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- Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper)
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Overview
About this course
Gain the qualification you need to apply for an engineer watchkeeper licence and work on ships worldwide. Build strong technical, survival and leadership skills to manage crew and pursue a career at sea.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
identify and fix complex diesel engine problems
use emergency survival strategies for work at sea
prevent and control fires
inspect and operate a low‑pressure steam boiler
read electrical diagrams and find faults on electrical boards.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally recognised qualification at diploma level.
Eligibility to apply for an engineer watchkeeper certificate of competency through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The minimum engineering qualification needed to join the international maritime industry.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
This course can be completed as part of a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
You must hold an AMSA-approved Certificate III trade qualification (or equivalent) or an Australian Recognised Trade Certificate, as shown by a copy of your qualification, transcript or trade certificate.
Completion requirements
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 5 across the 5 bands of literacy and 5 across one band of numeracy. This helps us to understand your study needs or provide the right support for your study success.
Entry recommendations
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 without a life jacket and while wearing work attire
an understanding of the Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA) certification requirements.
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.
Pathways
Future career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Ship's Engineer
Marine Engineers control and manage the operation and maintenance of ship's plants and equipment.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
89%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
300 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
45 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.
$2,640
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
53 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.
High
Gender share
1% 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: engineer watchkeeper officer, second engineer on ships under 3000 kW in any operating area and chief engineer on ships under 3000 kW operating in near-coastal waters.
Licensing
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) sets specific requirements for each maritime qualification to ensure you’re ready to work in the industry. After you complete this course, you’ll be eligible to apply for an AMSA oral exam to obtain your certificate of competency. Once you receive your certificate, you can work as an engineer watchkeeper on ships worldwide. To be licensed by AMSA, you must be at least 18 years old. For more information about licensing requirements for this qualification, 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 Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study0 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
The Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) 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.
Units
Units taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 28 units of competency, including 19 core and 9 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 - 19
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.
Provide First AidHLTAID011
Apply leadership and team working capabilityMARF031
Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)MARF035
Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)MARF037
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TAFE NSW services
Facilities 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 options