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​Licensing Requirements

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​Occupations / Skills in Demand

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​​Industry Profile

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​Training Package

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​How Can I Begin a Career?

Industry Overview

Australia, as an island nation, depends on a safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable maritime sector. Around 25% of the domestic freight task (on a tonne per kilometre basis) is carried by ships, with the number set to increase over the coming years. Over the last 15 years, the amount of this cargo carried by foreign vessels employing foreign crews has increased from  6% to 30%.

There are four sectors in the maritime industry:

• The Offshore sector which includes oil and gas production, iron ore mining, shipbuilding and marine cargo handling.
• International blue water transport which operates vessels for the transportation of passengers or freight by sea between domestic and foreign ports.
• Near coastal water transport which operates vessels for the movement of passengers or freight by sea between domestic ports.
• Inland water transport which operates vessels that transport freight or passengers in harbours or inland waters (except tugboats or lighters).

​Licensing Requirements

There are licensing and certification requirements for many roles within Maritime. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responsible for licensing and regulatory requirements in this sector.

Occupations / Skills in Demand

• Ships Master
• Ships Officer
• Electro-Technical Officer / Electric Engineering Technician
• Ships Engineer

Follow our links for the Maritime Industry Reports, Infographics or see the Maritime, Ports and Stevedoring Careers Pathway Booklet for further details on these occupations and how you can begin a career in this sector.

If you have queries regarding specific occupations or if you feel an occupation in your industry in not on the State Priority Occupation List (SPOL) please contact us. Training Councils are the first point of contact for feedback regarding this list.

Maritime Industry Profile

In addition, we also provide the following strategic advice to industry on workforce development issues such as occupational priorities or shortages per industry area, training or upskilling requirements and other industry intelligence of factors influencing skilling needs within Western Australia. To access these, please click on the links below:

Industry Snapshot

Maritime

Industry Snapshot Infographic

Maritime

For historic information contact us

Maritime Training Package

Australian Industry Standards (AIS) is the Skills Service Organisations (SSO) with responsibility for the Maritime Training Package. In addition, you can also follow the links on their website to find more information regarding their Maritime Industry Outlook and Maritime Industry Forecasts released annually or to find out how you can be involved in the Maritime Industry Reference Committee (IRC).

To ensure feedback from WA stakeholders has been included, the LDSC regularly provides advice and recommendations to the AIS on the development of the Training Package materials as well as the development of the Maritime Industry Outlook and Industry Forecasts. Please contact the LDSC if you would like to provide feedback or be involved in these consultations.

​How Can I Begin a Career in Maritime?

Visit the Maritime Industry Profile section for more information on the careers and skills in demand within this sector. You can also download our Maritime, Ports and Stevedoring Careers Pathway Booklet which details Case Studies and career pathway information for how you can enter this industry.

Want to get involved in an Industry Working Group?

Click Here