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A Ship Mate is part of the deck crew on a ship or other type of marine vessel. You might be involved with navigation and direction or you might take charge of loading and unloading cargo. A Ship Mate might supervise passenger activities and give instructions to other crew members. You’ll ensure equipment is working effectively and address any issues of concern.
A Ship Mate should have excellent situational awareness and be able to respond calmly during challenging situations. It’s important you can communicate clearly and work as part of a team. A Ship Mate should have good observational skills and be an excellent problem solver. You’ll need to be good at multitasking and be able to manage your time well.
There is one course available for people who want to become a Ship Mate.
Possible job outcomes:
The MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations is a nationally recognised diploma, accredited with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This qualification is suited to Ship Masters, Mates, and Watchkeeper Deck Officers on a range of different sized vessels. Course competencies include: planning and conducting a passage, determining vessel position, using radar and bridge equipment, manoeuvring the ship, navigational watch responsibilities and safety, using visual signalling to transmit and receive information, monitoring the loading and security of cargo, leadership skills, and much more. Enquire now for entry requirements, AMSA outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates. PLEASE NOTE: if you are seeking an AMSA certification, always check with your course provider before enrolment to ensure the correct units have been selected..
Average duration: 12 months.
In Australia, a full time Ship Mate generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 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 experienced a decrease in employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 620 people working as a Ship Mate in Australia, compared to 760 five years ago. A Ship Mate may find work in regions of Australia where maritime activities are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re interested in a career as a Ship Mate, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Maritime Operations. This course covers a range of topics including planning and conducting a passage, determining vessel position, using radar and bridge equipment, manoeuvring the ship, navigational watch responsibilities and safety, using visual signalling to transmit and receive information, monitoring the loading and unloading of cargo and leadership skills.
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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 Mate courses in your area.