For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: MAR50120 | CRICOS Code: 107410D
Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper)
OverviewAbout this course
The Diploma of Marine Engineering (Engineer Watchkeeper) equips you with the skills to join the international maritime industry. You will strengthen your technical skills to work on large ocean going ships as well as develop your leadership and communication capabilities to work with and manage your crew.
This 9 month, intensive program has been developed in consultation with industry.
A highly practical course, you will gain basic knowledge of low pressure steam boilers, control systems and ship automation, naval architecture, marine electrical systems, marine mechanics, and thermodynamics principles. You will also be equipped with a broad range of skills to identify and fix complex machinery issues and operate and maintain equipment in large ships in the industry.
Choose a diesel engine or steam engine pathway and learn how to maintain internal combustion engines, propulsion plants and auxiliary systems, and undertake basic maintenance of electrical systems and/or steam machinery.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Maintain a safe engineering watch
- Adjust marine automations
- Check shipboard plant and equipment, maintenance, fabrication and repairs
- Operate alternators, low pressure steam boiler, generator and control systems to supply shipboard electrical power, pumping systems, main and auxiliary machinery and associated control systems
- Using a state-of-the-art Kongsberg simulator for real time fault finding
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Identify and fix advanced engine problems on a diesel inboard engine
- Survival skills – life jacket techniques, jumping from heights, helping others in distress, abandoning a vessel, onboard firefighting.
- Handle a survival craft through rough sea conditions
- Trace electrical diagram to find faults
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- Love of the open water
- Resilience to meet the challenges of life at sea
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- An investigative approach to problem solving
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Engineer Watchkeeper Officer - on ships of any propulsion power in any operating area
- Coastal Engineer
- Shipboard Engineer
- Marine Engineer
- Watchkeeper
With AMSA certification, you can also perform:
- Second engineer duties on ships less than 3000 kilowatts in any operating area, not limited to Australian coastal
- Chief engineer duties on ships less than 3000 kilowatts near coastal waters
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.
Academic Requirements:
- Year 12 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
Location Requirements:
- Students must be assessed by the Head Teacher prior to being accepted into this course.
Additional Requirements:
- 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 requirements laid down in Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), a convention of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
- These courses are only part of the prerequisites for AMSA. It is an AMSA requirement to have the 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.
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- Be fit at an intermediate level
- Be able to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes without a life jacket and in work attire
- 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.
For more information please visit AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority).
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 sea service and medical 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 | $17,490 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Newcastle (Tighes Hill) | Feb | $18,190 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.
Total Number of units - 28 units Engineer Watchkeeper 28 units:19 core units, plus all units from Group A
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Provide first aidHLTAID011
Apply leadership and team working capabilityMARF031
Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)MARF035
Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)MARF037
Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)MARF041
Operate survival craft, rescue boats and lifesaving appliances (proficiency in survival craft)MARF043
Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting)MARF044
Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)MARF046
Monitor compliance with legislative requirementsMARF047
Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirementsMARJ008
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
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.
You will work in a workshop with a steam boiler, live electrical working panels, automation controllers, hydraulic and pneumatic controllers and tuning and a Kongsberg state-of-the-art oil tanker simulator.
You will also learn in simulated environments, including Olympic sized swimming pool for survival practical and firefighting facilities for situations relating to emergency procedures. Firefighting facility.
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