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    Overview

    About this international 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.

    Outcomes

    What you'll gain

    Learn new skills

    Through theory and practical course work, you will 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

    TAFE NSW is known for delivering training focused on developing your practical abilities. Strengthen your real-world maritime skills:

    • 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

    Stand out in a global job market with a range of key professional skills that equip you with:

    • Establish your leadership style
    • Effective communication to create clarity in high pressure situations
    • Resilience to face the challenges of life on the sea

    Global industry demand

    The global maritime industry is expected to grow 3.4% each year to 2024. This growth will be primarily driven by increased maritime trade including container, dry bulk and gas cargoes.

    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.


    19 core units plus all units from Group A 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 MARK011 Manoeuvre the ship
    MARO009 Maintain a safe navigational watch MARO012 Transmit and receive information by visual signalling MARA025 Monitor, loading, unloading, securing and stowage of cargo MARN011 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship construction) HLTAID011 Provide First Aid MARA017 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship (ship stability) 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 MARJ008 Ensure compliance with pollution prevention requirements RIIWHS202E Enter and work in confined spaces

    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

    Whatever your career ambitions, we will help you get there with a range of courses to develop your skills, build your knowledge and prepare for work.

    TAFE NSW is here to create exceptional learner experiences and provide quality, personalised services 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.


    Services

    Campus facilities and support services

    Newcastle Maritime offers a range of training facilities such as Bridge Simulator, modern classrooms, campus library with maritime hard copy and e-resources as well as an Olympic-sized swimming pool for survival practical and firefighting facilities for situations relating to emergency procedures.

    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

    We're here to help

    If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.

    Contact TAFE NSW International