RPL Interest Registration
Diploma of Maritime Operations
This qualification is not yet available through RPL It. Register your interest to be notified when it becomes available.
MAR50320
Your years navigating coastal and offshore waters have built a depth of expertise that few formal classrooms can replicate. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to create a recognition pathway that honours your maritime experience. By registering your interest, you will be the first to know when we are ready to guide your expertise toward this formal Diploma.
About This Qualification
This qualification applies to people working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification in the capacity of: Master up to 100 metres Near CoastalMaster up to 500 gross tonnage (GT)Watchkeeper Deck Please note: RTO to insert on the testamur the job role and specialisation, if applicable, selected from the group choice below. Duties and Functions Duties and functions for which AMSA certificate of competency is required are listed in the MAR Maritime Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide. Licensing/Regulatory Information Legislative and regulatory requirements are applicable to this qualification: This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Master up to 100 metres Near Coastal as specified in Marine Order 505. AMSA certification of competency will require: MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master up to 100 metres Near Coastal) or completing an approved program of study that meets Master up to 100 metres course at Diploma levelcertificates of competency as specified in Marine Order 505.long range operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) issued by ACMA (or higher qualification)qualifying sea service as specified in Marine Order 505meeting the medical requirements specified in Marine Order 505having passed final AMSA assessment specified in Marine Order 505meeting regulatory requirements as specified in Marine Order 505. This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Master of a commercial vessel up to 500 GT as specified in Marine Orders and STCW. AMSA certification of competency will require: MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Masters up to 500 GT) or completing an approved program of study that meets regulations STCW A-II/1 and A-II/2 certificates of competency as specified in Marine Order 71qualifying sea service as specified in Marine Order 71completing STCW short courses as specified in Marine Order 71meeting the medical fitness requirements specified in Marine Order 71having passed final AMSA assessmentmeeting regulatory requirements as specified in Marine Order 71. This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Watchkeeper Deck as specified in Marine Orders and STCW. AMSA certification of competency will require: MAR50320 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) or completing an approved program of study that meets regulation STCW A-II/I certificates of competency as specified in Marine Order 71qualifying sea service as specified in Marine Order 71completing STCW short courses as specified in Marine Order 71meeting the medical fitness requirements specified in Marine Order 71having passed final AMSA assessment as specified in Marine Order 71meeting regulatory requirements as specified in Marine Order 71. Seafarers seeking certification should check requirements with AMSA.
Qualification Code
MAR50320
Training Package
MAR — Maritime Training Package
AQF Level
Diploma
Total Units
See training.gov.au
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
National Register
View on training.gov.au →RPL It Status: Not yet available — Registering interest
Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.
Career Outcomes
According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Master (Up to 100m or 500GT) | Commanding commercial vessels in near-coastal waters, overseeing all navigational, crew, and safety operations. |
| Deck Watchkeeper | Responsible for safe navigation on ocean-going vessels, managing navigational watches and passage implementation. |
| Chief Mate | Serving as second-in-command, supervising cargo operations, vessel security, and crew management. |
Licensing
STATE SPECIFIC⚠️ Important
This qualification is a core requirement for obtaining various AMSA Certificates of Competency (CoC). Please note that obtaining the Diploma is one part of the regulatory process; AMSA also requires specific sea service, medical fitness, and a final assessment.
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Join our priority list to get notified the moment we open enrolments with our partner RTOs.
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Could RPL Be Right for You?
Experience can be evidence.
RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.
RPL typically involves:
A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements
Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency
Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation
If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise
ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice
RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.
Our approach:
“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”
What Kind of Experience Counts?
If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:
Work History & Roles
- ✓Verified sea service logs and discharge papers
- ✓Detailed CV outlining roles as Master, Mate, or Watchkeeper
- ✓Current and expired maritime certifications or tickets
Navigation & Bridge Operations
- ✓Passage plans and implemented voyage records
- ✓ECDIS and Radar/ARPA configuration logs
- ✓Bridge watchkeeping records and handover notes
Safety & Compliance
- ✓Safety Management System (SMS) reports and audits
- ✓Firefighting and survival craft training records
- ✓Pollution prevention and MARPOL compliance logs
Vessel Management
- ✓Cargo loading, stowage, and securing plans
- ✓Stability calculations and seaworthiness assessments
- ✓Maintenance schedules for ship construction and machinery
This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.
Is RPL currently available for the Diploma of Maritime Operations?▾
Why should I register my interest now?▾
Is RPL the same as studying the course?▾
Will this qualification automatically grant me an AMSA Master certificate?▾
Can my international sea service be used as evidence?▾
Related Qualifications
Other qualifications in the Maritime Training Package.
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering (Class 1)
MAR60120
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited)
MAR60220
Certificate I
Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal)
MAR10424
Certificate I
Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)
MAR10224
Certificate II
Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
MAR20324
Register Your Interest
We're establishing partnerships to offer MAR50320 through RPL. Tell us about your background — we'll let you know when it's available and whether RPL is likely to suit your experience.
Priority Notification
Be the first to know when enrolments open for MAR50320.
Preliminary Review
Receive free guidance on whether RPL could suit your career background.
No Commitments
Registering is obligation-free and takes less than 2 minutes.
Ready to Register Your Interest?
Be the first to know when MAR50320 becomes available through RPL.
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