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MAR10224

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

Set sail and start your new career in the maritime industry. This course will provide you with basic skills and knowledge to work as a commercial general purpose hand.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 23 Feb 2026 Duration: 2 weeks View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$500
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$865
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$2,360
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Set sail and start your new career in the maritime industry. Develop the entry-level skills to work as a general purpose hand near coastal in the maritime industry or progress on to further studies in the maritime sector.

This course will provide you with an introduction to the maritime industry. You will develop basic knowledge of emergency vessel procedures and nautical terminology. You will also establish the practical seamanship skills needed to apply for certification from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This will allow you to assist with deck or marine work on vessels up to 100m long or 3000 GT, in the Australian exclusive economic zone, under general supervision of the master, chief engineer or delegated crew member.

This course is also a great pathway to undertake further maritime studies with TAFE Queensland.

What can I do?

  • General Purpose Hand
  • Engine Room Worker (vessels with propulsion power up to 3000 kilowatts and up to 100m)
  • Deck Hand (Vessels up to 100m)
  • General Purpose Hand as defined by Marine Order 505

Course outcome:

MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand 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 units listed below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • 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
  • MARB053
    Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vessel
    UNIT CODE :
    MARB053
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to carry out routine maintenance on a commercial vessel.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vessel

  • 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
  • MARG012
    Work as part of a crew on a commercial vessel
    UNIT CODE :
    MARG012
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to comply with regulations to ensure seafarers develop basic skills, including working effectively as a crew member and contributing to a safe lookout on a commercial vessel.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work as part of a crew on a commercial vessel

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARN016
    Apply general purpose hand skills aboard a commercial vessel
    UNIT CODE :
    MARN016
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform general purpose hand duties on a commercial vessel.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply general purpose hand skills aboard a commercial vessel
Ways to study
  • 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

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
23 Feb 2026
2 weeks
Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

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 Feb 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 weeks
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
01 Jun 2026
2 weeks
Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

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. 

01 Jun 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 weeks
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
06 Jul 2026
2 weeks
Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

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. 

06 Jul 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 weeks
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
28 Sep 2026
2 weeks
Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

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. 

28 Sep 2026
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

2 weeks
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 5 days per week 8.30am - 4.30pm
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $500

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $865

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $2,360

    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
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) (MAR10224)

Ask a question

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

COURSE CODE: MAR10224
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 1 in English, 1 in Maths and 1 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 meet all of the following criteria: 

  • be at least 16 years of age (at time of commencement) to be eligible for a related AMSA Certificate of Competency/licence. 
  • be computer literate and comfortable using digital technology. This includes the ability to access and navigate the online learning management system (LMS), submit assessments electronically, communicate via email, and use basic software such as word processing and internet browsers. 

Physical Fitness Requirements for Maritime Training 
To effectively participate in training and assessment for this qualification, some units will require that you will be water competent including swimming a short distance without a life jacket.   

To ensure safety and success during practical maritime training, it is recommended that you possess an intermediate 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. 

You 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  

Personal Equipment  

  • Personal stationery 
  • Navigation instruments (are required for chart work) 
  • 2B pencils 
  • USB memory device  
  • Calculator 
  • Notebook  

Learning Resources 
Have access to:   

  • Australian Boating Manual by Capt. Dick Gandy
  • Small Ships Manual   

Personal Protective Equipment 
Industry-appropriate clothing, including:   

  • Steel-capped footwear for all workshop and vessel operations
  • Clothing that meets current industry safety standards   

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes. 

For the Shipboard Safety units (MARF028, MARF029, MARF030, MARF060)  you will require the following: 

  • non synthetic/flammable clothing
  • safety glasses
  • enclosed shoes

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

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

Important information

The First Aid unit is not delivered during the one week course. For intake dates, please refer to SSHLT0031 First Aid and CPR Skill Set - unit HLTAID011. A student who do not have the required First Aid unit at the completion of their course will not be eligible for their qualification. If you have already completed the First Aid unit you must provide a current academic transcript to show you have completed the required unit.

Maritime licensing requirements
Please visit the AMSA Website for information regarding Certificate of Competency.

Licensing / Regulatory information
Please refer to MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand 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

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

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