Postcode:
Resident:
Employed:
A Ship Master supervises daily operations on a ship or other marine vessel. You might control navigation duties or coordinate the activities of other crew members. A Ship Master ensures all operations are carried out effectively and makes sure the vessel is complying with relevant regulations. You might liaise with the captain and communicate with maritime authorities.
A Ship Master should have excellent leadership qualities and be able to communicate with crew members and passengers. It’s important you are organised and can handle multiple tasks at one time. A Ship Master should have good problem solving abilities and excellent situational awareness. You must be able to remain calm during challenging situations and may work irregular hours when required.
There are 3 courses available for people who want to become a Ship Master.
Possible job outcomes:
Get the skills you need to skipper inland commercial vessels (up to 24 metres) with the MAR31021 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master Inland Waters). This nationally recognised qualification is accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The course covers: routine vessel maintenance, navigating inland waters, navigational watch duties, vessel environmental management, seamanship operations, manoeuvring vessels within near coastal waters, shipboard safety and vessel abandonment procedures. Enquire now for entry requirements, AMSA certification outcomes, and training providers in your area who deliver this course. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking your AMSA Master Inland Waters, check with your training provider before enrolment to ensure you have selected the correct study units..
Average duration: 12 months.
Get your AMSA Ship Master (less than 500 GT) with the MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 500 GT). This nationally recognised is fully accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Competencies include: vessel manoeuvring in all conditions, managing vessel and crew, operating survival craft and lifesaving appliances, managing medical care and first aid on the vessel, vessel compliance and safety, using GMDSS equipment, operating radar and bridge equipment, CDIS operations, vessel positioning, and more. Enquire now for upcoming enrolment dates and the list of entry requirements. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking the AMSA certification (Master (less than 500 GT), check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
Average duration: 6 months.
Become a Ship Master on near coastal vessels under 80 metres with the MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 80 metres Near Coastal). This nationally recognised diploma is accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Vessel Master competencies include: vessel manoeuvring, command navigation procedures, vessel operations and maintenance management, vessel business administration, cargo management, ship stability, radar and bridge equipment, ECDIS operations, vessel positioning, and more. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, AMSA Ship Master competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking the AMSA certification (Master less than 80 metres Near Coastal), check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
In Australia, a full time Ship Master generally earns $1,600 per week ($83,200 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
This industry has seen stable employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 3,600 people employed as a Ship Master in Australia, compared to the same number five years ago. A Ship Master may find work across regions of Australia where maritime activities are common.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re planning a career as a Ship Master, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master less than 80 metres Near Coastal). This course covers a range of topics including vessel manoeuvring, command navigation procedures, vessel operations and maintenance management, vessel business administration, cargo management, ship stability, radar and bridge equipment and vessel positioning.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within maritime. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Maritime
Assistant Shipwright
$960 weekly pay
Coxswain
$865 weekly pay
Deckhand
General Purpose Hand
Second Engineer
Boat Builder
$1,200 weekly pay
Chief Cook
$1,050 weekly pay
Chief Engineer
$1,350 weekly pay
Engineer Watchkeeper
Marine Engineer
$1,600 weekly pay
Marine Mechanic
$1,250 weekly pay
Marine Surveyor
$1,440 weekly pay
Sea Captain
Ship Mate
Shipwright
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
Master Mariner
Naval Architect
$1,730 weekly pay
Ship Master
Learn more about Ship Master courses in your area.