| Course Code | MAR20424 |
| Locations |
Portland
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| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Length | Full-time, up to six months. Five weeks of classes, including one week of AMSA-mandated practical assessments. |
| Commencement | Expressions of interest |
| Timetable | Five weeks of classes, including one week of AMSA-mandated practical assessments. |
This course provides the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to begin a career in the maritime industry as a Marine Engine Driver. This entry-level qualification prepares you to work in engine room operations and vessel maintenance on commercial vessels operating in near coastal waters.
Throughout the course, you will develop hands-on skills in marine engine operation, safety procedures, vessel systems, maintenance, and emergency response. Training is delivered through a combination of classroom learning, practical activities, and AMSA-mandated practical assessments, giving you real-world experience aligned with industry expectations.
Successful completion of this qualification contributes towards eligibility for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency, subject to AMSA requirements, including sea service.
During this course, you will learn how to:
Training includes both theory and practical learning to build confidence in real maritime settings.
This course is delivered over five weeks through a combination of classroom theory, practical skills training, and support for completing assessments. During Weeks 1–4, students participate in scheduled theory classes, hands-on practical activities, and teacher-supported learning sessions. Week 5 focuses on the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)- Mandated Practical Assessments (AMPA) and support for assessment completion.
AMPAs are integrated into the practical assessment requirements of the course and are conducted in small groups of no more than five students, in line with AMSA requirements. Students may complete vessel-based assessments with an AMSA-approved assessor or participate in teacher-managed practical assessment activities and supported completion sessions.
Note: Elements of this course may be delivered from another SWTAFE campus or location, including but not limited to Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and Portland. Students may be required to make their own may to these locations, depending on the availability of suitable transport and staffing.
This qualification can lead to employment opportunities including:
Graduates may find employment across industries, including commercial fishing, tourism and charter operations, marine transport, aquaculture, offshore services, and emergency response operations.
Students may also choose to continue their studies through pathways into the MAR30824 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal).
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.
To enrol in this course, you must be:
To be eligible for this qualification, you must successfully complete 13 core units.
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARF028 | Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel | 30 | $315.00 |
| MARF029 | Meet work health and safety requirements | 30 | $0.00 |
| MARF030 | Survive at sea using survival craft | 15 | $0.00 |
| MARJ006 | Follow environmental work practices | 35 | $0.00 |
| MARB028 | Service marine internal combustion engines and propulsion and auxiliary systems | 65 | $0.00 |
| MARC033 | Complete engine room tasks | 50 | $0.00 |
| MARC034 | Maintain hull out of water | 20 | $0.00 |
| MARC035 | Operate and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment | 25 | $0.00 |
| MARC036 | Operate deck machinery | 25 | $0.00 |
| MARC039 | Operate marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems | 60 | $0.00 |
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid | 18 | $15.75 |
| BSBTWK201 | Work effectively with others | 40 | $0.00 |
| MARF060 | Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment | 35 | $0.00 |
This course involves accredited units. You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes. A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment.
Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms. Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance. You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.
Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.
Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements. Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :
There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances).
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY
The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.
| Course fees by student type | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Government subsidised rate (if eligible) | $3,500.00 |
| Concession rate | $700.00 |
| Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) | $5,970.00 |
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.
| Additional course fees | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Course consumable/materials (approximate) | $616.25 |
Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.
You have three options when organising your payment:
Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.
We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.
There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.
If you need any assistance with applying, contact our team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.
Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.
Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.
As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.
This is Free TAFE course. Free TAFE is a Victorian Government program that covers tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training. There may still be some costs like course materials, uniform or excursions applicable to the course you select.
A Free TAFE Pathways Program is a group of courses that complement each other to help you continue to train for the career and industry you may wish to work in.
For eligible students, these courses are tuition fee free. Depending on the course, you may still be required to pay material fees. The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.
Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Program and eligibility or contact our Customer Service team.
Skill sets are courses that are available free of any tuition fees for eligible applicants.
These courses are not part of the Free TAFE program and therefore will not impact your eligibility to study a Free TAFE course in the future.
