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    National code: MAR10224

    Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)

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    Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)

    OverviewAbout this course

    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.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    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.

    Course outcomes

    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.

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    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.

    Entry recommendations

    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.

    Find Your Fit

    This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.

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    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Deck Hand

    Deck Hands perform maintenance and lookout tasks aboard ships.

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      79%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      900 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      39 years

    • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

      $1,620

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      50 hours

    • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

      Lower

    • Gender share

      11% female

    • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: engine room assistant.

    Licensing

    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.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    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.

    Further study0 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.

    Related study0 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.

    Your experience counts

    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.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    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.

    • Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vesselMARB053

    • Work as part of a crew on a commercial vesselMARG012

    • Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vesselMARF028

    • Meet work health and safety requirementsMARF029

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    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

    • Student associations - get social with our student community

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol