Domestic students
    Go to international homepage
    Back to:International Courses
    TAFE NSW Course
    International

    Course code: MAR50120EW | CRICOS Code: 107410D

    Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper)

    Apply online How to apply
    Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper)

    OverviewAbout this international course

    The Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) equips you with the skills to join the international maritime industry. You will strengthen your technical skills to work on large ocean going ships as well as develop your leadership and communication capabilities to work with and manage your crew.

    This 9 month, intensive program has been developed in consultation with industry.

    A highly practical course, you will gain basic knowledge of low pressure steam boilers, control systems and ship automation, naval architecture, marine electrical systems, marine mechanics, and thermodynamics principles. You will also be equipped with a broad range of skills to identify and fix complex machinery issues and operate and maintain equipment in large ships in the industry.

    Choose a diesel engine or steam engine pathway and learn how to maintain internal combustion engines, propulsion plants and auxiliary systems, and undertake basic maintenance of electrical systems and/or steam machinery.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to: 

    • Maintain a safe engineering watch
    • Adjust marine automations
    • Check shipboard plant and equipment, maintenance, fabrication and repairs
    • Operate alternators, low pressure steam boiler, generator and control systems to supply shipboard electrical power, pumping systems, main and auxiliary machinery and associated control systems
    • Using a state-of-the-art Kongsberg simulator for real time fault finding

    Gain practical experience

    Build your experience and get practical skills in:

    • Identify and fix advanced engine problems on a diesel inboard engine
    • Survival skills – life jacket techniques, jumping from heights, helping others in distress, abandoning a vessel, onboard firefighting.
    • Handle a survival craft through rough sea conditions
    • Trace electrical diagram to find faults

    Develop your professional confidence

    Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:

    • Love of the open water
    • Resilience to meet the challenges of life at sea
    • Strong communication and leadership skills
    • An investigative approach to problem solving

    Career pathways

    This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:

    • Engineer Watchkeeper Officer - on ships of any propulsion power in any operating area
    • Coastal Engineer
    • Shipboard Engineer
    • Marine Engineer
    • Watchkeeper

    With AMSA certification, you can also perform:

    • Second engineer duties on ships less than 3000 kilowatts in any operating area, not limited to Australian coastal
    • Chief engineer duties on ships less than 3000 kilowatts near coastal waters

    SuitabilityInternational entry requirements

    At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.

    Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations

    As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and unitsWhat you will study

    At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.


    Total Number of units - 28 units Engineer Watchkeeper 28 units:19 core units, plus all units from Group A

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    • 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

    • Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)MARF041

    • Operate survival craft, rescue boats and lifesaving appliances (proficiency in survival craft)MARF043

    • Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting)MARF044

    • Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)MARF046

    • Monitor compliance with legislative requirementsMARF047

    • Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirementsMARJ008

    PathwaysContinue your studies

    At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:


    Vocational study pathway

    Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW degree pathway

    From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways

    TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.


    Other university pathways

    You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.


    Keep learning with TAFE NSW

    Strengthen your expertise with a TAFE NSW Maritime study pathway:

    ServicesCampus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.

    You will work in a workshop with a steam boiler, live electrical working panels, automation controllers, hydraulic and pneumatic controllers and tuning and a Kongsberg state-of-the-art oil tanker simulator.

    You will also learn in simulated environments, including Olympic sized swimming pool for survival practical and firefighting facilities for situations relating to emergency procedures. Firefighting facility.

    We offer a range of support services including: 

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
    • Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
    • LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International