MAR40224

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Enhance your skills as a maritime engineer and work on larger vessels. This course will equip you with specialised skills to act as a Chief Engineer on a vessel with propulsion power up to 1500kW, Second Engineer on a vessel up to 3000kW, or work in the engine room of a vessel up to 3000kW.

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STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland

WAYS TO STUDY On campus

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 23 Mar 2026 Duration: 8 weeks View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$1,975

Subsidised

$3,105

Full Fee

$6,815

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Enhance your skills as a maritime engineer and work on larger vessels. This qualification will equip you to act as a Chief Engineer on a vessel with propulsion power up to 1500kW, Second Engineer on a vessel up to 3000kW, or work in the engine room of a vessel up 80m in length and up to 3000kW. This course is also a necessary component of your application to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to gain certification as defined by Marine Order 505.

In this course you will upgrade your existing technical knowledge and skills surrounding the operation and maintenance of equipment, allowing you to work on larger vessels. You will learn how to operate and monitor internal combustion engines, propulsion plant, and auxiliary systems. Develop your technical skills to effectively maintain machinery and structural components and undertake basic electrical maintenance. You will also gain skills in refuelling, welding, and managing a vessels stability.

What you can do:

Chief engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power <1500 kW <EEZ
Second engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power <3000 kW <EEZ
Chief engineer on a vessel with an outboard engine with unlimited propulsion power <EEZ
Assist an engineer in any tasks that may be required on board while working under the general supervision of the person in charge of the vessel’s engines <EEZ
Work in the engine room of a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power <3000 kW <EEZ

What can I do?

Second Engineer (Vessels up to 3000kW)
Marine Engine Driver Grade 1
Chief Engineer (Vessels up to 1500kW)

Course outcome:

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations

(Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal)

World class facilities

While studying at TAFE Queensland you will have access to an extensive range of world class maritime training resources including a full mission bridge simulator, an emergency response training simulator, chart room, and radio room

Training vessel

"Diversity" is GBRIMC's 19 metre commercially registered vessel and is utilised to meet the practical requirements of relevant maritime training programs.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core listed below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBTWK201

Work effectively with others

UNIT CODE :
BSBTWK201

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work cooperatively with others and deal effectively with issues, problems and conflict.
UNIT NAME
Work effectively with others

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE
MARA024

Manage vessel stability

UNIT CODE :
MARA024

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage the dynamic factors affecting the stability of a vessel less than 80 metres.
UNIT NAME
Manage vessel stability

UNIT CODE
MARB032

Undertake basic maintenance of electrical systems

UNIT CODE :
MARB032

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to complete basic maintenance of electrical systems.
UNIT NAME
Undertake basic maintenance of electrical systems

UNIT CODE
MARB034

Carry out basic welding, brazing, cutting and machining operations on a coastal vessel

UNIT CODE :
MARB034

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to carry out basic welding, brazing, cutting and machining tasks.
UNIT NAME
Carry out basic welding, brazing, cutting and machining operations on a coastal vessel

UNIT CODE
MARB041

Manage refuelling

UNIT CODE :
MARB041

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage refuelling and fuel transfer operations.
UNIT NAME
Manage refuelling

UNIT CODE
MARB047

Undertake maintenance of 240 to 440 voltage alternating current electrical systems

UNIT CODE :
MARB047

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to establish, organise and implement a preventative and reactive maintenance program and capabilities on 240 to 440 volt (V) alternating current (AC) electrical systems on a vessel.
UNIT NAME
Undertake maintenance of 240 to 440 voltage alternating current electrical systems

UNIT CODE
MARB048

Undertake maintenance of machinery, machinery systems and structural components

UNIT CODE :
MARB048

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to establish, organise and implement a preventative and reactive maintenance program and capabilities for machinery, machinery systems and structural components to optimise vessel operational performance.
UNIT NAME
Undertake maintenance of machinery, machinery systems and structural components

UNIT CODE
MARC033

Complete engine room tasks

UNIT CODE :
MARC033

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform tasks to support the operation of marine internal combustion engines, marine propulsion systems, vessel machinery and auxiliary systems.
UNIT NAME
Complete engine room tasks

UNIT CODE
MARC034

Maintain hull out of water

UNIT CODE :
MARC034

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to carry out basic maintenance to vessel hull while it is out of water.
UNIT NAME
Maintain hull out of water

UNIT CODE
MARC035

Operate and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment

UNIT CODE :
MARC035

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate, test and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment.
UNIT NAME
Operate and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment

UNIT CODE
MARC036

Operate deck machinery

UNIT CODE :
MARC036

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely use deck machinery on a vessel.
UNIT NAME
Operate deck machinery

UNIT CODE
MARC039

Operate marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE :
MARC039

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems on a vessel.
UNIT NAME
Operate marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE
MARC040

Manage fuel systems

UNIT CODE :
MARC040

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage the fuel and fuel oil systems of a vessel to ensure safety of operation and to avoid pollution of the marine environment.
UNIT NAME
Manage fuel systems

UNIT CODE
MARC041

Operate and monitor marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE :
MARC041

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems on a vessel up to 750 kW.
UNIT NAME
Operate and monitor marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE
MARC042

Operate electrical systems

UNIT CODE :
MARC042

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate 220 to 440 V alternating current (AC) electrical systems.
UNIT NAME
Operate electrical systems

UNIT CODE
MARC049

Operate 240 to 440 voltage alternating current electrical systems

UNIT CODE :
MARC049

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a 240 to 440 volt (V) alternating current (AC) electrical system according to technical specifications and safe operating limits.
UNIT NAME
Operate 240 to 440 voltage alternating current electrical systems

UNIT CODE
MARC050

Operate auxiliary machinery systems up to 1500 kW

UNIT CODE :
MARC050

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate auxiliary machinery systems up to 1500 kW according to technical specifications and safe operating limit.
UNIT NAME
Operate auxiliary machinery systems up to 1500 kW

UNIT CODE
MARC053

Operate marine internal combustion engines and associated systems up to 1500 kW

UNIT CODE :
MARC053

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate a marine internal combustion engine and associated systems less than 1500 kW according to technical specifications and safe operating limits.
UNIT NAME
Operate marine internal combustion engines and associated systems up to 1500 kW

UNIT CODE
MARC054

Operate propulsion transmission systems up to 1500 kW

UNIT CODE :
MARC054

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate propulsion transmission systems up to1500 kW according to technical specifications and safe operating limits.
UNIT NAME
Operate propulsion transmission systems up to 1500 kW

UNIT CODE
MARF028

Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

UNIT CODE :
MARF028

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply defined policies and procedures when carrying out fire minimisation procedures and fighting a fire on board a vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

UNIT CODE
MARF029

Meet work health and safety requirements

UNIT CODE :
MARF029

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to follow defined work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures to ensure the safety of self, others on board and the vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW in waters to the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Meet work health and safety requirements

UNIT CODE
MARF030

Survive at sea using survival craft

UNIT CODE :
MARF030

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to survive at sea using survival craft. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Survive at sea using survival craft

UNIT CODE
MARF060

Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

UNIT CODE :
MARF060

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment.
UNIT NAME
Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

UNIT CODE
MARG009

Manage an engine room and small engineering team in emergencies

UNIT CODE :
MARG009

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to lead and develop a small engineering team.
UNIT NAME
Manage an engine room and small engineering team in emergencies

UNIT CODE
MARJ006

Follow environmental work practices

UNIT CODE :
MARJ006

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify environmental issues and to apply organisational policies and procedures to minimise environmental threats.
UNIT NAME
Follow environmental work practices

UNIT CODE
MARJ007

Monitor environmental management on a vessel

UNIT CODE :
MARJ007

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to monitor the implementation of environmental management policies and procedures on a vessel up to 80 m to ensure compliance with marine regulations and environmental considerations.
UNIT NAME
Monitor environmental management on a vessel

UNIT CODE
MARL046

Carry out engineering calculations

UNIT CODE :
MARL046

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to carry out calculations related to fuel consumption, fuel storage and engine performance that conform to accepted engineering tolerances.
UNIT NAME
Carry out engineering calculations

UNIT CODE
RIIWHS202E

Enter and work in confined spaces

UNIT CODE :
RIIWHS202E

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to enter and work in confined spaces in the resources and infrastructure industries.
UNIT NAME
Enter and work in confined spaces

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	23 Mar 2026	8 weeks	Full time Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm	Concession: $1,975 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,105 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 23 Mar 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 8 weeks The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $1,975 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,105 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	20 Jul 2026	8 weeks	Full time Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm	Concession: $1,975 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,105 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 20 Jul 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 8 weeks The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $1,975 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $3,105 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $6,815 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

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Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal) (MAR40224)

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Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal)

COURSE CODE: MAR40224

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Selection criteria

It is recommended that you:

have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent) with sound achievement in English and Mathematics or are of mature age.
be at least 16 years of age (at time of commencement) to be eligible for a related AMSA Certificate of Competency/licence.

Physical Fitness Requirements for Maritime Training
To ensure safety and success in practical maritime training, you must possess a suitable level of physical fitness. This includes the ability to:

lift and carry equipment safely
climb ladders and access various parts of a vessel
perform physically demanding tasks in dynamic marine environments

These capabilities are essential for participating in onboard activities, emergency drills, and other hands-on components of the training program.

Anyone enrolling into the Shipboard Safety Units (MARF028, MARF029, MARF030, MARF060) will also be required to demonstrate water competency by:

swimming a distance of 50 metres while wearing a life jacket
remaining afloat for 5 minutes while wearing work clothes, both with and without a life jacket
pulling themselves unaided into a life raft while wearing a life jacket

These requirements are essential for participating in onboard training and emergency preparedness exercises.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations. TAFE Queensland students have access to Microsoft 365 apps & services. For more information: TQ Student Access to Microsoft 365

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes.
For Elements of Shipboard Safety this includes having access to and wearing appropriate attire, it is noted where these will be supplied to you.

non synthetic/flammable clothing (supplied)
safety glasses (supplied)
enclosed shoes

You will not be permitted to attend any classes without appropriate footwear.

If you are required to undertake activities that produce welding fumes you will be required to use P2 moulded half-face respirators, or alternative RPE of equal or higher protection.

For wet drills you also require:

clothes to get wet in (similar to work clothes, but no wet suits)
a second set of clothes (to change into)
swimmers
a towel
sunscreen
hat

For fire drills you require:

a long sleeve shirt
long pants
sunglasses
enclosed shoes

You are also required to bring a notebook, pens and calculator.

Important information

To obtain a full MAR40224 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal), you need to complete 29 core units of competency. 24 of these 29 units of competency are delivered as part of the Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal) course over 6 consecutive weeks. In addition, you must complete the 4 units of the MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set in order to gain the full qualification.

The MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set is completed separately either before or after completion of the 7 week MAR40224 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal).

You will be given an additional 19 weeks to complete all assessments and tutorials are available.

Delivery of the HLTAID011 unit will be completed outside of this block delivery. You may attend scheduled classes offered by TAFE Queensland or may apply for credit transfer if they have completed the unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Maritime licensing requirements
Please see relevant AMSA information pertaining to the Marine engine driver grade 1 near coastal Certificate of Competency. Please ensure you understand all additional requirements necessary for the application process.

Please refer to MAR40220 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Embark upon an exciting career in the maritime industry. This course will provide you with the practical skills to act as a Chief Engineer on a vessel with propulsion power up to 750kW or Second Engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 1500kW.

Careers

Second Engineer (Vessels up to 1500kW)
Chief Engineer (Vessels up to 750kW)
Chief Engineer (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Next Start : 02 Feb 2026

Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Get a head start on your career in the maritime industry with this entry-level course. This qualification is the minimum required skills to become a coxswain of commercial vessels up to 12m long.

Careers

Coxswain Grade 1
Deckhand/Linesperson

Next Start : 27 Jan 2026

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Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

World class facilities

Training vessel

Core units

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Resources required

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Careers

Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Careers