Ship's Master – ANZSCO 231213

Ship's Master (ANZSCO 231213) is a skill level 2 occupation assessed by AMSA for Australian skilled migration. It is on the ROL list and can be used for subclass 491, subclass 494, subclass 407. 2 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

ANZSCO code: 231213
Skill level: 2 – Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma, or at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Assessing authority: AMSA
Occupation lists: ROL
English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
ANZSCO unit group: 2312 Marine Transport Professionals

Ship's Master job description and duties

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

Also known as: Ship's Captain

Specialisations: Dredge Master, Ship's Pilot, Tug Master

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

Education and skill level

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.

Visa options for Ship's Master

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Not eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Not eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Not eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 407 Training visa: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Ship's Master

2 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: Western Australia, Tasmania. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

New South Wales: 190 No, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore No, offshore No. Not eligible for 190.
Victoria: 190 No, 491 Not yet open, onshore No, offshore No. Not eligible for 190.
Queensland: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the Queensland onshore or offshore list.
South Australia: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the SA Skilled Occupation List.
Western Australia: 190 No, 491 Yes, onshore WA & interstate, offshore Yes. General – WASMOL Schedule 2: 491; Graduate stream (WA study): 491.
Tasmania: 190 No, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore No. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
Australian Capital Territory: 190 No, 491 No, onshore No, offshore No. Not on the ACT occupation list (Canberra small-business owners may still qualify).
Northern Territory: 190 No, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Ship's Master

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

AMSA sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

Passport
Qualification certificates and full transcripts
Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
Employment references (if applicable)
English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the AMSA skills assessment

AMSA sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 2312

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Ship's Master?

The ANZSCO code for Ship's Master is 231213. It is a skill level 2 occupation.

Who assesses Ship's Master for Australian migration?

Ship's Master is assessed by AMSA. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Ship's Master apply for?

Ship's Master is on the ROL list, so it can be used for: 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Ship's Master?

2 of 8 states and territories currently list Ship's Master: Western Australia, Tasmania. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Ship's Master skills assessment?

AMSA sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, AMSA and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.