command roles.

Ferry Operations

Relevant for experienced crew seeking greater operational and command responsibilities within commercial ferry operations.

Maritime Career Progression

Suitable for maritime professionals looking to build their navigation, vessel management, leadership and decision-making capabilities.

Course Fee

See Current Course Fee

Course fees are fixed and clearly advertised on our website.

What’s Included

• Online learning resources
• Practical workshop training
• Trainer support
• Assessment activities
• Nationally recognised training

Online Theory

Complete your theory online from anywhere in Australia. Access your learning materials 24/7 and progress through the course at your own pace around work, family and other commitments.

Practical Workshops

Attend hands-on practical training with experienced maritime trainers where you’ll apply your knowledge in vessel handling, navigation, seamanship, engine operation, safety and real-world commercial maritime scenarios. Workshops also allow trainers to identify and address any knowledge gaps before students progress through practical assessment.

Trainer Support

You are never learning alone. Students have access to their trainer throughout every stage of the course, including the online learning component. Support is available by email, phone and online video whenever you need help understanding course content, preparing for practical training or completing assessment activities.

Assessment

Assessment includes both knowledge-based activities and practical demonstrations to ensure students can safely apply the skills required for Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal operations. Practical assessment builds on the knowledge developed online and reinforced during the workshop.

Workshop Locations

Practical workshops are delivered at selected Marine Training Academy locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view upcoming Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal training sessions.

Study at Your Own Pace

There are no fixed weekly classes for the online component, allowing you to balance study with work, family and other commitments before attending your practical workshop. While your online learning is flexible, trainer support remains available throughout your course.

AMSA Certification

Completion of MAR30924 provides the nationally recognised training qualification used for the Master <24m Near Coastal certification pathway. Applicants must separately meet the applicable AMSA requirements before a Certificate of Competency can be issued.

Marine Order 505

The Master <24m Near Coastal certification pathway is regulated under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – National Law), which sets out certification and eligibility requirements for seafarers working on Australian domestic commercial vessels.

Sea Service

Qualifying sea service is an AMSA certification requirement and is separate from completing the MAR30924 training qualification. Applicants should ensure their sea service meets the current requirements for a Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

Commercial Vessel Command

Master <24m Near Coastal certification can support command and operational opportunities across eligible commercial vessels, including charter, tourism, passenger, fishing, workboat and marine support operations.

Vessels up to 24 Metres

An AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency allows the holder, subject to the applicable conditions and operating limits, to perform Master duties on eligible commercial vessels up to 24 metres in length.

Further Maritime Progression

Master <24m can support experienced maritime workers who wish to continue building commercial sea service, undertake further training and progress towards higher-level vessel command, operational and maritime management roles.

Yes. MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Marine Training Academy (RTO 30683).

Yes. The theory component is completed online, allowing students to study at their own pace before attending the required face-to-face practical workshop. Students also have access to their trainer throughout the online learning component by phone, email and online video support.

There are no formal entry requirements for the MAR30924 qualification. Students do not need to hold a previous Coxswain qualification or have completed qualifying sea service before undertaking the training. However, students seeking an AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency must separately meet AMSA’s applicable sea service, medical, marine radio and certification requirements.

An AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency can support work as master of eligible commercial vessels up to 24 metres in length within the operating areas and limitations specified by AMSA. Opportunities may exist across charter, tourism, passenger, ferry, commercial fishing, workboat and marine support operations.

The online learning is self-paced, allowing students to complete the theory around work and personal commitments. Practical training is scheduled in 5-day workshop blocks. The total practical training and workshop attendance required may vary depending on factors such as previous boating or maritime experience, prior sea service, existing skills and knowledge, progress through the online learning, dedicated study and individual training needs.

A 5-day workshop block should not be interpreted as the total course or practical training duration for every student. Students must complete the required training and satisfactorily demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills required for the MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal). Additional training, practice, workshop attendance or assessment may be required where needed.

Students should refer to the current course information and training plan for applicable completion timeframes.

Sea service is not required to enrol in or undertake the MAR30924 training qualification. However, qualifying sea service is an AMSA certification requirement when applying for the Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency. The amount and type of sea service required depends on the applicable AMSA pathway and current certification requirements.

After successfully completing the qualification, you will have completed the nationally recognised training component of the Master <24m Near Coastal certification pathway. If you intend to obtain the AMSA Certificate of Competency, you must also satisfy the applicable AMSA certification requirements.

No. Completing MAR30924 provides the nationally recognised training qualification, but an AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency is issued separately. Applicants must meet AMSA’s applicable certification requirements, including qualifying sea service, medical fitness, marine radio requirements and final assessment requirements.

Yes. The AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal certification pathway requires a Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) or a higher marine radio qualification. Students should check the current AMSA requirements applicable to their certification pathway.

Yes. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is one of the 12 core units within MAR30924. Students must meet the applicable training and assessment requirements for this unit as part of completing the qualification.

Training includes practical skills in vessel manoeuvring, passage planning and navigation, wheelhouse equipment, maintaining a navigational watch, seamanship, vessel maintenance, slipping and docking, maritime safety, emergency procedures, survival at sea, environmental management and onboard leadership.

The practical workshop builds on the knowledge completed online and gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in a hands-on maritime environment. Trainers identify and address any knowledge gaps, reinforce important concepts and develop practical capability through training on real commercial vessels and within marine workshop environments. The focus is on connecting theory with real vessel operations, equipment, decision-making and commercial maritime responsibilities.

Yes. You are never learning alone. Students have access to their trainer throughout every stage of the course, including during the online learning component. Support is available by phone, email and online video for help with course content, clarification of topics, assessment preparation and general training support.

Yes. Master <24m Near Coastal can form part of a broader commercial maritime career pathway. With further training, qualifying sea service and satisfaction of the applicable AMSA requirements, experienced maritime personnel may progress towards higher-level qualifications and certificates of competency.

Marine Training Academy delivers Master <24m Near Coastal practical workshops at selected training locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view current workshop schedules and availability.