Welcome to True North Marine Training and our AMSA Master less than 45 metres Tutor Service. You are probably reading this information because you have finished your Master less than 45 metres course and training. The next step is prepare your application and to sit the FINAL ASSESSMENT with the AMSA Assessor.
If this sounds like you then why not consider our private one-on-one AMSA Master less than 45 metres Tutor Service to assist you in preparing for the assessment. My name is Peter Wood and I run and operate True North Marine Training.
After a career working in the maritime industry I am now retired. I am currently a volunteer and Master of a Marine Rescue vessel after spending a maritime career that involved working on merchant ships, tugs, ferries, dredging vessels and offshore patrol vessels. For the past 20+ years I have also been operating a maritime training business assisting candidates to prepare for Boat Licences, Marine Crew Certification, Coxswain and Master Assessments, Marine Radio Licence exams and Coastal Navigation.
If you are looking at the maritime industry as a career then congratulations as you have found an amazing industry to be part of. Our tutoring services is available whether you are seeking to obtain a Boat Licence, Marine Radio Licence, Coxswain NC1, NC2 or NC3 or Master less than 24 metres qualification however it is primarily directed to marine crew who are preparing for the AMSA Master less than 45 metres Assessment.
For those AMSA Master less than 45 metres candidates’ who may not be aware, on completion of obtaining the required sea service and upon having completed the mandatory training and have been deemed ‘competent’ with an Approved Training Provider, candidates for Master less than 45 metres are then required to undertake a final Assessment with the AMSA Assessor. (See areas of knowledge below)
This can be a challenging and daunting experience for a number of reasons. Firstly, and the most common, is that there has been a considerable time period between completing your training and the assessment date. The primary reason is that candidates did not have sufficient sea time when the training course was completed. Sometimes there can be many months between completing training and going for the assessment. The second most common area is not knowing what you will be asked during the assessment. Both of these problems can be solved with our Tutor Service.
We have available 00’s of questions related to the subjects that questions are taken from during an assessment. We can identify what knowledge you have retained and where your revision time should be spent. Remember the assessment may not be just asking questions. You may also be required to undertake calculations regarding radar plotting, tidal situations, loading cargo and stability.
The AMSA Assessment is a one-on-one assessment and can take up to 2 hours depending on the Assessor and involves challenging the candidate on their marine experience, knowledge and responses to daily and emergency situations.
At True North Marine Training we have developed a wide range of resources designed to assist candidates’ in passing the assessment on the 1st attempt. Like any assessment process candidates’ need to be well prepared and our tutoring services is designed to do just that. We provide candidates’ with either the option of our one-on-one service on an hourly basis. Most candidates’ only require 3-4 hours from our experience or candidates’ can obtain LIFETIME access to our bank of assessment questions and expected responses for a one off fee.
Explanation of Letters A, B & C
The letters on the checklist above designate the relative importance of each topic and indicate the level of attainment required:
- The letter A: covers critical areas, particularly emergency situations, that affect safety of life or the vessel, and major operational functions. A highly developed level of knowledge appropriate to the grade of certificate is required.
- The letter B: covers areas that affect safety of life, or the vessel, in less critical situations, such as effective maintenance. A developed level of knowledge appropriate to the grade of certificate is required.
- The letter C: covers areas not covered by A and B
Please Click Here for our Maritime Tutor Qualifications and Experience
FREE Consultation: If you have a questions related to our Maritime Tutor service, Coxswain and Master qualifications, Marine Radio Licences, MMSI numbers and/or Coastal Navigation why not give us a call? We are always happy to discuss how we can help you.
Ph: 0434 803 687 – 8:00am -8:00pm – 7 days
If you are preparing for an AMSA Assessment for a marine qualification and require assistance with any aspect of the knowledge required then maybe we can help.
The areas of knowledge required for an AMSA Assessment include:
- Management and Shipmasters Business
- Navigational Charts and Publications
- Stress and Stability
- Cargo Work
- Standards of Watchkeeping
- Marine Engineering Systems
- Bridge Equipment
- Ship Handling
- Marine Radio Licence
- Prevention of Pollution
- Essential Shipboard Equipment and Machinery
- Coastal Navigation
- Emergency Situations, Response and Equipment
- International Collision Regulations including IALA Buoyage systems
- Dry Docking
- Search and Rescue
FREE Consultation: If you have a questions related to our Maritime Tutoring service why not give us a call? We are always happy to discuss. Ph: 0434 803 687 – 8:00am -8:00pm – 7 days
Hi Peter, I successfully passed my Master under 45 orals. I can’t thank you enough mate. I reckon your tutoring is what got me over the line!! Thanks again Peter I honestly couldn’t have done it without you! Take care and all the best. Kind regards,
Marine Radio Operation
Marine radios operate completely differently from mobile phones, giving boat skippers the ability to call or contact multiple vessels at the same time. Being able to correctly use a marine radio is a key safe boating component. Understanding how marine radios function, what channels to use and how to make Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine calls is of paramount importance. When things don’t go as planned, the weather changes, or you suffer mechanical issues or perhaps a medical problem on board your vessel, then the marine radio is the first ‘go to’ device to obtain assistance. The other advantages are being able to receive adverse marine weather and/or navigational information as well as calls from other vessels that may require assistance.
DSC VHF & MFHF Marine Radios
DSC VHF & MFHF – If you have purchased a DSC capable marine radio – or have purchased a vessel with a DSC marine radio on board, then you will need to obtain a Marine Radio Licence first, which will then allow you to obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (MMSI). The MMSI number is required to be programmed into the radio to access the full functions of the radio. It is very easy to obtain a Marine Radio Licence with the final exam taking around 20 mins. All training material and resources are provided to make the process as straight forward and as easy as possible. When you have obtained your Marine Radio Licence you can then submit you application to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority who issue the MMSI.
Who should have a Marine Radio Licence?
A Marine Radio Licence is required if you are:
1. Operating Marine VHF and/or MF/HF Radios. This applies to Skippers and Masters of both recreational and commercial vessels. This requirement has been in force for more that 50 years. The requirement to hold a Marine Radio Licence is simply to ensure marine radio operators have the knowledge to correctly operate Marine VHF and/or MF/HF Radios.
2. If you have a Marine Digital Selective Calling (DSC)VHF and/or MF/HF Radio or if you intend to up grade your radio to the popular and much preferred Digital Selective Calling (DSC) type of radio. To access the full features of these radios requires the radio to be registered and the issue of a Maritime Mobile Service Identity number (MMSI). To obtain an MMSI you need to provide your Marine Radio Licence number.
Click Here to see how to get an MMSI.
How do I demonstrate the ‘Practical’ component?
I understand there is a practical component to obtaining a Marine Radio Licence. How can I complete this?
The above question is probably the most common question we receive. The answer, by the way is very simple. This is because we provide all candidates with access to simple simulated devices for both VHF Marine Radios and MF/HF Marine Radios. The process just requires you to follow instructions to click on links and read from a pre prepared script. This process takes only about 4-5 minutes.
What is involved in sitting the final Marine Radio Licence Exam?
The above question is probably the 2nd most common question we receive. The final exam is conducted via Zoom. This is an extremely simple process where you just need to clink on a link that is emailed to you and it will automatically connect your device camera with the Invigilator (Exam Supervisor). Once connected you complete the exam with the Invigilator present on his/her device. While you have 1 hour to complete the exam most candidates will complete it in about 20 mins for the MF/HF Marine Radio exam (50 multiple choice questions) or 10-15 mins for the VHF Marine Radio exam (25 multiple choice questions.
What if I fail the exam?
If this were to happen you are permitted to resit the exam. On the positive side we have been conducting marine radio licence exams online for over 12 years. In this time we have conducted close to 9000 exams. We have no record of anyone failing the Marine Radio Licence exam by simply following the steps we have in place. In fact our system works so well that the majority of candidates who complete the course with True North Marine either obtain a 100% pass mark or are in the 90%+ category. This is something we are very proud of and gives us the confidence to make the above claims.
How to enrol in the Marine Radio Licence Course
You can enrol in this course at any time from the enrolment link on this page and includes the following:
- A FREE downloaded version of the Marine Radio Handbook and/or the VHF Radio Handbook,
- Access to additional training material and resources related to Marine Radio knowledge and operation,
- Unlimited access to over 350 questions of a similar nature to the final exam and
- Access to our Senior Trainer/Exam Invigilator via phone and email.
- Access to our FREE Simulator for demonstrating practical competency
- Complete the process (takes about 20 minutes) by sitting the final exam online via Zoom.
- The Total Cost for the complete Marine Radio Licence course is $279.00. (Please note: We do not charge for the final exam. It’s FREE. You pay only the government charge of $89.00 for the exam papers which is included in the total cost.)
Please use the links below to enrol on our secure payment site.
Coastal Navigation – This is not a complex area but it is vitally important whether you are travelling across the harbour or bay or on a coastal voyage. All boat Skippers and Masters should have the basic ability to read a nautical chart. This includes the basics of understanding Latitude and Longitude as well the ability to read and interpret the many symbols used on nautical charts. This basic knowledge is designed to ensure you can keep your boat, and the people on board, safe.
Our Coastal Navigation training video programs can be purchased for under $100.00, comes with lifetime access and includes numerous exercises and activities. With the knowledge you gain of using nautical charts from the training programs you will have the skill and knowledge to transfer this to GPS devices easily. Of course it is a know fact that when GPS fails, which it obviously can do, we resort back to the tried and tested nautical chart.
Coastal Navigation Online Training Programs
Our programs cover 3 specific regions. For the United States we use Chart 12354 covering Long Island Sound NY. For the UK we use Admirality Chart 5047 covering the Bristol Channel and for Australia we use Chart AUS252 covering the Whitsunday Islands Qld.
Each program will take you through everything you need to know to confidently navigate your vessel, day and night, on any harbour, bay or coastal passage. The programs differ in respect to different exercises and the fact that the United States program is in imperial format (i.e. Fathoms and Feet) whereas the UK and AUS programs are in metric format (Metres).
Order Coastal Navigation ..it's Easy UK Version Click Here Now!!
The Coastal Navigation..it's Easy UK Version uses the Bristol Channel metric (Metres) nautical chart and includes exercises and resources.
Order Coastal Navigation ..it's Easy USA Version Click Here Now!!
The Coastal Navigation..it's Easy USA Version uses the Long Island Sound imperial nautical chart (Fathoms and feet) and includes exercises and resources.
Order Coastal Navigation ..it's Easy AUS Version Click Here Now!!
The Coastal Navigation..it's Easy AUS Version uses the Whitsunday Chart metric (Metres) nautical chart and includes exercises and resources.