Marine Transport Professionals

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Career Insights

  • Full Time Average
    Weekly Wage

    > $2,460
    Earnings for full-time employees before tax.

    The ranges are for all ages and levels of experience, so they cannot be used to determine what an individual worker will actually earn.
  • Full Time/Part Time
    Split

    87%13%
    This shows the proportion of workers who work part-time.

    The information uses the Australian Bureau of Statistics definition of part-time, which is working less than 35 hours per week.
  • Currently Employed
    Workers

    10,800
    The total number of people employed in Australia in November 2025 for this occupation.

    It includes both full-time and part-time workers.
  • Future Job Openings
    Next Five Years

    < 5k
    An estimate of the number of job opportunities likely to be available over the next five years.

    It does not provide any guidance about the number of job seekers for this occupation.
  • Current
    Unemployment

    Average
    The unemployment rate is the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the labour force (employed plus unemployed).
    An occupation may have high unemployment but may also be experiencing shortages for particular skills.
  • Powered by Australian Jobs 2026

Career Details

Marine Transport Professionals control and manage the operations of ships, boats and marine equipment.

Most occupations in this field typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

  • 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

Occupations:

  • Master Fisher 
  • Ship's Engineer 
  • Ship's Master 
  • Ship's Officer 
  • Marine Surveyor 
  • Marine Transport Professionals nec


Master Fisher


Controls a fishing vessel and fishing operations to catch and preserve fish, crustacea and molluscs. Registration or licensing is required.


Ship'S Engineer


Alternative Title:

  • Marine Engineer

Controls and manages the operation and maintenance of a ship's plant and equipment. Registration or licensing is required.

Specialisations:

  • Mechanical Engineering Officer (Navy) 
  • Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer (Navy)


Ship'S Master


Alternative Title:

  • Ship's Captain

Controls and manages the operations of a ship or boat. Registration or licensing is required.

Specialisations:

  • Dredge Master 
  • Ship's Pilot 
  • Tug Master


Ship'S Officer


Alternative Title:

  • Deck Officer

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

Specialisations:

  • Navigating Officer (Ship's) 
  • Seaman Officer (Navy)


Marine Surveyor


Alternative Title:

  • Ship's Surveyor

Surveys machines and hulls of ships to ensure they are constructed, equipped and maintained according to safety standards, rules and regulations laid down by marine authorities. Registration or licensing may be required.


Marine Transport Professionals Nec


This occupation group covers Marine Transport Professionals not elsewhere classified. Registration or licensing is required.

Occupations in this group include:

  • Boating Safety Officer (Aus)
  • Marine Safety Officer 
  • Vessel Traffic Officer (Aus)

Find out more

Check out the Good Universities Guide for more information on careers and the courses that can help get you there.


Link - Marine Transport Professionals

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