Maritime Operations and Coastal Seafaring Courses

Maritime operations and coastal seafaring are practical, hands‑on professions that support a wide range of vessel types and industries. From passenger transport and fishing to offshore and support operations, coastal seafarers work in dynamic environments that demand technical skill, adaptability and strong operational knowledge.

The Australian Maritime College delivers vocational education and training designed to prepare students for these real‑world roles. Training is delivered at our Newnham and Beauty Point campuses in Tasmania, using a comprehensive suite of specialist maritime facilities and training vessels. Students learn in fully operational environments, including navigation and engine room simulators, engineering workshops, electrical laboratories, firefighting and survival at sea facilities, and dedicated seamanship spaces. This applied approach ensures training is practical, industry relevant and aligned with current maritime standards.

Who are these courses for?

These courses are suited to people who are:

  • Seeking a practical, hands‑on career at sea
  • Working in the maritime industry and looking to gain formal qualifications
  • Entering or progressing within coastal, offshore or vessel operations
  • Interested in vocational pathways into maritime operations and engineering

Courses available

Course Name Shipboard Safety Skill Set
Course Code MARSS00008
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration 2 days
Course Fee $575.00*
Course Dates ^

3 and 4 August 2026

5 and 6 August 2026

21 and 22 October 2026

Apply Now

About the course

This skill set is Nationally accredited and required if you want to work on any small commercial fishing or trade vessel.
This training sets you up for a career on the water. It provides you everything you need to work on a vessel. The course includes fire fighting at our dedicated Firefighting Centre, survival at sea in our purpose built Survival Centre and safe working practices.

Course Structure:

  • MARF028 Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
  • MARF029 Meet work health and safety requirements
  • MARF030 Survive at sea using survival craft
  • MARF060 Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

Units included in the Shipboard Safety course may, where eligible, count towards your GPH, Coxswain, Master 24 or Marine Engine Driver Certificates.

Entry requirements

Basic swimming skills are an advantage, and you need to be able to remain afloat for a short period without wearing a life jacket.

Location

Launceston courses will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis - Newnham Campus, Launceston (PDF 91.6 KB). Some practical aspects of the training will be undertaken at the Beauty Point campus (bus transfers will be provided free of charge).

^ Dates may vary depending on units undertaken. AMC reserves the right to reschedule or cancel courses due to insufficient enrolments.

* Fees quoted are indicative only and are subject to change. Please confirm with AMC staff prior to applying via email: SMO.administration@utas.edu.au. Government subsidies apply.

+ This course is not available to international students

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

As of 1 January 2015 students undertaking nationally recognised training are required to have a USI.
To apply, please visit: Unique Student Identifier. You will be asked to provide your USI upon enrolment.

Course summary

Course Code MAR10224
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston plus both online and distance education elements
Duration The course is comprised of 3 stages:
  1. Shipboard Safety course (2 days)
  2. Approximately 10 hours of online study
  3. Completion of an on-the-job Task and Guided Studies (TAGS) practical workbook
Course Fees
  • AMC Tuition Fees: $1700.00*
  • First Aid: $160.00
  • Shipboard Safety: $575.00
  • AMPA Administration Fee: $320.00

Apply Now

About the course

This course provides the skills and knowledge required to work as a General Purpose Hand (GPH) on deck or in the engine room of a vessel up to 80 metres within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or in the engine room only for a vessel with propulsion power up to 3000 kW.

This course applies to people working in entry-level positions, or people who already hold Provide First Aid (HLTAID011), Shipboard Safety Skill Set or Certificate of Safety Training who would like to expand on their skills for the industry.

The Australian Maritime College present this course to you utilising online documents, videos, interactive images and Tasks and Guided Studies (TAGS).

Upon satisfactory completion of the training and assessment, students will receive a Certificate outcome.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

For further information regarding Certification of Competency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Entry Requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements however each student is required to undertake a prescribed learning, literacy and numeracy assessment before they are granted entry to the course.

Career opportunities

The holder of this certificate can:

  1. Assist a master or engineer in any tasks that may be required on board, while working under direct supervision of the person in charge of the vessel or its engines
  2. Work:
    1. on deck or in the engine room of a vessel <80 m in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); and
    2. in the engine room only for a vessel with propulsion power <3000 kW.

Course summary

Course Code MAR20324
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration Online Learning plus 18 days practical training
Course Fees
  • AMC Tuition Fees: $2007.00*
  • First Aid: $160.00
  • Shipboard Safety: $575.00
  • LROCP: $240.00
  • AMPA Administration Fee: $320.00
Intake 1

2026 places are now full.

To be added to the waitlist, please email: SMO.Administration@utas.edu.au

Our Coxswain course equips you with the necessary skills to command, safely and efficiently, a commercial vessel of less than 12m and 500kW engaged in inshore operations. On completion of this course, you may obtain a Certificate of Competency as a Coxswain subject to AMSA requirements.

There are two parts to this course: -

  • Online learning (self paced)
  • 17 days practical training at AMC

What can a Coxswain do?

Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) will equip you with the necessary skills to
command, safely and efficiently and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 metres long with unlimited outboard engine propulsion, or inboard engines less than and 500 kilowatts. This course provides the required training component to qualify for a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency (subject to assessment and sea-time requirements by AMSA).

About the course

You will develop the practical skills of coastal navigation and seamanship using a range of vessels such as the 14m 'Reviresco', 8m 'Skipjack' and the twin outboard 6m Bar Crusher 'Chromis'.

Engineering practicals will show you how to deal with varied situations including a drowned outboard and operating complex pumping systems and inboard diesel engines. You will also undertake practical firefighting and survival training in our purpose-built facilities as part of the Shipboard Safety Skill set training, to provide you with an understanding of skills required for safety at sea.

Included in the course:

  • Shipboard Safety Skill Set - provides you with knowledge and skills to prepare and respond with emergencies at sea
  • Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)
  • Collision regulations – learning what actions should be taken to avoid collisions, understanding sound signals,
    navigational lights and day shapes
  • Coastal navigation - interpreting navigational charts, understanding features, plotting your position, measuring
    distances, passage planning and understanding buoyage
  • Seamanship - rope work, splicing and mooring lines
  • Engineering – operation and systems of inboard diesels, outboards, problem solving, basic servicing, pre-start,
    running and shutdown checks
  • Learn by applying your knowledge on our range of motors and engineering equipment
  • Vessel handling – practically take control of different types of vessels, including berthing and mooring techniques

Licensing/Regulatory Information

For further information regarding AMSA Certification of Competency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Entry requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements however each student is required to undertake a prescribed learning, literacy and numeracy assessment before they are granted entry to the course.

Location

Launceston courses will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis. Some practical aspects of the training will be undertaken at the Beauty Point campus (bus transfers will be provided free of charge).

Course summary

Course Code MAR30924
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration 6 weeks on campus
Course Fees
  • AMC Tuition Fees: $2492.60*
  • First Aid: $160.00
  • Shipboard Safety: $575.00
  • LROCP: $240.00
  • AMPA Administration Fee: $320.00
Intake 1

3 August - 11 September 2026

First Aid: 8 August 2026

Shipboard Safety: 3 & 4 August 2026

Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP): 5 & 6 August 2026

Apply Now

About the course

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24m Near Coastal) is suitable for people working in the maritime industry as a Master on commercial vessels up to 24 metres in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This course provides the required training component to qualify for a Master up to 24m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency (subject to assessment and sea-time requirements by AMSA).

Included in the course:

  • Shipboard Safety Skill Set - provides you with knowledge and skills to prepare and respond with emergencies at sea
  • Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)
  • Ship and nautical knowledge including stability, vessel construction, rope work and vessel handing
  • Coastal navigation - interpreting navigational charts, understanding features, plotting your position, measuring distances, passage planning and understanding buoyage

Licensing/Regulatory Information

For further information regarding AMSA Certification of Competency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Entry requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements however each student is required to undertake a prescribed learning, literacy and numeracy assessment before they are granted entry to the course.

Career opportunities

The Master up to 24m Near Coastal certificate of competency is issued by the appropriate maritime regulatory authority in each state and territory. A Master up to 24m Near Coastal certificate allows a person to be employed as master of a commercial vessel up to 24 metres in length, within limits specified by the Marine Authority (usually up to 200 nautical miles from the coast).

Location

This course will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis - Newnham Campus, Launceston (PDF 91.6 KB). It is possible that this course can be run in other locations if we have adequate client numbers.

Course summary

Course Code MAR40324
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration 7 weeks
Course Fees
  • AMC Tuition Fees: $3708.00*
  • First Aid: $160.00
  • Confined Space: $310.00
  • AMC Certificate of Competency Administration Fee: $135.00
Intake 2

2026 places are now full.

To be added to the waitlist, please email: SMO.Administration@utas.edu.au

About the course

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45m Near Coastal) is suitable for those seeking employment as
Master of a commercial vessel up to 45 metres in length, within the EEZ. This course provides the required training
component to qualify for a Master up to 45m Near Coastal Certificate of Competency (subject to assessment and seatime requirements by AMSA).

This course is designed for students who already hold Master up to 24 metres near coastal and/or Master 24 Certificate of Competency

This course includes: -

  • Practice maneuvering, berthing and short round turns
  • Conduct navigation watches
  • Navigate within proximity of hazards
  • Experience shipboard life and what it involves

Course options are: -

  • All training on campus, 4 weeks; or
  • Blending training including 8 weeks online and 2.5 weeks on campus

Licensing/Regulatory Information

For further information regarding Certification of Competency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Entry requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements however each student is required to undertake a prescribed learning, literacy and numeracy assessment before they are granted entry to the course.

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with AMSA Certificate of Competency requirements: AMSA Website

Career opportunities

This certificate meets part of the requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Certificate of Competency, allowing the holder to act in the following capacities:

  • Master up to 45 metres within Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone
  • Mate up to 100 metres within Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone

Further information can be obtained from AMSA's website regarding sea time, medical, first aid and marine radio requirements necessary to gain a Certificate of Competency upon completion of this training program.

Location

Launceston courses will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis - Newnham Campus, Launceston (PDF 91.6 KB). Some practical aspects of the training will be undertaken at the Beauty Point campus (bus transfers will be provided free of charge).

Course summary

Course Code MAR30824
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration 6 weeks online plus 3 weeks on campus
Course Fees
  • AMC Tuition Fees: $2461.70*
  • First Aid: $160.00
  • Shipboard Safety: $575.00
  • AMPA Administration Fee: $320.00
Intake 1

2026 places are now full.

To be added to the waitlist, please email: SMO.Administration@utas.edu.au

About the course

The course delivery comprises of a combination of classes and practicals, with subjects such as Auxiliary and Main Propulsion Systems, Safety and the Environment, Operations, Electrical, Vessel Construction and Maintenance. Candidates will get the chance to get hands on experience with maintenance and operation in each of these topics.

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal) is suitable for people working in the maritime industry as a chief engineer or a second engineer on vessels in waters within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This course provides the required training component to qualify for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency (subject to assessment and seatime requirements by AMSA).

Included in the course:

  • Shipboard Safety Skill Set - provides you with knowledge and skills to prepare and respond with emergencies at sea
  • Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)
  • Working knowledge of regulations and legislation

Safe operation and maintenance of:

  • Diesel engines
  • Refrigeration
  • Hydraulic and steering systems
  • Valves
  • Vessel construction
  • Refuelling

Entry Requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements to undertake MAR30821 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal).

Each student is required to undertake a prescribed LLN assessment before they are granted entry to the qualification course.

While not a qualification entry requirement, the institution, as part of its student application process does requires each potential student to complete a medical declaration, which may require further discussion as to the student’s suitability to undertake the course of study.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

For further information regarding AMSA Certification of Competency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Location

Launceston courses will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis - Newnham Campus, Launceston (PDF 91.6 KB). Some practical aspects of the training will be undertaken at the Beauty Point campus (bus transfers will be provided free of charge).

Course summary

Course Code MAR40224
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration 2026 Enrolment Applications will be released shortly
Course Fees TBC
Intake 1

2026 places are now full.

To be added to the waitlist, please email: SMO.Administration@utas.edu.au

About the course

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal) is suitable for people who work in
the maritime industry operating as Chief Engineer on vessels with propulsion power up to 1500 kW and Second Engineer on vessels with propulsion power up to 3000 kW in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This course provides the required training component to qualify for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency (subject to assessment and sea-time requirements by AMSA).

This course is designed for students who already hold Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency

Students who do not already hold Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency will be required to attend an additional 5 days

Included in the course:

Safe operation and maintenance of:

  • Diesel engines
  • Refrigeration
  • Hydraulic and steering systems
  • Valves
  • Vessel construction
  • Refuelling
  • Engine room management
  • Power generation and distribution systems
  • Vessel stability and hydrostatics

Entry Requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements to undertake MAR40220 Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal).

Each student is required to undertake a prescribed LLN assessment before they are granted entry to the qualification course.

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with AMSA Certificate of Competency requirements: AMSA Website

Career Opportunities

Upon satisfactory completion of the course and subject to meeting further requirements of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), students may be able to obtain an Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency from AMSA.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

For further information regarding Certification of Competency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Location

Launceston courses will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis - Newnham Campus, Launceston (PDF 91.6 KB). Some practical aspects of the training will be undertaken at the Beauty Point campus (bus transfers will be provided free of charge).

Course summary

Course Code MAR50120
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration Approximately 18 weeks
Course Fees TBC
Intake 1

2026 places are now full.

To be added to the waitlist, please email: SMO.Administration@utas.edu.au

About the course

Diploma of Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering Class 3 Near Coastal) will equip you to work as a Chief Engineer on vessels with propulsion power up to 3000 kW in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This qualification is currently cited as meeting some of the requirements for certification by AMSA as an Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal as defined in Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency – National Law) 2013.

This course is delivered in two stages: -

  • Blended Delivery – 2 weeks
  • On campus – 13 weeks

Included in the course:

  • Certificate of Safety Training (CoST) Short Courses
  • Confined Space
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Crafts Other than Fast Rescue Boats (CPSC)
  • Advanced Fire Fighting
  • Engine Room Management
  • Electronics, electrical, control and automation
  • Engineering calculations and naval architecture
  • Slipway and ship visit
  • Marine engineering
  • Auxiliary boilers
  • Diesel systems
  • Steam systems
  • Main propulsion and auxiliary systems
  • Operational watchkeeping

Safety Course Requirements

  • First Aid
  • Basic Fire Fighting
  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
  • Personal Survival Techniques
  • Security Awareness
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Crafts Other than Fast Rescue Boats (CPSC)
  • Advanced Fire Fighting

Entry Requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements to undertake MAR50120 Diploma of Maritime Operations (Marine Engineering Class 3 Near Coastal).

Each student is required to undertake a prescribed LLN assessment before they are granted entry to the qualification course.

While not a qualification entry requirement, the institution, as part of its student application process does requires each potential student to complete a medical declaration, which may require further discussion as to the student’s suitability to undertake the course of study.

Career Opportunities

Upon satisfactory completion of the course and subject to meeting further requirements of Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), students may be able to obtain an Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency from AMSA.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

For further information regarding Certification of Competency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Location

Launceston courses will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis - Newnham Campus, Launceston (PDF 698.2KB). Some practical aspects of the training will be undertaken at the Beauty Point campus (bus transfers will be provided free of charge).

Course summary

Course Code MAR30220
Location Newnham Campus, Launceston
Duration Approximately 8 Weeks at AMC
Course Fees TBC
Intake 1

2026 places are now full.

To be added to the waitlist, please email: SMO.Administration@utas.edu.au

About the course

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) is the current pre-sea vocational training component for those who seek employment at sea as an Integrated Rating on ocean going vessels. This course provides the required training to qualify for Able Seafarer Deck, Able Seafarer Engine or Integrated Rating Certificates of Proficiency (subject to assessment and sea-time requirements by the AMSA). Following sea-service as an Integrated Rating, further courses may be undertaken for qualification as a Chief Integrated Rating, Deck Officer or Marine Engineering Officer.

Included in the course:

  • Overview of the shipping industry
  • Cargo operations
  • Watchkeeping duties
  • Ship maintenance
  • Marine rigging
  • Deck machinery
  • Certificate of Safety Training (CoST) Short Courses
  • Main systems

Entry Requirements

There are no specific qualification entry requirements however each student is required to undertake a prescribed learning, literacy and numeracy assessment before they are granted entry to the course. Additionally, the institute as part of its student application process does require each potential student to complete a medical declaration, which may require further discussion as to the student’s suitability to undertake the course of study.

For further information regarding Certification of Proficiency, please refer to the AMSA Website

Qualification

Completion of this course could lead to employment pathways as Able Seafarer Deck or Able Seafarer Engine ratings on international registered vessels.

Further Study Options

Following sea-service as an Integrated Rating, further courses may be undertaken for qualification as a Chief Integrated Rating, Deck Officer or Marine Engineering Officer.

Location

Launceston courses will be delivered at AMC's Newnham Campus on a full-time basis - Newnham Campus, Launceston (PDF 91.6 KB). Some practical aspects of the training will be undertaken at the Beauty Point campus (bus transfers will be provided free of charge).

Please Note: The enrolment pathways and content of these programs will vary to meet the requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Deck and Engineering Officer Licenses that AMC is approved to deliver.

* The modes, structure and locations of delivery can be flexible by formal arrangement, especially to meet the particular total workforce needs of organisations. It may be possible to run courses in other locations provided there are adequate client numbers and appropriate facilities available, and provide delivery in blocks and/or via blended learning.

Accommodation

On-campus accommodation is available, for further information please visit University Accommodation.

How to apply

Please visit the enrolment information page to apply.

Need further information?

Please complete the Online Enquiry Form and the most appropriate person will respond to you directly.

Contact details

SMO Administration
Australian Maritime College
PO Box 2030 
Newnham Tasmania 7248 
T: +61 3 6324 9404
E: SMO.administration@utas.edu.au