The Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal course equips individuals to captain various commercial vessels, including yachts, water taxis, and ferries, up to 24 metres. This course caters to maritime professionals seeking to enhance their competencies in commanding smaller vessels, serving as chief mates, or performing deck watchkeeper duties on larger vessels, among other roles. This certification is essential for navigating the regulatory and operational aspects of maritime command and safety.

The Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal certificate/ license is issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This qualification applies to people working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency in the capacity of:

• Commanding a vessel <24 m long.
• Acting as chief mate on a vessel <45 m long.
• Acting as deck watchkeeper on a vessel <100 m and <3000 GT.
• Acting as chief mate on a vessel <100 m and <3000 GT in inshore waters.
• Undertaking the duties and perform the functions of a General-Purpose Hand NC and Master (Inland waters) NC.

This qualification is offered over a 12-month period through a blended delivery model of face-to-face and online training and assessment. The face-to-face component is delivered over a seven-day workshop, including classroom training, onboard training, firefighting simulations, and safety at sea drills. Prior to commencement of the face-to-face component of the course, online pre-learning and formative assessment activities must be completed. You will have online support from trainers and assessors throughout the duration of the course.

Please note: You are welcome to attend more than one face-to-face workshop during the 12-month program if you would like extra learning or if the trainer and assessor has identified that you need extra time in order to gain competence. Extra workshops incur no further costs and are included in your original course fee/s.

Face-to-Face Workshop
The face-to-face component of this course is delivered over a seven-day workshop. During the seven days you will complete training with formative and summative assessment activities in the following environments:

• Classroom
• On board vessels ranging from 5 to 18 metres
• Firefighting simulations
• Safety at sea drills in sheltered waters
• Engineer workshop

Online Activities
These consist of:

• Multiple choice and other formative assessment questions
• Reading learning materials
• Reviewing slideshows and videos
• Video, email, text and phone conversations with Trainers and Assessors

You will need a computer or tablet with internet access for the online components of this program.

Other resources that you will require for workshop days include: 

• Fire training: Long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed shoes MUST be worn. Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) will be provided by PTG - Eye protection, gloves et cetera.
• Safety at sea: Swimwear and towel are required. You may consider bringing a spare change of clothes. Sunscreen MUST be worn for "Safety at Sea" units.
• Vessel handling: Students MUST wear appropriate clothing and enclosed footwear at all times while on training vessels.

These resources are not included in the course fee and must be purchased or provided separately.

In order to successfully complete this qualification and gain your Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal), you must demonstrate competency in all unit knowledge and skill requirements. If you are unable to demonstrate competency in any of your unit activities or during the seven-day face-to-face workshop, you will be invited to attend further workshops where you will be provided with support and further opportunities, for practice and to demonstrate the required competencies.

It is a requirement that all students wishing to enrol in this course under the User Choice program complete a short Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Exam. Please complete the short LLN exam by clicking HERE. This must be done prior to your enrolment being finalised.

Pathways you may take from this qualification include:

• MAR30821 - Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)
• MAR40620 - Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 35 Metres Near Coastal)

• Credit Transfer: If you have completed any single or multiple units in this qualification and can provide evidence in the form of a certificate and transcript issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or educational body, you may be eligible for credit transfer. You should consult with PTG for advice on this process.
• Recognition of Prior Learning: RPL recognises your existing experience gained through life or work for which you may not have obtained a formal qualification. If you are able to supply valid, sufficient, current and authentic evidence of having the skills and knowledge required for any or all of the required units for this qualification, you may be eligible for RPL and should consult with PTG for advice on this process.

This qualification is made up of 15 units of competency:

• BSBLDR301 Support effective workplace relationships
• HLTAID011 Provide first aid
• MARB029 Perform routine maintenance on a vessel up to 24 metres
• MARB030 Slip or dock a vessel and maintain hull on a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARF027 Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
• MARF028 Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
• MARF029 Meet work health and safety requirements
• MARF030 Survive at sea using survival craft
• MARH015 Manage and maintain a navigational watch on board vessels up to 80 metres
• MARH016 Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARH017 Use wheelhouse equipment for safe navigation
• MARI004 Observe regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 80 metres
• MARJ007 Monitor environmental management on a vessel
• MARK008 Manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 metres within Near Coastal waters
• MARN009 Perform seamanship operations on board a vessel up to 24 metres

The Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal Certificate of Competence is issued by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). In addition to your successful completion of the MAR30921 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 Metres Near Coastal) with PTG, to successfully gain your Master up to 24 Metres License you will also need to:

• at least 120 days qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel ≥7.5 m long working in a deck capacity.

• at least 360 days qualifying sea service on a vessel ≥7.5 m long (of which at least half must be on a commercial vessel), working in a deck capacity or working both in a deck capacity and an engineering capacity.

People seeking licensing certification should read Part D of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels and/ or Marine Order 505 for licensing and sea service requirements.

• Remain for the rest of the workshop and continue your assessment until found competent, OR
• Book in to a later workshop and be re-assessed.

The ICoC is a 60-day interim license issued by PTG to seafarers who have successfully completed their licensing requirements. To complete your ICoC you are required to book an appointment with PTG to have your documents checked and verified. Please contact 1300 161 640 or email info@paradigmtraining.edu.au to book an appointment.

• $1,376.80 course fee deposit.
• $500.00 AMPA and ICOC fee (This can be paid at any time prior to your AMPA) - Optional*.
• The Employer Fee is due on enrolment.

Schools-Based Traineeship

• Student Contribution Fee: Nil
• Employer Contribution Fee: Nil
• AMPA Fee (optional* - dependent on license requirement): $500.00 (may be paid by the employer or student). The full fee is due upon enrolment for those wishing to undertake the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA) and gain a low complexity interim certificate of competency (ICoC).

Total Fee: $500.00 (AMPA fee only).

For information on PTG payment plans or possible funding options, please contact Paradigm Training Group. 

*Payment of the AMPA fee is required for participation in an AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment and to receive a certificate of competency from AMSA. The fee must be settled in full before the assessment.