Back to Maritime

National code: MAR10220

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

Ask a question

Overview About this course

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.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

Course outcomes

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

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

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, 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.

Pathways Future 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: General purpose hand (deckhand/engine room assistant)

Licensing

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.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 0 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 study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 0 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.

Units Units 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.

  • Provide First Aid HLTAID011

  • Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vessel MARB053

  • Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment MARF027

  • Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel MARF028

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 Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.