Ship's Officer (ANZSCO 231214)

    Updated

    What a Ship's Officer does

    Navigates and controls the safe operation of a ship and supervises and coordinates the activities of deck crew. Registration or licensing is required.

    Also called
    Deck Officer
    Specialisations
    Navigating Officer (Ship's), Seaman Officer (Navy)

    Key facts

    ANZSCO code
    231214
    Skill level
    2Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma
    Visas that list it
    494
    Assessing authority
    AMSA
    National shortage
    Shortage

    Visa options

    Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.

    Points-tested

    Employer-sponsored

    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 Officer do?

    Navigates and controls the safe operation of a ship and supervises and coordinates the activities of deck crew. Registration or licensing is required. Also called: Deck Officer. (ABS ANZSCO description.)

    Is Ship's Officer on the skilled occupation list?

    Yes. Ship's Officer (ANZSCO 231214) is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 494 visa.

    What is the ANZSCO code for Ship's Officer?

    231214. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.

    How can a Ship's Officer migrate to Australia?

    The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Ship's Officer for the Subclass 494 visa. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.

    Who assesses Ship's Officer for an Australian visa?

    AMSA, the skills assessing authority listed for 231214.

    Is Ship's Officer 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.

    Sources

    1. 1Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupation listimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
    2. 2Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022, CC BY 4.0abs.gov.au
    3. 3Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, 2025 listjobsandskills.gov.au