If working on the sea is your goal, this course will help you get started with your dream career. Qualify to work as a general purpose hand in coastal waters on a vessel up to 80 metres, as you learn to work as part of a crew on deck or in the engine room.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
How to work effectively as part of a crew on a vessel up to 80 metres
Critical survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
Nautical terminology
Fire fighting skills and basic First Aid
Environmental work practices to protect our waters
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
The confidence to work as part of a crew, in a support role, on a vessel up to 80 metres
The ability to fight a fire on board a vessel
Engage in following procedures to abandon vessels in an emergency
Be comfortable with guiding a survival craft through rough weather
A strong study pathway to continue on to higher-level maritime qualifications
Entry-level qualifications for a great career
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An intermediate level of fitness
The ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes, while wearing work clothes and without a life jacket
The ability to handle rough seas without getting seasick
Access to appropriate work clothes, including closed work shoes and sun protection for practical sessions
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Deck Hands perform maintenance and lookout tasks aboard ships.
79%
900 workers
39 years
$1,620
50 hours
Lower
11% female
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: General purpose hand (deckhand/engine room assistant)
The Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA) sets specific requirements for each maritime qualification to ensure you are ready to join the industry. Once you graduate from your TAFE NSW course, you will be assessed against the relevant requirements through an AMSA examination process. Once you pass the exam and become certified, you will be able to apply for roles and work in the industry. Graduating from this course only meets part of the AMSA exam criteria. You will need to meet other requirements including minimum age, minimum professional sea time hours and medical and eyesight assessments which need to be arranged by you. Visit the AMSA website for more information.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 8 Units of Competency, including 8 core and 0 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
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