
Courses for beginners
There is 1 course available in Cairns Queensland for beginner learners with no prior experience or qualifications.
Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.


Courses for experienced learners
There are no courses available in Cairns Queensland for experienced learners with prior experience or qualifications.
Key questions
How can I become a master mariner?
To become a master mariner in Cairns, you may want to consider completing the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal). This qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in this industry.
Are there training providers in Cairns?
You can train to become a master mariner by completing a qualification with TAFE Queensland or South Metropolitan TAFE. Find a course provider near you. Once you make an enquiry, a course advisor will get in touch to discuss your study options and course fees.
What study modes are available?
There are several campuses within the Cairns area that provide master mariner training. The nearest campus is located right in the center of Cairns. Find a course provider that best suits your study needs.
Related occupations
Explore related occupations in the master mariner sector.
General Purpose Hand
A General Purpose Hand performs various duties on a marine vessel, assisting passengers, managing cargo, cleaning, and conducting safety checks.
Coxswain
A Coxswain steers small vessels, navigates courses, communicates with crew, and prioritises safety during journeys and emergencies.
Second Engineer
A Second Engineer repairs and maintains equipment on a vessel, handling mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems while ensuring smooth operations.
Chief Cook
A Chief Cook prepares meals on a vessel, ensuring ingredient availability, hygiene, and special dietary needs while managing tasks efficiently.
Sea Captain
A Sea Captain navigates and manages a vessel, ensuring safety and leadership while transporting passengers or cargo and communicating with the crew.
Chief Engineer
A Chief Engineer oversees machinery maintenance, designs equipment, supervises teams, and requires strong analytical and leadership skills.
Marine Mechanic
A Marine Mechanic repairs boats and maritime equipment, specialising in engines and systems while demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Marine Engineer
A Marine Engineer maintains and repairs shipping equipment, working on various vessel systems and ensuring effective operation through servicing and problem-solving.
Boat Builder
A Boat Builder constructs and repairs maritime vessels, customising designs to client specifications and specialising in areas like interiors or masts.
Shipwright
A Shipwright builds and repairs ships, requiring strong technical skills, attention to detail, and teamwork to meet customer needs.
Assistant Shipwright
An Assistant Shipwright aids in constructing and maintaining vessels, following instructions and working in teams while ensuring attention to detail.
Engineer Watchkeeper
An Engineer Watchkeeper ensures the effective operation and maintenance of ship machinery, requiring technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication.
Marine Surveyor
A Marine Surveyor inspects vessels for safety compliance, prepares reports, and conducts scheduled checks, requiring attention to detail, organisation, and strong communication skills.
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
A Watchkeeper Deck Officer oversees navigation, supervises cargo loading, liaises with the captain, manages equipment, and communicates with crew and passengers.
Deckhand
A Deckhand performs cleaning, maintenance, cargo handling, mooring, and safety patrols on a ship, requiring physical fitness, teamwork, and strict adherence to safety procedures.
Ship Mate
A Ship Mate assists with navigation, supervises crew, manages cargo, and ensures safety aboard vessels, requiring strong awareness and problem-solving skills.
Ship Master
A Ship Master oversees vessel operations, navigation, crew coordination, and regulation compliance, requiring strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Naval Architect
A Naval Architect designs ships and marine vessels, developing innovative solutions, meeting client needs, and adapting skills for varied projects.
More about master mariner courses in Cairns
For those aspiring to command the seas, Master Mariner courses in Cairns provide an excellent pathway to achieving this goal. Cairns, known for its vibrant maritime industry and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, offers unique opportunities for hands-on training. By engaging in these courses, you not only gain crucial qualifications but also immerse yourself in one of Australia's key maritime hubs.
Pursuing a career as a Master Mariner opens numerous prospects in related roles within the maritime sector. Students completing these courses may also find interest in becoming a Sea Captain, Second Engineer, or even a Chief Engineer. Each of these positions plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient maritime operations, which are crucial both locally and internationally.
In addition to Master Mariner qualifications, students in Cairns can explore various opportunities in the wider maritime field. Specialised roles such as Coxswain, Marine Mechanic, or General Purpose Hand all expand your career potential. The diverse marine environment in Cairns enriches the learning experience, making these roles more accessible and achievable than in other regions.
Enrolling in Master Mariner courses in Cairns means you are also joining an esteemed community of maritime professionals. With the support of renowned training providers, you receive the skills necessary to understand complex vessel operations and navigation. Furthermore, advanced positions such as Chief Cook or Boat Builder can also be pursued, showcasing the wide array of fulfilling career options available to you.
The journey to becoming a Master Mariner is not just a personal achievement but also a contribution to the thriving maritime industry in Cairns. By undertaking Master Mariner courses in Cairns, you harness the skills needed to excel in a variety of job roles. Embrace the challenge, gain your credentials, and set sail towards a rewarding and dynamic career in the maritime field today.
Further reading


The Power Of Delegation
1st June 2019