Ship's Master (ANZSCO 231213)
Updated
What a Ship's Master does
Controls and manages the operations of a ship or boat. Registration or licensing is required.
- Also called
- Ship's Captain
- Specialisations
- Dredge Master, Ship's Pilot, Tug Master
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 231213
- Skill level
- 2Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma
- Skilled lists
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
- Assessing authority
- AMSA
- National shortage
- Shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia ROLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand, Core Skills streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Direct Entry streamNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Main tasks
- 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
Shortage by state
- NationalShortage
- ACTShortage
- NSWShortage
- NTShortage
- QLDShortage
- SAShortage
- TASShortage
- VICShortage
- WAShortage
State and territory nomination
For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.
Common questions
What does a Ship's Master do?
Controls and manages the operations of a ship or boat. Registration or licensing is required. Also called: Ship's Captain. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Ship's Master on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Ship's Master (ANZSCO 231213) is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Ship's Master?
231213. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Ship's Master migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Ship's Master for the Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.
Who assesses Ship's Master for an Australian visa?
AMSA, the skills assessing authority listed for 231213.
Is Ship's Master in demand in Australia?
Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.