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MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master Unlimited]

National ID
MAR60220
WA Course Code
BFW9
CRICOS code
103424H
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Why choose this course?

For a career as a Master in the maritime industry this qualification provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to meet the academic requirements for certification as a Master Unlimited as described in Marine Orders 71 (Masters and Deck Officers) 2014(opens in a new tab) – Seagoing Qualifications (Version six) under the Navigation Act 2012.(opens in a new tab)

This qualification provides you with the practical skills and knowledge appropriate to the management of a vessel in the area of marine safety, bridge and cargo operations, stability, marine law, ship management, construction and maintenance. You will also learn vessel handling skills, navigational safety and command operations as well as management skills required for this industry.

Students who wish to enter this course must meet the following AMSA requirements:

  • have completed at least 12 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels greater than 500 gross tonnage (>500 GT), while holding a certificate of competency as a Watchkeeper Deck and on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration.

Based on any certificates or qualifications that you may already hold, you may be required to undertake additional short course qualifications as specified by AMSA. This is an AMSA requirement for certification for all seafarers. This course is currently cited as meeting some of the requirements for certification as a Master Unlimited as described in Marine Orders 70 and 71(2014)(opens in a new tab) under the Navigation Act 2012 (opens in a new tab)by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Please note the Maritime calendar differs from the standard TAFE WA semester calendar. Semester dates are stated in your Letter of Offer.

This course is a full-time program that is timetabled over 4 to 5 days per week. This means you will have a very heavy study load which will encroach on your personal commitments during weekdays over the course of the program. The timetabled hours per week are essential to ensure all course requirements are met.

Please note that some units of competency will be delivered and assessed by South Metropolitan TAFE lecturers at an external location with the required specialised equipment. 

Career opportunities

  • Ship's Master

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 7.0 with no band score less than 7.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Watchkeeper Deck] (AC52) OR MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master less than 500 GT] (AC53) is required for entry into this course.

  • Equivalent to Australian Year 12.

  • Students must submit a comprehensive Resume outlining their work experiences, employment history and qualifications in order for the application to be assessed for entry into this course.

  • You must have the following to be considered:

    have completed at least 12 months documented qualifying seagoing service in charge of a navigation watch on vessels ≥500 GT: while holding a Certificate of Competency as Watchkeeper Deck; and on vessels on voyages of at least 24 hours duration.

    Based on any certificates or qualifications that you may already hold, you may be required to undertake additional short course qualifications as specified by AMSA. This is an AMSA requirement for certification for all seafarers. This course is currently cited as meeting some of the requirements for certification as a Master Unlimited as described in Marine Orders 70 and 71(2014) under the Navigation Act 2012 by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

    You will need a certificate of competency to be qualified to work in the Australian maritime industry and on Australian or international vessels in international waters. You must also be properly trained to work in your role in the maritime industry. (See Qualifications & training (amsa.gov.au) for more information).

    Based on any certificates or qualifications that you may already hold, you may be required to undertake additional short course qualifications as specified by AMSA. This is an AMSA requirement for certification for all seafarers. The fees may be up AUD $10,000 depending on your training.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,764
  • Resources fee: $7,134
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 12
MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master less than 500 GT] - AC53
2 semesters
MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master Unlimited] - BFW9
2 semesters
Year 12
MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Watchkeeper Deck] - AC52
2 semesters
MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master Unlimited] - BFW9
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 26 units. These 26 are comprised of 26 core units and 0 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
  • MARA023 Manage trim, stability and stress of a vessel
  • MARB042 Manage reported defects, damage, repairs and maintenance of a vessel
  • MARC055 Operate remote controls of propulsion plant, engineering systems and services
  • MARD006 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements
  • MARF032 Apply medical first aid on board ship
  • MARF035 Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)
  • MARF036 Coordinate search and rescue operations
  • MARF037 Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)
  • MARF038 Manage provision of medical care on board a vessel
  • MARF039 Manage safety and security of vessel, crew and passengers
  • MARF041 Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
  • MARF043 Operate survival craft, rescue boats and life-saving appliances (proficiency in survival craft)
  • MARF044 Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting)
  • MARF046 Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)
  • MARG008 Manage a vessel and its crew
  • MARH020 Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage
  • MARH021 Manage the navigation of a vessel
  • MARH023 Use of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation
  • MARH024 Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigation
  • MARK010 Manoeuvre and handle a ship in all conditions
  • MARN014 Plan and manage safe loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo
  • MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch
  • MARO011 Transmit and receive information by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
  • MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling
  • RIIWHS202E Enter and work in a confined space
Elective units

There are no elective units for this course.

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written or oral questioning assessment to show the student’s knowledge, projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge such as developing workplace plans and operational procedures, and practical demonstration of skills in completing the required tasks for relevant units within the qualification.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, Lecturer developed PowerPoint presentations, handouts, workbooks, and text books.

Facilities and equipment may include access to South Metro TAFE’s maritime vessels ‘Brockman’ and ‘The Image’, access to navigational simulators, engine room and stability simulators.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 2, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 2, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,764
  • Resources fee: $7,134
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 12
MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master less than 500 GT] - AC53
2 semesters
MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master Unlimited] - BFW9
2 semesters
Year 12
MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Watchkeeper Deck] - AC52
2 semesters
MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master Unlimited] - BFW9
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 26 units. These 26 are comprised of 26 core units and 0 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
  • MARA023 Manage trim, stability and stress of a vessel
  • MARB042 Manage reported defects, damage, repairs and maintenance of a vessel
  • MARC055 Operate remote controls of propulsion plant, engineering systems and services
  • MARD006 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements
  • MARF032 Apply medical first aid on board ship
  • MARF035 Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)
  • MARF036 Coordinate search and rescue operations
  • MARF037 Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)
  • MARF038 Manage provision of medical care on board a vessel
  • MARF039 Manage safety and security of vessel, crew and passengers
  • MARF041 Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
  • MARF043 Operate survival craft, rescue boats and life-saving appliances (proficiency in survival craft)
  • MARF044 Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting)
  • MARF046 Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)
  • MARG008 Manage a vessel and its crew
  • MARH020 Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage
  • MARH021 Manage the navigation of a vessel
  • MARH023 Use of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation
  • MARH024 Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigation
  • MARK010 Manoeuvre and handle a ship in all conditions
  • MARN014 Plan and manage safe loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo
  • MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch
  • MARO011 Transmit and receive information by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
  • MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling
  • RIIWHS202E Enter and work in a confined space
Elective units

There are no elective units for this course.

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written or oral questioning assessment to show the student’s knowledge, projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge such as developing workplace plans and operational procedures, and practical demonstration of skills in completing the required tasks for relevant units within the qualification.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, Lecturer developed PowerPoint presentations, handouts, workbooks, and text books.

Facilities and equipment may include access to South Metro TAFE’s maritime vessels ‘Brockman’ and ‘The Image’, access to navigational simulators, engine room and stability simulators.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $12,764
  • Resources fee: $7,134
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 12
MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master less than 500 GT] - AC53
2 semesters
MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master Unlimited] - BFW9
2 semesters
Year 12
MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations [Watchkeeper Deck] - AC52
2 semesters
MAR60220 Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations [Master Unlimited] - BFW9
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 26 units. These 26 are comprised of 26 core units and 0 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
  • MARA023 Manage trim, stability and stress of a vessel
  • MARB042 Manage reported defects, damage, repairs and maintenance of a vessel
  • MARC055 Operate remote controls of propulsion plant, engineering systems and services
  • MARD006 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements
  • MARF032 Apply medical first aid on board ship
  • MARF035 Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)
  • MARF036 Coordinate search and rescue operations
  • MARF037 Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)
  • MARF038 Manage provision of medical care on board a vessel
  • MARF039 Manage safety and security of vessel, crew and passengers
  • MARF041 Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
  • MARF043 Operate survival craft, rescue boats and life-saving appliances (proficiency in survival craft)
  • MARF044 Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting)
  • MARF046 Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)
  • MARG008 Manage a vessel and its crew
  • MARH020 Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions to plan a safe passage
  • MARH021 Manage the navigation of a vessel
  • MARH023 Use of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation
  • MARH024 Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigation
  • MARK010 Manoeuvre and handle a ship in all conditions
  • MARN014 Plan and manage safe loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo
  • MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch
  • MARO011 Transmit and receive information by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
  • MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling
  • RIIWHS202E Enter and work in a confined space
Elective units

There are no elective units for this course.

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written or oral questioning assessment to show the student’s knowledge, projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge such as developing workplace plans and operational procedures, and practical demonstration of skills in completing the required tasks for relevant units within the qualification.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, Lecturer developed PowerPoint presentations, handouts, workbooks, and text books.

Facilities and equipment may include access to South Metro TAFE’s maritime vessels ‘Brockman’ and ‘The Image’, access to navigational simulators, engine room and stability simulators.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process page for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on November 1, 2023