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    Overview

    About this international 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.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through theory and practical course work, you will 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

    Strengthen your real-world skills in operating and maintaining large ocean going ships and build your specialisation in international waters:

    • 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

    Stand out in a global job market by developing a range of soft skills that equip you with the confidence to lead teams on the open waters:

    • 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

    Global industry demand

    The international maritime industry is expected to grow 3.4% each year by 2024. This growth is primarily driven by increased maritime trade in containerised, dry bulk and gas cargoes.

    US career resource and recruitment website, Zippia has identified the most important skills for marine engineers in 2020. These are:

    • Maintain and troubleshoot engine room equipment
    • Maintain diesel engines
    • Coordinate deck crew
    • Coordinate safety procedures
    • Implement relevant ISO quality standards

    As technological capability advances, the maritime industry is also seeing a rise in the use of data analytics for driving operations. The increased use of sensors, network devices, and digital communication channels allows ships to use data in real-time.​

    Suitability

    International 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.

    Fees and locations

    Starting 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.

    Additional costs

    Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.

    Structure and units

    What 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 HLTAID011 Provide first aid 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) MARF043 Operate survival craft, rescue boats and lifesaving appliances (proficiency in survival craft) 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 MARJ008 Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces MARL045 Apply basic principles of naval architecture MARL061 Perform basic marine engineering calculations MARL054 Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers MARL055 Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and equipment MARL057 Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine diesel engines and systems MARL056 Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine control systems and automation MARL058 Demonstrate basic knowledge of marine electrical systems MARL060 Demonstrate knowledge of ships and ship routines

    Core units are the required units that you must complete.

    Pathways

    Continue 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

    Services

    Campus facilities and support services

    TAFE NSW offers you a range of on campus study environments; you will have access to industry specific computer rooms, simulated workplaces, study and presentation areas, as well as general student facilities to enhance your learning and student experience.

    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 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

    Student facilities, amenities and support services include:

    • 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