Who is it for

This qualification is suitable for those sailing as Master on vessels up to 45 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or a Mate on vessels up to 100 metres in length.

Our average student, aged 30 with five years of boating experience, three jobs in the marine industry and 240 days on vessels underway.(minimum 8 hour days)

AMSA Licensing

To obtain a Master <45 m NC CoC you will need to have completed one of the following options for qualifying sea service
While holding a Master <24 m NC
• At least 180 days QSS on commercial vessels ?12 m long, including 120 days as person in charge of a navigational watch, and
an AMSA task book, or
• At least 360 days QSS on commercial vessels ?12 m long, including 240 days as person in charge of a navigational watch without an AMSA task book.

What must I do to be eligible for a Master < 45m NC CoC with AMSA?
• Be at least 16 years when the certificate is issued.
• Be able to speak and understand English, including written documents.
• Evidence of QSS accrual in the form of:
– Record of sea service form 771
– On board sea service record from your task book
– Letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your QSS.
– Approved sea service log book
• Evidence of medical fitness (including eyesight requirements):
– Certificate of medical fitness for domestic seafarers form 1850
– Current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303)
• Evidence of CoC – Master <24 m (NC)
• Complete a Certificate IV – Master <35m NC course
• Hold a Marine Radio – Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP)
• Complete a HLTAID011 unit of competency Provide first aid or equivalent course.
• Pass a final assessment.

Mode of delivery

Cost is $2200

One of the first questions we get asked is “How long is the course?” In 2023 we students complete:

  1. a set course delivered face to face in the training centre, over four weeks Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
  2. Workplace based training using the master 45 taskbook.
  3. Planned self study program using a study guide
  4. Option for additional 4 sessions after the face to face course. Friday 3-4pm
  5. Final assessment in the workplace and at training centre after 1-4 completed.

During the course we re-evaluate where you are at, in case your plan needs adjusting with more/less training. We do face to face training as learning in a team replicates working in as a team.

PART 1:

  • Navigation and Position Determination
  • Passage Planning
  • Wheelhouse Equipment and Electronic Navigation Aids
  • Watchkeeping
  • Vessel Design, Construction and Maintenance
  • Regulations

PART 2:

  • Stability
  • Cargo Operations
  • Crew and vessel management
  • Vessel Handling
  • Propulsion and Machinery operation and management
  • Working at heights and Confined Space Entry

Course Entry Requirements

100 days sea time on any vessel

They require the ability to operate in confined spaces, hot environments and as part of a team with good interpersonal skills. Learners need knowledge and extensive existing experience operating boats and experience of maritime operations

A sea time assessment is completed to check and confirm this experience and knowledge. A LLN assessment is conducted to determine level and assistance required. A training and support plan is created and updated during their enrolment. Moderate physical ability is required to work in the maritime industry. (eg walking fast, swimming)

Assessment only pathway
Often Master 45 learners will have substantial experience with boating above 100 days. They may have worked or been around the water from a young age. Others have a mechanical background either qualified or informal. This carries across to the maintenance aspects of maritime work. We can do RPL to assess their experience but the first step is the sea time assessment. RPL assessment is charged at a $99 hourly rate, so the total cost will vary based on how many subjects(units) required

Details

Cost is $2299

Equipment is provided including dividers, a drawing compass and parallel ruler. Also small ships manual taskbooks

  • 1/6 Commerce Close Cannonvale, QUEENSLAND or Fremantle
  • Option 1:  4 weeks minimum Face 2 Face then tutorials as planned
  • Book online with a $29 non refundable deposit (can be transferred once) Course starting is number dependent
  • There’s an assignment or exam for each subject. Look at the list of subjects as each student is required to keep track of their own studies and progress.
  • A lot of research and study is required from each student before attending the block course as this is a time to consolidate knowledge already being gained and work as a team to close any gaps in skills and knowledge. On completion a certificate is issued.
  • The course is very practical with on water navigation exercises and attendance at a slipway. If during the course you are assessed as not having the required skills or knowledge you may need to go back to employment or commit to further study. There is no guarantee of being deemed competent or receiving a certificate after training
  • Grab a copy of Gandy’s Australian Boating manual and look through it in detail.
  • Checklist
  1. Check sea time and licence requirements on the AMSA website
  2. Have a interview. Complete a sea time assessment and language literacy assessment.
  3. Get a taskbook from us if necessary.
  4. Enroll and pay the $29 deposit or work out a payment plan
  5. Get the study guide.
  6. We suggest reviewing the Australian Boating Manual by Dick Gandy
  7. Attend a full time face to face block course.
  8. Ensure you have marine radio, long range for master < 45 ($199)
  9. Complete an assignment or Assessment for each unit
  10. Complete the on water practical assessment
  11. Obtain a medical report from a Doctor
  12. Submit an application to AMSA via Post office for a fee to arrange final interview by an AMSA assessor
Subjects
  National codeMaster 45 metres Cert IV in Maritime Operations MAR40320Path to <500T
HLTAID011Provide first aidCore
MARA022Manage loading, discharging and stowing of cargoCore
MARA024Manage vessel stabilityCore
MARB030Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 80mCore
MARB046Plan and supervise routine maintenance on a vessel up to 80Core
MARC047Manage a propulsion unit using appropriate engine systemsCore
MARC048Monitor and manage vessel operationsCore
MARC051Operate deck machinery and steering gear on a vessel 80mCore
MARF027Apply basic survival skills vessel abandonmentCore
MARF028Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on a vesselCore
MARF029Meet work health and safety requirementsCore
MARF030Survive at sea using survival craftCore
MARG007Manage a small crewCore
MARH015Manage and maintain a navigational up to 80 metresCore
MARH016Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metresCore
MARH017Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigationCore
MARH019Forecast weather and oceanographic conditionsCore
MARI004Observe regulations ensure safe operation of a vessel 80mCore
MARJ007Monitor environmental management on a vesselCore
MARK003Manoeuvre a vessel up to 80 metresCore
MARN004Manage seaworthiness of a vessel up to 80 metresCore
RIIWHS202EEnter and work in a confined spaceCore
  • You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:
  • Record of sea service form 771
  • an approved sea service log book
  • the on board sea service record from your task book
  • a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service.

Read more about qualifying sea service.

Support

  • We offer access to the SEE program for learning assistance (reading writing)
  • The reading writing hotline
  • Buddy training partnerships with a matching student