Updating Results

Diploma of Maritime Operations [Watchkeeper Deck]

  • Diploma

Get qualified for a career in the maritime industry with this diploma. During your studies you will participate in a range of essential experiences such as fire fighting in simulated environments, practising water survival skills and rescuing others in distress.

Key details

Degree Type
Diploma
Course Code
MAR50320, 105104H
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$12,230 per year / $18,356 total
International Fees
$12,230 per year / $18,356 total

About this course

Get qualified for a career in the maritime industry with this diploma. During your studies you will participate in a range of essential experiences such as fire fighting in simulated environments, practising water survival skills and rescuing others in distress. As part of your studies you will learn how to tie seaman's knots and hitches to ships in rough waters.

You will be challenged to develop your ability to lead and manage a crew on any sized vessel. The course includes skills training in instructing the ship's crew on watch keeping, wheelhouse operations, environmental management, routine maintenance, keeping records and logbooks, communications and stability.

This qualification enables you to work as a master or chief mate on vessels less than 500 gross tonnage in any operating area and as watchkeeper deck officer on vessels of any gross tonnage and in any operating area.

With this diploma you are qualified to perform the duties or functions of any of the following:

  • a master on ships less than 24 metres (foreign going);
  • a chief mate on ships with less than 3000 gross tonnage (GT);
  • a watchkeeper deck officer; and
  • a watchkeeper deck officer on ships with less than 3000 gross tonnage (GT).

Please note the Maritime calendar differs from the standard TAFE WA semester calendar. Semester dates are stated in your Letter of Offer.

This course is a full-time program that is timetabled over 4 to 5 days per week. This means you will have a very heavy study load which will encroach on your personal commitments during weekdays over the course of the program. The timetabled hours per week are essential to ensure all course requirements are met.

Please also note that certain units may be conducted at an offsite fire ground and sea rescue facility.

Entry requirements

  • An IELTS score (Academic) of 6.0 with no band score less than 6.0 or equivalent.

  • Equivalent to Australian Year 12.

  • Students must have 36 months of sea time to achieve AMSA certification requirements. Please refer to regulatory requirements licensing information listed under additional information.

  • Students must submit a comprehensive Resume outlining their work experiences, employment history and qualifications in order for the application to be assessed for entry into this course.

Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

Study locations

Fremantle

Career pathways

Career opportunities
  • Watchkeeper Deck
Career opportunities
  • Watchkeeper Deck
  • Watchkeeper Deck
  • Course structure

    To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 22 units. These 22 are comprised of 19 core units and 3 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

    Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

    Core units
      National ID
      Unit title
    • HLTAID011
      Provide First Aid
    • MARA017
      Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship stability)
    • MARA025
      Monitor, loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo
    • MARF031
      Apply leadership and team working capability
    • MARF035
      Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting)
    • MARF037
      Follow vessel security procedures (security awareness training)
    • MARF041
      Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
    • MARF044
      Prevent, control and fight fires on board a vessel (advanced firefighting)
    • MARF046
      Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment and personal survival techniques (PST)
    • MARF047
      Monitor compliance with legislative requirements
    • MARH022
      Plan and conduct a passage and determine position
    • MARH023 Use of electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to maintain the safety of navigation
    • MARH024 Use of radar and other bridge equipment to maintain safety of navigation
    • MARJ008 Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements
    • MARK011 Manoeuvre the ship
    • MARN011 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship construction)
    • MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch
    • MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling
    • RIIWHS202E Enter and work in a confined space
    Elective units
      National ID
      Unit title
    • MARF032 Apply medical first aid on board ship
    • MARF043 Operate survival craft, rescue boats and lifesaving appliances (proficiency in survival craft)
    • MARO011 Transmit and receive information by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)