How to become a Ship's Master

Also called: Ship's Captain

Controls and manages the operations of a ship or boat.

Main tasks

• Manages and controls the movement of a vessel
• Oversees the interpretation of navigational instruments to ensure a vessel's course is maintained
• Adjusts a vessel's course according to weather conditions
• Communicates with port authorities
• Plans and schedules a vessel's route, considering factors such as weather, tides and cargo requirements
• Oversees the loading and unloading of cargo and/or passengers
• Implements emergency procedures in case of accidents, storms or unforeseen events
• Ensures compliance with maritime laws, regulations and safety procedures

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited) (MAR60220); Diploma of Maritime Operations (MAR50320); Certificate III in Maritime Operations (MAR30924); Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) (MAR20324); Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR10424); Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal) (MAR40324)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $174,980 a year
• About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 11,800 are projected by 2035. (+12%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Marine Pilot
• Marine Engineer
• Marine Surveyor
• Master Fisher
• Ship's Officer

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Ship's Master?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited); Diploma of Maritime Operations.

How much does a Ship's Master earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $174,980 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Ship's Master a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 11,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Ship's Master?

Usually not. Only 14% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited); Diploma of Maritime Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Ship's Master?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04