Seafarer / Maritime officer Seafarer / Marine Officer
Occupation code: 231212（ANZSCO） Skilled migration occupation Overall 6.5/10
Seafarers and marine officers are responsible for navigation, safety management and cargo transport aboard commercial vessels, tankers, LNG carriers and ferries. Australia is the world's largest LNG exporter (approximately 80 million tonnes per year), and demand for certificated marine officers (STCW certified) remains strong, with the occupation listed on the MLTSSL.
Ratings · Overall 6.5/10i
In the AI era: what happens to Seafarer / Maritime officer
AI-assisted navigation, weather forecasting, and automation systems enhance crew efficiency and safety, but require certification and compliance; the profession is enhanced overall rather than replaced.
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Replaces some navigation and route planning tasks, such as automatic collision avoidance, track control, and weather route optimisation, but crew still needed for complex port operations and emergencies.
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Replaces core navigation tasks like berthing/unberthing and automatic cruise, reducing the need for real-time control by navigation officers in open waters and fixed routes.
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Replaces continuous monitoring and manual control tasks during long voyages, making navigation officers supervisors, but still needs to address complex regulations and extreme sea conditions.
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Fully replaces all duties of maritime officers on fixed routes, including navigation, berthing, and cargo monitoring, but the technology is not yet widespread for complex ocean routes.
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Replaces routine maneuvering tasks of tugs and ferries, such as maintaining heading, speed control, and coordinated operations, but the captain still handles emergencies.
- FMI (Finland) Automatic Ship Navigation Research Research Partial 2020
Replaces route planning and collision avoidance decisions in ice navigation, assisting crew in complex sea ice environments, but manual monitoring remains necessary.
- Routine voyage data recording and report generation
- Basic meteorological route planning and optimization
- Marine machinery condition monitoring and early warning
- Cargo loading calculation and balance adjustment
- Communication relay and standard message forwarding
- AI-assisted navigation decisions to improve flight safety and fuel efficiency
- Real-time weather and sea condition forecasting, supporting dynamic adjustment of speed and route
- Automated fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance to reduce downtime
- Intelligent Cargo Monitoring Systems to Improve Stowage Accuracy and Safety
- Augmented reality (AR) assisted navigation at night and in adverse weather
- Ship handling and emergency response capabilities in crisis situations
- Team management and crew leadership (especially captain duties)
- Special cargo handling and complex port operations experience
- Regulatory compliance and maritime safety inspection responsibilities
- Flexible judgment in unpredictable marine environments
- Operation of AI navigation and decision support systems
- Data analysis and interpretation of predictive models
- Remote operation and automated system monitoring
- Cybersecurity basics (ship system protection)
- STCW certification renewal (including E-navigation module)
- Cross-cultural communication and team management
Entry-level roles (e.g., ordinary sailors) may decrease due to automation, but demand for certified navigation officers (STCW certification) remains stable, and shortage occupation lists ensure entry pathways.
Transition from traditional navigation officer to 'intelligent bridge commander': master AI navigation, predictive maintenance, and digital twin systems, focus on strategic decision-making and safety oversight; can advance to remote dispatcher for automated fleets or maritime AI consultant, and obtain intercontinental captain qualifications.
Salary
| Experience | Annual (AUD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Deck Officer / Third Officer (0–3 years) | $75,000 ~ $95,000 | Annual salary for a third officer or junior engineer on a merchant vessel |
| First mate / chief engineer (3–10 years) | $105,000 ~ $135,000 | SEEK maritime engineer $105k–$125k (2026); Merchant Marine average $63,960 (lower end) – $120k (LNG high end) |
| Master/Chief Engineer (8–18 years) | $130,000 ~ $200,000 | LNG/tanker captains earn $150k–$200k+ per year, including offshore allowances |
| Harbour Pilot | $200,000 ~ $350,000 | Harbour pilots at state port authorities earn approximately $200k–$350k per year (severe shortage, highest salary range) |
Education Path
| Stage | Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Maritime Operations (3 years) | 3 years | $30,000~$100,000 |
| Certificate IV/Diploma of Maritime Operations | 12–24 months | $8,000~$30,000 |
| STCW Basic Safety Training | 5–10 days | $500~$2,000 |
| AMSA certificate conversion (for overseas licence holders) | 3–6 months | $500~$3,000 |
Qualifications
| Qualification | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|
| STCW Officer of the Watch（III/1 or II/1） | AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) | Required |
| STCW Basic Safety Training（BST） | AMSA-approved training provider | Required |
| Medical fitness certificate (ENG1 / Medical Fitness) | Recognised maritime medical institution | Required |
| Master Class 5/4/2/1 | AMSA | Optional |
Migration
Occupation classification code: 231212（ANZSCO）
| Visa | Details |
|---|---|
| 482 Skills in Demand | Employer sponsorship; LNG operators (Woodside/Shell) and major shipping companies are active sponsors |
| 186 ENS | Employer-sponsored permanent residency |
| 189 SkillSelect Independent | Invitation-based, listed on MLTSSL; candidates with STCW certification are preferred |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | State nomination — WA (mining and maritime) and QLD (LNG) actively nominating · ~80 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative) |
Who it fits
- Holds STCW Officer of the Watch (III/1 or II/1) or higher certification, with experience on merchant vessels or tankers
- English meeting ICAO/STCW requirements (IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent)
- Willing to work at sea for extended periods (contracts of 3–6 months at a time) and able to accept extended separation from family
- Candidates with LNG vessel, VLCC, or bulk carrier experience preferred (high-paying LNG sector)
- Willing to settle in Western Australia (the LNG hub) or near a major port city (Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane)
- Unable to accept extended offshore rotations (months away from home) or shift-based working arrangements
- Only have inland or inshore small vessel experience, with no commercial maritime STCW certification
- Physical health condition does not meet maritime medical fitness requirements
Career outlook
Australia's maritime industry, driven by LNG and iron ore exports, continues to expand with strong stability and high salaries. The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certificate is the global standard; STCW certificates recognised in China can be converted to Australian certificates through AMSA. Domestic maritime college graduates are in short supply, creating strong demand for internationally qualified seafarers holding STCW credentials.
JSA projects seafarer employment to grow approximately 6% to 2030. The continued expansion of Australia's LNG and iron ore exports is driving demand for maritime transport professionals. Harbour pilots face a serious shortage due to a wave of retirements and represent the highest-paid specialisation.
Growth areas：
液化天然气（LNG）船员（澳洲LNG出口全球第一）海洋工程和近海石油平台支援港口引航员（Harbour Pilot）游轮运营（旅游复苏推动）海洋可再生能源（海上风电）
FAQ
Data sources
Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Seek, Indeed, Glassdoor and ERI SalaryExpert; employment and demand forecasts cite Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS); visa and migration details follow the latest occupation lists from the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authorities. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.