Chart a course for success with TAFE Queensland's Maritime Operations Training

Delivered through TAFE Queensland’s Senior College at Alexandra Hills, the program allows students in Years 11 and 12 to complete their schooling differently, blending traditional classroom learning with nationally recognised training.

For senior college students pursuing a Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) (MAR20321), Moreton Bay and the Wellington Point Boat Ramp become their classroom.

The course covers everything from engine maintenance to navigation, safety, and seamanship, giving you the confidence and capability to work in a variety of maritime settings.

Students gain a broad and practical foundation of skills needed to safely operate a small commercial vessel.

Through the course, students gain a broad and practical foundation of skills to operate a small commercial vessel safely.

Covering everything from engine maintenance to navigation, safety, and seamanship, students get the confidence and capability to work in various maritime settings.

Through hands-on training in marine engine operation, navigation, survival at sea, and workplace safety, students also form a well-rounded understanding of life on the water.

Rounding out their learning to operate and maintain inboard and outboard motors, main propulsion, and auxiliary systems and develop the skills to plan and navigate passages for vessels up to 12 metres, comply with maritime regulations, and follow safe work and environmental practices.

Safety at sea is a major focus of the course, with students building critical survival skills for emergencies such as vessel abandonment and fire, learn how to use survival craft, and completing a First Aid qualification.

The seamanship skills and vessel handling techniques they learn ensure students have the job-ready skills for entry-level roles in the maritime industry or to take on volunteer opportunities with maritime organisations across Queensland.

Enhancing their learning further, students have access to six vessels ranging in size and complexity, they prepare, maintain and launch onto the Moreton Bay, exposing them to real-world maritime scenarios in the conditions and challenges they’ll face in the industry.

Among the fleet is the commercially registered Gana Gundul, one of six specialised training vessels equipped to simulate real-world maritime scenarios.

The course structure allows students to dedicate one day a week to vocational training while continuing their core high school subjects on other days.

This flexible schedule supports students in gaining valuable qualifications without compromising their school commitments and provides a pathway into industry. 

Completing this course is a key requirement when applying to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for a certificate of competency as a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal.

Many students use their training as a stepping stone to volunteer with various rescue services, patrol organisations, and other maritime groups.

The hands-on learning builds not only confidence and capability but also real-world connections within the sector.

Designed for 15 to 17-year-olds seeking a practical alternative to traditional schooling, TAFE Queensland’s Senior College provides a mature learning environment where students can earn their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and, if they choose, an ATAR.

With the marine transport sector expected to grow over the coming years, 2,000 job openings are anticipated nationally, including around 30 per cent in Queensland.

Considering Queensland's extensive coastline and the growing demand for qualified maritime professionals, TAFE Queensland’s industry-aligned maritime training is helping students make waves in their careers, well before they finish school.