OverviewAbout this course
Gain the qualification to apply for the licensing you need to become an engineer watchkeeper on ships anywhere in the world. Strengthen your technical, survival and leadership skills to work with and manage your crew in a career on the water.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Identify and correct complex diesel engine problems
Perform emergency survival strategies for the marine industry
Prevent and control fires
Inspect and operate a low-pressure steam boiler
Trace electrical diagrams and identify faults on electrical boards
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
Eligibility to apply for an engineer watchkeeper certificate of competency through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
The minimum engineering qualification needed to join the international maritime industry
A nationally recognised qualification at Diploma level
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
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.
That you hold a previous AMSA approved Certificate III trade qualification or equivalent
as evidenced through a copy of your qualification or transcript or
That you hold an Australian Recognised Trade Certificate as evidenced by a copy of your trade certificate
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 5 across the five bands of literacy and 5 across one band of numeracy. This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs and to provide you with the appropriate support for your study success.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
An intermediate level of fitness
The ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket and in work attire
An awareness of the Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA) certification requirements
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.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Ship's Engineer
Marine Engineers control and manage the operation and maintenance of ship's plants and equipment.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
89%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
300 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
45 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$2,640
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
53 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
High
Gender share
1% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: Engineer watchkeeper officer , Once you gain your certification of competency from AMSA, you will also be qualified to become:, Second engineer on ships <3000 kW in any operating area and Chief engineer on ships <3000 kW operating in near-coastal water
Licensing
The maritime industry is regulated by the Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA). AMSA sets specific requirements for each maritime qualification to ensure you are ready to join the industry. Once you graduate from your TAFE NSW course, you will be assessed against the relevant requirements through an AMSA examination process. Once you pass the exam and become certified, you will be able to apply for roles and work in the industry. Visit the AMSA website for more information.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study0 Courses
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
The Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) does not have any related courses.
Your experience counts
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.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 22 Units of competency, including 18 core and 4 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.
Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirementsMARJ008
Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilersMARL054
Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and equipmentMARL055
Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine control systems and automationMARL056
- ... 5
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
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