If your goal is to work at sea, this entry-level course will help you get started. Qualify to work as a general purpose hand in coastal waters on vessels up to 100 m. 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:
work effectively as part of a crew on a vessel up to 100 m
demonstrate critical survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
understand nautical terminology
apply firefighting skills and basic first aid
apply environmental work practices to protect our waters.
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
An entry-level qualification for a career at sea.
The confidence to work as part of a crew, in a support role, on a vessel up to 100 m.
The ability to fight a fire on board a vessel.
The skills to abandon a vessel safely in an emergency.
A clear pathway to higher maritime qualifications.
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
You have read requirements for certification as a General Purpose Hand on the AMSA website.
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:
the physical capacity to learn and perform the duties of a General Purpose Hand (Deckhand) aboard a vessel, including handling lines and ropes to moor a vessel, using deck machinery to anchor a vessel, and assisting with cargo work, shipboard maintenance and engine room tasks
the ability to swim 50 m and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a lifejacket
a resistance to chronic seasickness
the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions
the capacity to move around a vessel and board survival craft unassisted
the ability to meet minimum medical fitness standards as stipulated for General Purpose Hand on the AMSA website
the ability to complete 5 days of qualifying sea service.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
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: engine room assistant.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) sets the rules for each maritime qualification to make sure you’re fully prepared to work in that role. After finishing your TAFE NSW course, you’ll need to apply to AMSA and satisfy any certification prerequisites such as sea time and minimum medical fitness standards. For full details, visit the AMSA website.
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
The Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) does not have any post-graduate courses.
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.
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