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MAR30324

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery)

Recognition of Prior Learning

Fast‑track your qualification by turning your existing cooking experience into formal recognition. Through RPL, your skills are assessed against industry standards, so you can achieve an AMSA recognised maritime qualification without repeating what you already know. 

STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Full Fee

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

$4,025

Course overview

Set sail and advance your culinary career at sea by having your existing cooking skills and experience assessed for recognition in the maritime industry. 

This RPL pathway supports candidates with international or industry experience to gain a recognised maritime qualification as a Marine Cook.  It supports your fast-tracked pathway to obtaining AMSA certification, enabling you to work on Australian‑registered vessels in international operations. 

The maritime industry in Australia continues to grow, with demand for qualified crew across a wide range of vessels and operations. 

Through this process, your existing skills and experience will be assessed against industry requirements, including your ability to prepare and present food, apply cookery methods and hygiene practices, provide customer service, maintain and control stock, and follow safe work practices. 

What can I do?

  • Ship's Cook
  • Marine Cook

Course outcome:

MAR30324 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery)

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core units from the list below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

Cluster

  • Cluster

  • 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
    (Units from MARSS00033)

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF035
    Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF035
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to prevent and control fires and to respond effectively to any fire emergency onboard a vessel.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)
    (Units from MARSS00033)

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF037
    Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF037
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to recognise and report security threats.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)
    (Units from MARSS00033)

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF041
    Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF041
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the safety management system (SMS) processes where there is responsibility for own work outputs.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
    (Units from MARSS00033)

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF046
    Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF046
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to survive at sea using personal survival techniques (PST) in the event of vessel abandonment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)
    (Units from MARSS00033)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITHCCC024
    Prepare and present simple dishes
    UNIT CODE :
    SITHCCC024
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare and present a limited range of simple menu items following standard recipes. While some cooking may be involved, there is no requirement to use the full range of basic cookery methods.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SITXFSA005
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare and present simple dishes
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITHCCC027
    Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery
    UNIT CODE :
    SITHCCC027
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use a range of basic cookery methods to prepare dishes.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SITXFSA005
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare dishes using basic methods of cookery
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITHCCC034
    Work effectively in a commercial kitchen
    UNIT CODE :
    SITHCCC034
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use a range of cookery skills during service and production periods. The unit integrates key technical and organisational skills covered in individual units and focuses on the way these must be applied in a commercial kitchen.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SITHCCC027 , SITXFSA005
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively in a commercial kitchen
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITHKOP009
    Clean kitchen premises and equipment
    UNIT CODE :
    SITHKOP009
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to clean food preparation areas, storage areas, and equipment in commercial kitchens to ensure the safety of food. It requires the ability to work safely and to use resources efficiently to reduce negative environmental impacts.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SITXFSA005
  • UNIT NAME
  • Clean kitchen premises and equipment
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITXCCS014
    Provide service to customers
    UNIT CODE :
    SITXCCS014
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with and provide quality service to both internal and external customers. It requires the ability to establish rapport with customers, determine and address customer needs and expectations, and respond to complaints.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide service to customers
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITXFSA005
    Use hygienic practices for food safety
    UNIT CODE :
    SITXFSA005
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use personal hygiene practices to prevent contamination of food that might cause food-borne illnesses. It requires the ability to follow predetermined organisational procedures and to identify and control food hazards.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Use hygienic practices for food safety
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITXINV006
    Receive, store and maintain stock
    UNIT CODE :
    SITXINV006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to check and take delivery of stock and appropriately store, rotate and maintain the quality of stock items.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    SITXFSA005
  • UNIT NAME
  • Receive, store and maintain stock
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITXINV008
    Control stock
    UNIT CODE :
    SITXINV008
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to process stock orders, maintain stock levels, minimise stock losses, manage stocktakes and maintain all documents that relate to the administration of any type of stock.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Control stock
    (Completed via RPL)

  • UNIT CODE
  • SITXWHS005
    Participate in safe work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    SITXWHS005
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to incorporate safe work practices into own workplace activities. It requires the ability to follow predetermined health, safety and security procedures and to participate in organisational work health and safety (WHS) management practices.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in safe work practices
    (Completed via RPL)
Ways to study
  • You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Recognition of Prior Learning

On campus with some online

27 Jan 2027
up to 6 months
Recognition of Prior Learning
  • Full fee: $4,025

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

Recognition of Prior Learning

On campus with some online

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    20%
  • On Campus Time
    80%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

27 Jan 2027
DURATION

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

up to 6 months
Workload

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

Recognition of Prior Learning
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Full fee: $4,025

    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.

Online, On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

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

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

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Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery) (MAR30324)

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Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Cookery)

COURSE CODE: MAR30324
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 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 2 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.


There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

This course is completed via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and entry into this course is determined by an interview with a teacher.

You must have completed all units from MARSS00033 - Safety Training Certification Skill Set for an additional cost.

AMSA Licensing requirements  
This course helps you meet some of the requirements needed to apply for an AMSA licence.  

To ensure you're fully prepared:  

  • Visit the AMSA website to understand all additional licensing requirements and application costs.
  • You must be at least 16 years old at the time you complete your training to be eligible to apply for an AMSA licence.  
  • Medical Certificate - although a medical certificate is not required to complete the course at TAFE, if you intend to apply for AMSA certification you should be aware that AMSA licensing requirements include holding a valid medical certificate. If you are planning to become certified, it may be advisable to confirm that you can meet these medical standards before enrolling.  
Inherent physical requirements of a Marine Cook 

As this is a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway, these requirements are not mandatory for undertaking the assessment process. However, they reflect the inherent requirements of the Marine Cook role and should be considered as part of potential employment outcomes in the maritime industry. 

Marine Cooks typically work in commercial maritime environments, which may involve physically demanding tasks and dynamic conditions at sea. 

This may include the ability to: 

  • lift and carry equipment safely (up to 20–25 kg) 
  • climb ladders and access various parts of a vessel 
  • perform physically demanding tasks in a confined and moving environment 

Employment in this industry may also involve extended periods at sea, including on foreign‑going vessels operating in open waters where rough conditions are common. Individuals should be aware of the potential for seasickness and the need to manage this effectively as part of ongoing employment in the maritime sector.

Important information

Units not assessed via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Five units required for this qualification are not available through RPL assessment. If you already hold any of these units, please advise our Client Services team during the enrolment process so that your eligibility for credit transfer can be assessed. If you do not hold the required units, you will have the opportunity to enrol in the relevant skill sets, with available dates discussed during enrolment. 

Provide First Aid
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Safety Training Certification Skill Set​ (MARSS00033)
MARF037 Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training) 
MARF046 Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST) 
MARF035 Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting) 
MARF041 Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR) 

Credit Transfers 
If you have already completed these units, you must provide a current academic transcript so it can be assessed for credit transfer. 
Please note: Credit transfers for the COST units are only accepted from an AMSA-approved provider; see AMSA website for list of RTOs

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