This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification applies to people working in an entry level position in the maritime industry as a General Purpose Hand under general supervision of the master or engineer of a commercial vessel to:
- assist as a general hand on deck or in the engine room of a commercial vessel length as specified in Marine Order 505 within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
- assist as a general hand in the engine room only for a vessel with propulsion power as specified in Marine Order 505.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
This level of qualification is currently cited as meeting some of the requirements for certification as a General Purpose Hand Near Coastal as specified in Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency - National law) 2022.
AMSA Certification will require:
- achieving MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal),
- qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel as specified in Marine Order 505 and
- holding a current First Aid Certificate as specified in Marine Order 505.
Seafarers seeking certification should check with AMSA.
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Financial help
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 1 year
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment | Core |
| Apply general purpose hand skills aboard a commercial vessel | Core |
| Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vessel | Core |
| Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel | Core |
| Meet work health and safety requirements | Core |
| Provide First Aid | Core |
| Survive at sea using survival craft | Core |
| Work as part of a crew on a commercial vessel | Core |
Job prospects
The Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Deck Hand
ANZSCO 899211
Deck Hands perform maintenance and lookout tasks aboard ships.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Sea School International Pty Ltd (RTO code 91732)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Training & Personnel Australia (RTO code 41096)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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WHITSUNDAY MARITIME TRAINING CENTRE (RTO code 6028)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation (RTO code 31116)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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18fifty3 Training (RTO code 45707)
Contact this provider
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Academy of Fitness (RTO code 30683)
Contact this provider
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ALL HANDS ON DECK MARITIME TRAINING (RTO code 90927)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN MARITIME AND FISHERIES ACADEMY (RTO code 0649)
Contact this provider
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Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Assoc Inc (RTO code 1588)
Contact this provider
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ECA Maritime College (RTO code 31344)
Contact this provider
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Flying Fish Australia Pty Ltd (RTO code 46416)
Contact this provider
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Marine Rescue NSW (RTO code 70223)
Contact this provider
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Maritime Training School (RTO code 91487)
Contact this provider
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On Course Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 46527)
Contact this provider
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Paradigm Maritime College (RTO code 41059)
Contact this provider
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PVO Training (RTO code 5795)
Contact this provider
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QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE (RTO code 1549)
Contact this provider
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Rail Ready (RTO code 90440)
Contact this provider
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SEAFOOD AND MARITIME INDUSTRIES TRAINING LTD (RTO code 1112)
Contact this provider
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Serco Defence (RTO code 90694)
Contact this provider
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TAFE Gippsland (RTO code 0417)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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TEIA Pty Ltd (RTO code 5811)
Contact this provider
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Trusted Training (RTO code 31549)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.