Kickstart your career as a qualified Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal. This hands-on course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to work in the Australian maritime industry as an engineer or engine room worker.
This course is superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and you will be contacted if you need to transition into the next version when it is available.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Operate and service marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems
Use deck machinery
Operate and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment
Fight fires onboard a vessel
Survive at sea using survival craft
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Identify and correct basic engine problems on a diesel inboard and outboard motor
Operate and monitor the engine and auxiliary systems on a small vessel
Survival skills including life jacket techniques, jumping from a height, and what to do when an order to abandon vessel is given
First Aid Certificate
Eligibility to apply for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal (MED3) certificate of competency through AMSA
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
Successful completion of the Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal), as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate, or
Successful completion of the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal), as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate, or
Previous experience working on boats or in the maritime industry, as evidenced by your resume or a letter from your employer
Before your first day of class you must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 2 across reading, writing and numeracy, and a score of three against learning and oral communication. This helps us to determine that your skills match the demands of the course, to direct you to an alternative study option or to provide you with the appropriate support. Your teacher will let you know when this must be completed.
Attend a pre-admission telephone call with a teacher from your chosen campus, to speak about your previous experience and study in the maritime industry. This helps us to ensure you are being directed to the right course and understand how we can support your study success.
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
The ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket and wearing work clothes
The ability to handle rough seas without getting seasick
You will be required to participate in in-person practical training and evaluation sessions during this course, for a maximum period of 6 days
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: Chief engineer on vessels with an inboard engine with propulsion power less than 500 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Second engineer on vessels with an inboard engine with propulsion power less than 750 kW within the EEZ, Chief or second engineer on vessels with an outboard engine with unlimited propulsion power within the EEZ , Assistant under direct supervision of a chief engineer and Worker in the engine room of vessels less than 80 metres long with propulsion power less than 3000 kW
The maritime industry is regulated by the Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA). Once you graduate from your TAFE NSW course, you will be assessed against the relevant requirements through an AMSA examination process. Graduating from this course only meets part of the AMSA exam criteria. Visit the AMSA website for more information.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) does not have any related courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 13 units of competency, including 13 core and 0 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community