MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT)
Become a master, chief mate or watchkeeper on vessels
Gain real-world skills at our Fremantle campus, equipped with cutting-edge facilities, simulators, and experienced staff. Be job-ready with advanced technology and comprehensive training, ensuring compliance with national standards.
This is an AMSA-accredited course.
This course is fee free* for residents of Western Australia. Some eligibility conditions apply for the fee free training and other fees may apply for some courses. Please refer to the FAQs for more information.
*Please note that eligibility requirements apply to some of the fee free training.
This course is a VET Student Loan eligible course. A VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth and is only available to students who are eligible.
To find out if you are eligible or to see the list of eligible courses visit our Student Loans page.
Overview
Where Fremantle
When Semester 1, 2025 | Semester 2, 2024 | Semester 2, 2025
How On Campus
This certificate enables you to work as a Master of a commercial vessel less than 500 gross tonnage in any operating area.
Study in specialist facilities
Situated in the port city of Fremantle, SM TAFE’s Fremantle campus includes some of the most comprehensive facilities for maritime training in the country, with advanced training equipment and highly experienced and qualified lecturing staff. SM TAFE’s maritime training integrates simulator technology, a fleet of three vessels, biological and computing laboratories, along with engineering, seamanship and aquaculture workshops.
You can learn real-world skills in the ship, bridge and engineering simulator training suite and become job ready for your role. The technology used features the most advanced mathematical modelling and shipping databases in the world and the hardware replicates the current equipment installed on seagoing ships.
Important information
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| Completion of WACE General or ATAR (Minimum C Grades) or equivalent | Completion of WACE General or ATAR or equivalent (minimum C Grades) | Certificate III |
Prospective students should hold one of the following:
- A Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) or
- A Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) with TAGS books and sea time or
- An AMSA approved equivalent trade certificate.
In addition to successful completion of the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master up to 500GT), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requires students to successfully complete each of the following to be issued with a new certificate of competency:
- Meet medical test and eyesight requirements
- Completed qualifying sea service time as an officer in charge on a navigation watch. Please refer to AMSA website below for further information
- Pass an Orals Examination
People seeking certification should contact the marine regulators, Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Phone: (02) 6279 5000 (8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday EST) or visit the website(opens in a new tab) .
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
With this certificate you can perform the duties or functions of:
- Master or chief mate on ships less than 500 gross tonnage in any operating area.
- Watchkeeper deck officer on ships of any gross tonnage in any operating area.
- Master and chief mate on ships less than 3000 gross tonnage in near coastal waters.
- Able seafarer—deck.
Become a specialist in your field with university study
The information about university credit points and tuition costs provides a general guide only. SM TAFE recommends students discuss credit points with the university or college of their choice at the time of graduation.
Attendance in class
This course is 5 days per week across 29 weeks (2 semesters). A new course starts every semester.
Basic Firefighting (MARF035) and PST (MARF046) will be conducted at ERGT Jandakot over 5 days. You will receive a communication from ERGT with details of dates, times, and requirements to attend that training. All other training will be conducted at 1 Fleet Street Fremantle as usual.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, at least 2 hours of study at home is required per day. This includes private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
Work placement is not a requirement of this course.
What you need
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pen, pencil, exercise book, eraser, folder for notebooks and handouts) and wear enclosed footwear.
Components of some units are delivered at ERGT and ECU, so attendance at their facility may require additional PPE. Details will be provided by your lecturer.
Minimum dress standards apply to campus and ERGT attendance:
- Safety steel-capped work boots must be worn during engineering classes. Heavy leather uppers and heavy duty soles.
- No sand shoe volley type of footwear allowed (even with steel caps)
- Overalls during engineering classes
- Water, food, hat and sunscreen for boat days
Fremantle Campus does not have a cafeteria but has basic kitchen facilities (kettle, microwave, fridge).
Parking is available but please ensure apprentices arrive early on the first day to organise parking permit at the Customer Service counter.
Please note that the duration of this course is two semesters, and you will need to make payments at the beginning of both Semester 1 and Semester 2. For more information, including a breakdown of fees, please refer to the campus and semester delivery options provided below.
Indicative fees and charges
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for all units in the course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. If you're a student that has successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in to complete this course. Please view the full list of fee disclaimers.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Semester 1, 2025
Details
Units and fees
Credit units
The units below are intended for entry to this course as credit from prior study and do not contribute to the total tuition or resource fees for this course. Check the entrance requirements tab for further instructions about the study pathway to completing this course.
| National ID | Unit title |
|---|---|
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid |
Semester 1, 2025
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARA017 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship stability) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $11.50 |
| MARA025 Monitor, loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo | $0.00 | $0.00 | $16.00 |
| MARF031 Apply leadership and team working capability | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.00 |
| MARF047 Monitor compliance with legislative requirements | $0.00 | $0.00 | $39.50 |
| MARH022 Plan and conduct a passage and determine position | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.50 |
| MARH023 Use of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.50 |
| MARH024 Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigation | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.50 |
| MARJ008 Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements | $0.00 | $0.00 | $50.75 |
| MARK011 Manoeuvre the ship | $0.00 | $0.00 | $40.25 |
| MARN011 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship construction) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $10.25 |
| MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch | $0.00 | $0.00 | $21.50 |
| MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling | $0.00 | $0.00 | $21.50 |
| RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 | $24.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,115.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $40.25 |
Semester 1, 2025 fee
| Tuition fee | Resource fee | Total fee* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $0.00 | $1,460.50 | $1,460.50 |
| Concession | $0.00 | $1,460.50 | $1,460.50 |
Semester 2, 2025
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARF035 Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $1,873.75 |
| MARF037 Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $58.50 |
| MARF041 Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $38.25 |
| MARF044 Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $995.50 |
| MARF046 Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $763.50 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $39.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,086.25 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,039.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $11.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $57.75 |
Semester 2, 2025 fee
| Tuition fee | Resource fee | Total fee* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $0.00 | $5,964.00 | $5,964.00 |
| Concession | $0.00 | $5,964.00 | $5,964.00 |
Indicative fees and charges
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for all units in the course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. If you're a student that has successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in to complete this course. Please view the full list of fee disclaimers.
Semester 2, 2025
Details
Units and fees
Credit units
The units below are intended for entry to this course as credit from prior study and do not contribute to the total tuition or resource fees for this course. Check the entrance requirements tab for further instructions about the study pathway to completing this course.
| National ID | Unit title |
|---|---|
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid |
Semester 2, 2025
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARA017 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship stability) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $11.50 |
| MARA025 Monitor, loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo | $0.00 | $0.00 | $16.00 |
| MARF031 Apply leadership and team working capability | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.00 |
| MARF047 Monitor compliance with legislative requirements | $0.00 | $0.00 | $39.50 |
| MARH022 Plan and conduct a passage and determine position | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.50 |
| MARH023 Use of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.50 |
| MARH024 Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigation | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.50 |
| MARJ008 Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements | $0.00 | $0.00 | $50.75 |
| MARK011 Manoeuvre the ship | $0.00 | $0.00 | $40.25 |
| MARN011 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship construction) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $10.25 |
| MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch | $0.00 | $0.00 | $21.50 |
| MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling | $0.00 | $0.00 | $21.50 |
| RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 | $24.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,115.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $40.25 |
Semester 2, 2025 fee
| Tuition fee | Resource fee | Total fee* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $0.00 | $1,460.50 | $1,460.50 |
| Concession | $0.00 | $1,460.50 | $1,460.50 |
Semester 1, 2026
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARF035 Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $1,873.75 |
| MARF037 Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $58.50 |
| MARF041 Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $38.25 |
| MARF044 Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $995.50 |
| MARF046 Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $763.50 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $39.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,086.25 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,039.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $11.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $57.75 |
Semester 1, 2026 fee
| Tuition fee | Resource fee | Total fee* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $0.00 | $5,964.00 | $5,964.00 |
| Concession | $0.00 | $5,964.00 | $5,964.00 |
Indicative fees and charges
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for all units in the course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. If you're a student that has successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in to complete this course. Please view the full list of fee disclaimers.
Semester 2, 2024
Details
Units and fees
Credit units
The units below are intended for entry to this course as credit from prior study and do not contribute to the total tuition or resource fees for this course. Check the entrance requirements tab for further instructions about the study pathway to completing this course.
| National ID | Unit title |
|---|---|
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid |
Semester 2, 2024
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARA017 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship stability) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $11.25 |
| MARA025 Monitor, loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo | $0.00 | $0.00 | $15.50 |
| MARF031 Apply leadership and team working capability | $0.00 | $0.00 | $16.50 |
| MARF047 Monitor compliance with legislative requirements | $0.00 | $0.00 | $38.50 |
| MARH022 Plan and conduct a passage and determine position | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.00 |
| MARH023 Use of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.00 |
| MARH024 Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigation | $0.00 | $0.00 | $17.00 |
| MARJ008 Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements | $0.00 | $0.00 | $49.25 |
| MARK011 Manoeuvre the ship | $0.00 | $0.00 | $39.25 |
| MARN011 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship construction) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $10.00 |
| MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch | $0.00 | $0.00 | $21.00 |
| MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling | $0.00 | $0.00 | $21.00 |
| RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 | $23.25 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,085.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $39.25 |
Semester 2, 2024 fee
| Tuition fee | Resource fee | Total fee* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $0.00 | $1,420.75 | $1,420.75 |
| Concession | $0.00 | $1,420.75 | $1,420.75 |
Semester 1, 2025
Core
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARF035 Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $1,799.00 |
| MARF037 Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $57.00 |
| MARF041 Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $37.25 |
| MARF044 Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $968.50 |
| MARF046 Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $733.00 |
Elective
| National ID Unit title | General fee | Concession | Resource fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $38.50 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $1,056.75 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $998.00 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $11.25 |
|
|
$0.00 | $0.00 | $56.25 |
Semester 1, 2025 fee
| Tuition fee | Resource fee | Total fee* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | $0.00 | $5,755.50 | $5,755.50 |
| Concession | $0.00 | $5,755.50 | $5,755.50 |
Indicative fees and charges
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for all units in the course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. If you're a student that has successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in to complete this course. Please view the full list of fee disclaimers.