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MAR30821

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Embark upon an exciting career in the maritime industry. This course will provide you with the practical skills to act as a Chief Engineer on a vessel with propulsion power up to 750kW or Second Engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 1500kW.

Apply now
STUDY LOCATIONS North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY On campus
NEXT INTAKE Start date: 10 Mar 2025 Duration: 4 weeks and 2 days View all intakes
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Concession

Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

$1,240
Subsidised

There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

$1,915
Full Fee

This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

$5,075
Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Embark upon an exciting career in the maritime industry. This qualification will provide you with the practical skills to act as a Chief Engineer on a vessel with propulsion power up to 750kW. This course is a necessary component of your application to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to gain certification as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal as defined by the National Standard for Commercial Vessels.

This course will equip you with a broad range of skills required to operate and maintain equipment in larger vessels in the maritime industry. You will learn to maintain internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems, and undertake basic maintenance of electrical systems. You will also develop the confidence to apply problem-solving skills in the event of vessel abandonment.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to act as a Chief Engineer on a vessel with propulsion power up to 750kW, as a Second Engineer with propulsion power up to 1500kW, or work in the engine room of a vessel up to 80m in length with propulsion power up to 3000kW. This course leads to partial completion of the MED1 course. You will also be able to apply to the national regulator to obtain a certificate of competence as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal.

What can I do?

  • Second Engineer (Vessels up to 1500kW)
  • Chief Engineer (Vessels up to 750kW)
  • Chief Engineer (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Course outcome:

MAR30821 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

World class facilities

While studying at TAFE Queensland you will have access to an extensive range of world class maritime training resources including a full mission bridge simulator, an emergency response training simulator, chart room, and radio room.

Engineering workshops

The workshops feature an extensive range of equipment for a variety of training purposes including welding, marine refrigeration and electrical maintenance. Additionally, there is an engine room for vessel maintenance and operational training.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core units listed below.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • BSBTWK201
    Work effectively with others
    UNIT CODE :
    BSBTWK201
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work cooperatively with others and deal effectively with issues, problems and conflict.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Work effectively with others

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTAID011
    Provide First Aid
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTAID011
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Provide First Aid

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARB031
    Maintain marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems
    UNIT CODE :
    MARB031
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to complete basic maintenance of marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Maintain marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARB032
    Undertake basic maintenance of electrical systems
    UNIT CODE :
    MARB032
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to complete basic maintenance of electrical systems.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Undertake basic maintenance of electrical systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC033
    Complete engine room tasks
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC033
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform tasks to support the operation of marine internal combustion engines, marine propulsion systems, vessel machinery and auxiliary systems.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Complete engine room tasks

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC034
    Maintain hull out of water
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC034
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to carry out basic maintenance to vessel hull while it is out of water.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Maintain hull out of water

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC035
    Operate and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC035
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate, test and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate and maintain extra low and low voltage electrical systems and equipment

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC036
    Operate deck machinery
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC036
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely use deck machinery on a vessel.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate deck machinery

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC039
    Operate marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC039
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems on a vessel.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate marine internal combustion engines, and propulsion and auxiliary systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC040
    Manage fuel systems
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC040
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manage the fuel and fuel oil systems of a vessel to ensure safety of operation and to avoid pollution of the marine environment.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Manage fuel systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC041
    Operate and monitor marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC041
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems on a vessel up to 750 kW.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate and monitor marine internal combustion engines, propulsion plant and auxiliary systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARC042
    Operate electrical systems
    UNIT CODE :
    MARC042
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate 220 to 440 V alternating current (AC) electrical systems.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Operate electrical systems

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF027
    Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF027
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF028
    Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF028
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply defined policies and procedures when carrying out fire minimisation procedures and fighting a fire on board a vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF029
    Meet work health and safety requirements
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF029
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to follow defined work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures to ensure the safety of self, others on board and the vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW in waters to the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Meet work health and safety requirements

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARF030
    Survive at sea using survival craft
    UNIT CODE :
    MARF030
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to survive at sea using survival craft. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Survive at sea using survival craft

  • UNIT CODE
  • MARJ006
    Follow environmental work practices
    UNIT CODE :
    MARJ006
    Unit description :
    This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify environmental issues and to apply organisational policies and procedures to minimise environmental threats.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Follow environmental work practices
Ways to study
  • You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
CAMPUS STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Cairns
On Campus
10 Mar 2025
4 weeks and 2 days
Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Cairns

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

10 Mar 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 weeks and 2 days
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
16 Jun 2025
4 weeks and 2 days
Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

16 Jun 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 weeks and 2 days
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
21 Jul 2025
4 weeks and 2 days
Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

21 Jul 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 weeks and 2 days
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College
On Campus
20 Oct 2025
4 weeks and 2 days
Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

demo

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

On Campus

  • Online Time

    How much of the course will be delivered online. 

    0%
  • On Campus Time
    100%
START DATE

The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 

20 Oct 2025
DURATION

The total length of time it takes to complete the course.

4 weeks and 2 days
Workload

The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week.

Full time 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday (weeks 1-4) and Monday to Tuesday (week 5)
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Concession: $1,240

    Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more

  • Subsidised: $1,915

    There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more

  • Full fee: $5,075

    This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans.

Class format

Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time.

Teacher-led, Scheduled
VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom).

No
ASSESSMENT

The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement.

On-Campus
TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom

Download Brochure

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR30821)

Ask a question

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

COURSE CODE: MAR30821
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection criteria

It is highly recommended that students are aged 16 or older by the course commencement date.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network. It is also recommended that you have access to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Guidance Notes.

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes. 
For Elements of Shipboard Safety this includes having access to and wearing appropriate attire including:

  • non synthetic/flammable clothing
  • safety glasses
  • enclosed shoes

You will not be permitted to attend any classes without appropriate footwear.

For wet drills you also require:

  • clothes to get wet in (similar to work clothes, but no wet suits)
  • a second set of clothes (to change into)
  • a towel
  • sunscreen
  • hat

For fire drills you require:

  • a long sleeve shirt
  • long pants
  • sunglasses
  • enclosed shoes

You are also required to bring a notebook, pens and a calculator.

Important information

Transition statement

This qualification has been replaced by MAR30824 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal) as of 21 November 2024. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 20 November 2025. Students who have not fully completed this qualification prior to this date will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more