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ship’s master
船长
ANZSCO occupation profile
ANZSCO 2022
Indicative Skill Level
In Australia and New Zealand:Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) In New Zealand: NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Note: some roles within this unit group are at ANZSCO Skill Level 1. Registration or licensing is required.
Unit group duty description
Marine Transport Professionals control and manage the operations of ships, boats and marine equipment.
- directing fishing operations by using knowledge about the species sought, fishing areas, seasons and the capabilities of the vessel and crew
- directing crew in catching fish, molluscs and crustacea at varying depths using nets, lines, poles, pots and traps
- planning, controlling and coordinating the operational and maintenance requirements of a ship's propulsion and domestic plant and equipment
- operating plant and equipment and performing routine maintenance on ship's systems including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam generating, and fire prevention and control systems
- controlling and directing shipping operations to ensure the safe and efficient loading and transport of cargo and passengers
- ensuring compliance with regulations pertaining to safety at sea and protection of the marine environment
- directing the activities of the deck crew for navigational support tasks, berthing and unberthing, maintenance, cleaning and painting of superstructures, and repair and replacement of defective deck gear and equipment
- navigating a ship by supervising the ship's course and speed according to predetermined passage plans and safety procedures
- examining and approving design plans of hulls and equipment such as main propulsion engines, auxiliary boilers and turbines, electrical power generating plant, refrigeration and airconditioning plant and pumping systems
- conducting periodic surveys throughout a ship's life to ensure standards are maintained
231213 ship’s master
Controls and manages the operations of a ship or boat. Registration or licensing is required.
Alternative titles: Ship's Captain
Specialisations: Dredge Master · Ship's Pilot · Tug Master
View the ABS source →ANZSCO content is a classification guide. Skills assessment requirements must be checked separately.
Visa pathways
Occupation-list availability for seven visa subclasses
List membership is not a finding of personal eligibility.
State and territory nomination
Eight jurisdictions, checked separately
Official sources checked 10 August 2026
- NSW 491 · Pathways 2/3
Occupation and four-digit unit group checked against the NSW lists.
Official source →- Victorian ROI · 491
Applicant ranking depends on profile and ROI selection.
Official source →Checked separately against the onshore and offshore occupation lists.
Official source →2026–27 occupation settings have not yet been published.
Official source →Applications are unavailable pending the 2026–27 program settings.
Official source →- TAS · profile-based pathways · 491
All occupations on the relevant federal 190/491 list can access at least one Tasmanian pathway, but invitation depends on pathway eligibility and ROI priority attributes. No general OSOP 491 invitations are planned for 2026–27.
Official source →Occupation list match only; Matrix ranking and caps still apply.
Official source →- NT onshore/offshore · 491
The precise stream depends on residence, employment and offshore priority rules.
Official source →