Course Overview
The MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)
provides nationally recognised training for people developing the
skills and knowledge required to operate and take command of
commercial vessels up to 24 metres.
Marine Training Academy, RTO 30683, delivers this
commercial maritime qualification through flexible online
learning and face-to-face practical workshops.
Students develop practical skills in vessel handling, navigation,
passage planning, collision avoidance, vessel stability, seamanship,
safety management, emergency response and onboard leadership.
The training develops the practical knowledge, decision-making
and vessel management skills required to safely manage commercial
vessel operations and take greater responsibility on the water.
Master <24m Near Coastal
Master <24m training develops the navigation, vessel handling,
leadership and operational skills required to confidently take
command and manage the responsibilities associated with operating
a commercial vessel.
Certificate III in Maritime Operations Master <24m Near Coastal (MAR30924)
Advanced commercial maritime qualification preparing students to develop the skills and knowledge required to command commercial vessels up to 24 metres.
Why Choose This Course?
Marine Training Academy (RTO 30683) delivers nationally recognised commercial maritime training through flexible online learning and practical workshops conducted by experienced maritime professionals.
Course Highlights
✓ Start Online Begin your online theory without waiting for a scheduled classroom intake.
✓ Practical Workshops Complete hands-on Master <24m training with experienced maritime industry trainers.
✓ Flexible Study Study online at your own pace around work, family and personal commitments.
✓ Ongoing Student Support Receive support from the Marine Training Academy team throughout your training.
✓ Workshop Dates View upcoming practical workshops using the Dates & Locations page.
Career & Industry Opportunities
This nationally recognised maritime qualification develops the skills and knowledge required for higher-level operational and command responsibilities within Australia’s commercial maritime industry.
- Master of commercial vessels up to 24 metres
- Charter vessel operations
- Passenger and tourism vessel operations
- Ferry operations
- Commercial fishing vessel operations
- Marine construction and support vessels
- Workboat and utility vessel operations
Course Details
Who Is the MAR30924 Master <24m Near Coastal Course For?
The MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations is designed for people looking to develop the skills and knowledge required to
take command of commercial vessels up to 24 metres and progress into higher-level roles within Australia’s commercial maritime industry.
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.
This course may be suitable if you are asking:
- How do I become a Master of a commercial vessel up to 24 metres?
- How do I progress from Coxswain to Master <24m?
- What training do I need to operate larger commercial vessels?
- How can I progress into vessel command and management roles?
Course Fees & Payment Options
The MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) is competitively priced and includes the training and assessment required to complete this nationally recognised maritime qualification.
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
Your Course Includes
Study the theory online at your own pace before attending your practical maritime workshop.
Complete hands-on training with experienced maritime professionals using real-world equipment and scenarios.
Receive assistance from qualified trainers throughout your enrolment via phone, email and online support.
All required knowledge and practical assessments delivered by Marine Training Academy are included within the course.
Payment options may be available. Contact Marine Training Academy to discuss current payment arrangements before enrolling.
Course Fees & Enrolment Information
Course fees are fixed and clearly advertised on our website. A full list of course inclusions, exclusions, additional costs and related enrolment information is published in our Course Enrolment Guide. For further details, please contact [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the MAR30924 Master <24m course cost?
- Does the course fee include practical training?
- Is online learning included?
- Are assessments included in the course price?
- Can I pay for the course using a payment plan?
Training Delivery & Assessment
The MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) combines flexible online learning with practical workshop training, allowing students to study at their own pace while developing the hands-on skills required to operate eligible commercial vessels and progress towards an AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Flexible online learning does not mean learning on your own. Throughout the course, you can contact your trainer by phone, email and online video for guidance, clarification and support.
During your practical workshop, trainers reinforce the knowledge completed online, identify and address any areas requiring further development and strengthen your capability through hands-on commercial maritime training and realistic vessel-based scenarios.
From your first online module through to practical training and assessment, you are never learning alone.
AMSA Certification & Career Pathways
The MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) provides the nationally recognised training qualification used within the AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency pathway. The course develops the knowledge and practical skills required for vessel command, navigation, operational decision-making and higher-level responsibilities within Australia’s commercial maritime industry.
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.
Career Progression
Master <24m Near Coastal represents a significant step for people progressing into higher-level commercial vessel command and operational responsibility.
After completing MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) and meeting the applicable AMSA certification requirements, students can continue building sea service and industry experience across a broad range of commercial vessel operations.
With further training and qualifying experience, Master <24m can support progression towards higher-level maritime qualifications, larger vessel command opportunities and other senior roles within the commercial maritime industry.
Important AMSA Certification Information
Completing MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal) provides the nationally recognised training qualification. The AMSA Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency is issued separately.
Applicants seeking AMSA certification must also satisfy the applicable eligibility and certification requirements, including qualifying sea service and other requirements specified by AMSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal), including course delivery, practical training, AMSA certification requirements, sea service and commercial maritime career pathways.
Is this course nationally recognised?
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).
Is the theory completed online?
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.
Do I need previous boating or maritime experience?
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.
What can I do with a Master <24m Near Coastal Certificate?
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.
How long does the course take?
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.
Do I need sea service for Master <24m Near Coastal?
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.
What happens after I complete MAR30924?
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.
Does completing MAR30924 automatically give me my Master <24m certificate?
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.
Do I need a marine radio certificate?
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.
Is First Aid included in the qualification?
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.
What practical skills will I learn?
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.
What happens during the practical workshop?
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.
Will I have access to a trainer while completing the online learning?
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.
Can I progress to higher maritime qualifications?
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.
Where are the practical workshops held?
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.
Still Have Questions?
Our maritime training specialists are available to help you understand the MAR30924 Master <24m Near Coastal course, AMSA certification requirements, sea service, practical workshops and enrolment process.
Talk to a Course Adviser
Get personalised guidance about course selection, AMSA certification pathways, practical workshops and enrolment.