HomeCoursesMaritimeDiploma of Maritime Operations
Diploma of Maritime Operations
This diploma is the qualification the Australian Maritime Safety Authority expects before it issues a certificate of competency to a master or deck watchkeeper on a commercial vessel.
- Duration: 8 months
- Study mode: On campus
- Course code: MAR50320
Where you can study this course
- Campuses
- Newcastle, Tighes Hill
- Duration
- 8 months
- Study mode
- Combination
- Full fee
- Not stated by provider
What students say
Many students speak well of the facilities and campus, and some rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching and student support, and some found the organisation and admin frustrating.
- Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
University of Tasmania
- Campuses
- 17 campuses
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Students often praise the facilities and campus, and opinions are mixed on the trainers and teaching. Some students found organisation and admin frustrating, and some felt student support was lacking.
- Visit course page → (opens in a new tab)
South Metropolitan TAFE
- Campuses
- Fremantle
- Duration
- Not stated by provider
- Study mode
- On campus
- Full fee
- Not stated by provider
What students say
Students often rate the trainers and teaching highly, though opinions are mixed on both teaching and campus facilities. Some also found student support frustrating to access.
- Visit provider website → (opens in a new tab)
TAFE International Western Australia
- Campuses
- TAFE International Western Australia
- Duration
- Not yet checked
- Study mode
- Not yet checked
- Full fee
- Not yet checked
What students say
Many students value the student support they receive, though a number found organisation and admin frustrating, and opinions are mixed on communication.
Last reviewed 20 September 2026.
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
- Providers can set their own conditions, such as a minimum age or a current job in the industry, and practical training may need a workplace placement. Check each provider above.
- Yes. This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Master up to 100 metres Near Coastal, a Master of a commercial vessel up to 500 GT, or a Watchkeeper Deck. AMSA certification also requires qualifying sea service, medical fitness, STCW short courses, and a final AMSA assessment. Seafarers should check requirements with AMSA.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, it helps to have:
- an interest in working on the water
- good communication skills
- a careful and steady approach to safety
- the ability to work well in a team
What will you learn?
Students learn to plan and run a safe navigational watch, use radar and electronic charts, handle a vessel in port and at sea, manage cargo and stability, and lead a crew. Firefighting, sea survival, security awareness and pollution prevention are built in, because those skills are part of the job rather than extras. The certificate itself also depends on qualifying sea service, a medical check and a final AMSA assessment, so most people study while working on vessels or after time as a deckhand.
- Passage planning and navigation
- Electronic charts and radar
- Ship handling and manoeuvring
- Cargo loading and stowage
- Ship stability and seaworthiness
- Firefighting and sea survival
Units of competency (19 core)
Everyone completes these core units. Select a unit to see what it covers.
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Data from training.gov.au and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (CC BY 4.0).