Master 5 Course (Australia) – Now Master 24 Metres Near Coastal
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Master 5 Course in Australia – Now Known as Master 24 Metres Near Coastal

  • Writer: Sam Taylor
    Sam Taylor
  • Oct 17
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 24

If you’ve been researching how to get your Master 5 ticket, you’ve probably discovered that the qualification is now officially called the Master < 24 Metres Near Coastal certificate.It’s still the same level of qualification — simply renamed by AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) to reflect modern vessel size categories.

Whether you call it a Master 5 course or Master 24, this qualification is one of the most valuable steps you can take to move up in your maritime career and take command of larger commercial vessels in Australian waters.

What Is the Master 5 / Master 24 Qualification?

The Master < 24 Metres Near Coastal certificate allows you to:


  • Command a commercial vessel up to 24 metres in length in near-coastal waters

  • Act as chief mate on a vessel up to 45 metres

  • Operate as master of a vessel up to 100 metres in sheltered waters (with conditions)

This course replaces the former Master Class 5 Near Coastal, and provides the same level of authority and recognition under the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV).

Who Should Complete the Master 5 Course?

This course is ideal for:

  • Coxswain Grade 1 holders who want to progress to the next level

  • Crew working in the commercial marine, tourism, or offshore industries

  • Commercial skippers operating larger workboats, charters, or ferries

  • Marine supervisors or deck officers seeking a formal qualification

  • Anyone looking to increase career and pay opportunities in the maritime sector

Course Overview – What You’ll Learn

The Master 24 course delivered by Sydney Maritime Institute covers:

  • Vessel operations and bridge management

  • Navigation and voyage planning using electronic systems and charts

  • Collision regulations and rules of the road

  • Meteorology and weather forecast interpretation

  • Crew management and operational safety

  • Stability, loading and discharge procedures

  • Legislative and AMSA compliance requirements

Training combines theory and practical components to ensure you gain the skills needed to command larger commercial vessels with confidence.

Master 5 Eligibility Requirements

To enrol in the Master < 24 Metres course you’ll need:

  1. AMSA-approved training with a registered training organisation like Sydney Maritime Institute

  2. Sea service of at least 360 days in the past five years on commercial vessels (verified in a sea service log)

  3. Medical fitness certificate (AMSA 303)

  4. Marine radio certificate (MROCP or MROVCP)

  5. First Aid certificate (HLTAID011)

After training and sea service are complete, students can apply to AMSA for their final Certificate of Competency.

Duration and Study Mode

  • Duration: The Course is 30 Days (5.5 weeks) Full Time or 22 Days (4 weeks) Full Time if you are eligible for credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.There are 3 additional days scheduled Mon-Wed* post course for those students who require extra tuition, assessment or practical time.

  • Mode: In-person training at Sydney Maritime Institute + on-water practical sessions

  • Location: Sydney Northern Beaches

Intakes are available year-round with flexible study options for those who can not take the full time off work.

master 5


Career Outcomes After Your Master 5 Ticket

After qualifying, you can work in roles such as:

  • Master of vessels up to 24 metres in length

  • Chief mate on vessels up to 45 metres

  • Operations supervisor for tourism and charter companies

  • Ferry or workboat skipper

  • Marine coordinator or harbour operations manager

Many graduates continue on to Master < 35 Metres or Marine Engine Driver 2 or 3 for even greater responsibility and earning potential.

Course Cost and Funding Options

Fees vary depending on experience and unit credit transfers.You can get a personalised estimate using our Course Cost Calculator.

Funding and payment plans may be available for eligible students through state training schemes.


Why Train With Sydney Maritime Institute?

  • AMSA-approved RTO with nationally recognised qualifications

  • Practical, hands-on training on Sydney Harbour

  • Experienced trainers with real industry backgrounds

  • Small class sizes and flexible intake dates

  • Pathways to Coxswain, MED and Master certificates

Ready to Upgrade Your Coxswain Ticket to Master 5 / Master 24?

Take the next step in your maritime career with Sydney Maritime Institute’s Master < 24 Metres Course.Start your journey to command larger vessels and advance your career on the water.

Or get an instant quote with our Course Cost Calculator.




Need more Master 24 Information from AMSA?


Head to the link below for more Master less than 24 metres near coastal information from AMSA.



 
 
 
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