For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: MAR50320 | CRICOS Code: 105105G
Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck)
OverviewAbout this course
The Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) is your passport to sea life on international waters as a watchkeeper deck officer. Take your sense of adventure, natural abilities in navigation and challenge yourself to take the next step in your career.
During this course you will participate in a range of different experiences, like fighting fires in simulated environments, practicing in-water survival skills and rescuing others in distress, as well as learning the knack of the seaman’s knots and hitches to ships in rough waters.
You will be challenged to develop your leadership capability to lead and manage a crew on any size vessel and you will gain the skills to instruct the ship's crew on watch keeping, wheelhouse operations, environmental management, routine maintenance, keeping records and logbooks, communications, stability and more.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Measure and interpret weather
- Navigate international waters using radar and other equipment
- Manage cargo handling, vessel stability and maneuvering, operational quality and safety
- Communicate using visual signaling and other equipment
- Manage and instruct your crew on watch keeping, operations, environmental management, routine maintenance, record keeping, communications, and stability
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Forecast inventory needs, manage procurement and budget
- Survival skills – life jacket techniques, jumping from heights, helping others in distress, abandon a vessel, onboard firefighting'
- Handle a survival craft through rough sea conditions
- Seamanship – identify and apply the knot needed for the task, practice different types of knots and hitches to tether a ship
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- Establish your leadership style
- Effective communication to create clarity in high pressure situations
- Resilience to face the challenges of life on the sea
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Watchkeeper Deck Officer on ships of any gross tonnage in any operating area
- Junior Officer
- 3rd Deck Officer
- 2nd Deck Officer
SuitabilityInternational entry requirements
At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.
- Year 12 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Additional Requirements:
- Students must be assessed by the Head Teacher prior to being accepted into this course.
- Certificates of Competency in Deck or Engineer Officers courses can only be achieved via a definite pathway. Certificates are issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as per the requirements laid down in Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) a convention of International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
- These courses are only part of the prerequisites for AMSA. It is an AMSA requirement to have specific and necessary training and sea-service prior to final oral assessment and the issuing of the Certificates of Competency. Students need to apply for Qualifying Sea Service (QSS) approval from AMSA once they receive a letter of offer from TAFE NSW.
- AMSA requirements and their contact details are obtainable from the AMSA website.
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- Be fit at an intermediate level
- Be able to swim 50m and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket
- Undertake a prescribed learning, literacy and numeracy assessment to ensure you are prepared for the foundation skills requirements in each of the units of competency
- Consider the AMSA certification requirements – Please see licensing requirements
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
The maritime industry is regulated by the Australian Maritime 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.
Graduating from this course only meets part of the AMSA exam criteria. You will need to meet other requirements through your professional experience and personal health status.
Make sure you review and meet the AMSA requirements before you enrol in this course. If you do not yet meet the AMSA criteria for certification at this qualification level, research lower level maritime qualifications to determine the best option for you.
Some AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) requirements include:
- Minimum age requirements when applying for your AMSA certificate
- Medical and eyesight requirements - Please Note: You will need to arrange your own medical and eyesight assessments
- Minimum professional sea time hours
For more information please visit: AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority).
Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations
As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle (Tighes Hill) | Feb | $22,280 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle (Tighes Hill) | Feb, Jul | $23,180 AUD |
Additional costs
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.
Structure and unitsWhat you will study
At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.
19 core units plus all units from Group A
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Plan and conduct a passage and determine positionMARH022
Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigationMARH023
Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigationMARH024
Manoeuvre the shipMARK011
Maintain a safe navigational watchMARO009
Transmit and receive information by visual signallingMARO012
Monitor, loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargoMARA025
Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship construction)MARN011
Provide First AidHLTAID011
Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship stability)MARA017
PathwaysContinue your studies
At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:
Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW degree pathway
From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways
TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
Other university pathways
You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.
Keep learning with TAFE NSW
Whatever your career ambitions, we will help you get there with a range of courses to develop your skills, build your knowledge and prepare you for work.
TAFE NSW is here to create exceptional learner experiences and to support you on your study journey to make sure you achieve your goals.
Explore your study options across a range of disciplines and talk to your TAFE NSW Education agent or contact us.
ServicesCampus facilities and support services
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.
We offer a range of support services including:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning – an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
We're here to help
If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.
Contact TAFE NSW International