AMPA - Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 (Short Course)

Under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency – national law) 2022, a seafarer must pass a final assessment before the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) can issue them a certificate of competency.

You must complete the required training and the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA) before applying to AMSA for your Certificate of Competency. The AMPA assesses practical operational skills, knowledge and understanding of maritime legislation and must be completed through an AMSA-approved Registered Training Organisation.

Upon successful completion, you can apply for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Certificate of Competency with AMSA and pursue employment opportunities across the maritime industry.

As part of this course, you will complete an AMPA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA) required for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Certificate of Competency.

The AMPA assesses your practical vessel operation skills, as well as your knowledge and understanding of Australian maritime legislation. The AMPA must be completed before applying to AMSA for your Certificate of Competency.

The AMPA must be completed within 12 months of the first assessed task and remains valid for 12 months from the date it is signed off by the assessor.

This qualification can lead to employment as:

• Marine Engine Driver Grade 3
• Chief Engineer on eligible near-coastal vessels
• Second Engineer on eligible near-coastal vessels
• Assistant Engineer
• Engine Room Crew
• Commercial Fishing Vessel Engineer
• Charter Vessel Engineer
• Ferry and Passenger Vessel Engineer
• Aquaculture Vessel Engineer
• Maritime Operations Crew
• Emergency Services Marine Operations Crew

You may find employment across industries, including commercial fishing, marine tourism, aquaculture, charter and passenger vessel operations, offshore support, marine transport, port services, government agencies, and emergency response.

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

To enrol in this course, you must have completed all required units of competency for your specific qualification (e.g., Coxswain, Master <24m, or Marine Engine Driver). 

This short course does not include accredited units and training.

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

Booking your short course is easy and starts online. Once you've completed your online booking, you can choose from the following convenient payment options:

• Online: pay securely via our online payment portal.
• Over the phone: we will call you to take EFTPOS payment over the phone using your credit or debit card.
• In person: visit your nearest campus to pay by card.
• Authority to Invoice: if you nominate a third party (such as your employer) to cover your course cost, we will email you an Authority to Invoice form.

There are 4 simple steps when booking for a short course with us. 

1. Book – Book online and complete your enrolment details at swtafe.edu.au 
2. Verify – You will be asked to verify your identity online as part of the booking process.
3. Pay – Pay online, in person, over the phone, or request an invoice for third-party payment.
4. Attend – Once confirmed, we’ll email all the course details and any pre-reading required.

If need any assistance with completing your booking, contact our team via the live chat below, call 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

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