Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck)

keep a vessel stable and seaworthy

respond to emergencies and provide first aid

lead your crew in watchkeeping, ship operations and maintaining equipment

send and receive messages using visual signals and the global maritime distress and safety system

survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment

navigate safely using traditional and modern methods.

A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level.

Eligibility to apply for a Watchkeeper Deck Certificate through AMSA, subject to additional AMSA STCW requirements.

Skills to work as a second or third deck watchkeeping officer.

Experience using bridge simulators and emergency response training.

Leadership and teamwork skills for working in isolated and challenging environments.

The opportunity to complete AMSA block oral examinations, subject to AMSA requirements.

You must attend an online interview with a teacher to assess your suitability for the course.

You must show evidence that you have completed at least 12 months sea service on voyages of 24 hours duration. At least 6 months of this service must have been as understudy of the officer in charge of a navigation watch or equivalent. This experience must have taken place on vessels as specified by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

you must attend all face-to-face and online classes as per the timetable

you must participate in all critical training and practical assessments

you must demonstrate correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

you must bring the required PPE as instructed

you must follow all operational instructions.

a commitment to attend the full course, including all face-to-face and online classes

the ability to jump into a pool from a raised platform, swim 50 meters and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket

a Master less than 45 metres or Integrated Rating (IR) qualification

the ability to supply your own Personal Protective Equipment including safety shoes and protective clothing

the ability to supply your own navigation and plotting equipment including a scientific calculator, parallel rulers, compasses and dividers

current math skills at a Year 10 high school level

strong communication skills and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds

the ability to work in rough sea conditions

the ability to follow instructions and respect the chain of command

the ability to perform physically and mentally demanding work in all weather conditions, day and night

An understanding of the AMSA requirements for STCW course completion. For more information, contact AMSA Connect or ask us in your enrolment interview.

After completing this course, there are additional steps to obtain your AMSA certification. These requirements are not included in the course and will incur additional costs.

You take charge of your learning and can finish tasks on time by yourself.

You can understand documents you see often in everyday life.

You can write short sentences and paragraphs that others can understand.

You can use maths to work out more detailed problems in different settings.

You can join group sand share your ideas clearly.

You can use digital tools to do everyday tasks like writing or finding information.

TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us understand your individual study needs and design a personalised plan to support your study success.