Ship’s Masters control and manage the operations of a ship or boat.

Skill Level

1

Alternative Titles

• Ship’s Captain

Specialisations

• Dredge Master
• Ship’s Pilot
• Tug Master

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Ship Master is Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• Certification Requirement
  • The applicant must have a certificate that is issued by a recognised maritime administration of a country that is a signatory to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention)
    • Master Unlimited (STCW Regs 11/2) STCW Certificate
  • Note: depending on the size of ship that the Ship Master is navigating different levels of requirements apply
  • In general, an applicant is required to demonstrate:
    • Certificate of Competency
    • Seagoing Service to demonstrate experience on eligible vessels
    • Completion of an approved study program
    • Trained in required safety procedures – i.e., medical care, firefighting, security awareness
    • Hold required certificates – i.e., survival crafts, radio operators, medical fitness
    • Passed final assessment
  • English Language Requirement
    • Applicant must be competent in the English language to a level that the individual can understand directions and documents to perform their duties

Control and manage the operations of ships, boats and marine equipment.

Tasks

• Directing fishing operations by using knowledge about the species sought, fishing areas, seasons and the capabilities of the vessel and crew
• Directing crew in catching fish, molluscs and crustacea at varying depths using nets, lines, poles, pots and traps
• Planning, controlling and coordinating the operational and maintenance requirements of a ship’s propulsion and domestic plant and equipment
• Operating plant and equipment and performing routine maintenance on ship’s systems including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam generating, and fire prevention and control systems
• Controlling and directing shipping operations to ensure the safe and efficient loading and transport of cargo and passengers
• Ensuring compliance with regulations pertaining to safety at sea and protection of the marine environment
• Directing the activities of the deck crew for navigational support tasks, berthing and unberthing, maintenance, cleaning and painting of superstructures, and repair and replacement of defective deck gear and equipment
• Navigating a ship by supervising the ship’s course and speed according to predetermined passage plans and safety procedures
• Examining and approving design plans of hulls and equipment such as main propulsion engines, auxiliary boilers and turbines, electrical power generating plant, refrigeration and airconditioning plant and pumping systems
• Conducting periodic surveys throughout a ship’s life to ensure standards are maintained

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Occupations in this Group

• 231211 Master Fisher
• 231212 Ship’s Engineer
• 231213 Ship’s Master
• 231214 Ship’s Officer
• 231215 Marine Surveyor
• 231299 Marine Transport Professionals nec