This qualification enables you to work as a Master or Chief Mate on vessels less than 500 gross tonnage in any operating area; or a watchkeeper deck officer on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area.
This qualification enables you to work as a:
- Master or Chief Mate on vessels less than 500 gross tonnage in any operating area; or
- a watchkeeper deck officer on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area.
You will be qualified to 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; or
- Able Seafarer — Deck.
Note: This course is best suited for people who already have some background or experience in this field. If you're unsure, please seek advice from the training provider to see whether this course is the right choice for you.
Completion of this nationally recognised and accredited qualification may provide credit towards a relevant higher level qualification or university degree, should you wish to pursue further study in this field.
This course is fee-free! No course fees apply!
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
Ready to navigate your crew through rough or smooth seas? Further advance your maritime career and become a highly skilled specialist in a supervisory role.
This course will qualify you to work in international waters as a:
- Watchkeeper deck officer on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area.
- Able seafarer - deck
Be guided by our team of lecturers who are expert mariners, as you become equipped with leadership and communication techniques to manage a crew. You'll gain a specialised maritime skillset and become trained in overseeing a vessel's stability and seaworthiness, managing cargo handling, navigating international waters and directing the team on watchkeeping. You'll also learn essential emergency response skills such as onboard firefighting, operating survival craft and providing first aid.
SM TAFE has key maritime connections which give students strong employability opportunities in oil and gas, shipbuilding and defence industries, alongside partnerships with Shell, Rio Tinto, Royal Oman Police, MMA Offshore Marine, BHP, INPEX and Australian Offshore Solutions.
If you've got what it takes to be a leader onboard, follow your calling for a career at sea and take the next step in enhancing your nautical and navigational knowledge.
Visit the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) website for details regarding sea service and certification requirements.
Learn in specialist facilities
Situated in the port city of Fremantle, SM TAFE’s Fremantle campus includes some of the most comprehensive facilities for 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.
The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.