Course Overview
The MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations provides nationally recognised training for people entering the General Purpose Hand Near Coastal certification pathway in Australia.
Marine Training Academy, RTO 30683, delivers this entry-level commercial maritime qualification through flexible online learning and face-to-face practical workshops.
Students develop practical skills in deck operations, engine-room assistance, vessel maintenance, workplace safety, emergency response and onboard communication.
The training prepares students to assist with deck and engine-room duties under general supervision on eligible Australian commercial vessels.
General Purpose Hand Certification Pathway
Completing MAR10224 provides the nationally recognised training component of the General Purpose Hand Near Coastal pathway. Additional AMSA eligibility, sea service, medical and certification requirements may apply.
Certificate I in Maritime Operations General Purpose Hand Near Coastal (MAR10224)
Entry-level commercial maritime qualification preparing students for employment as General Purpose Hand (GPH) crew on Australian commercial vessels.
Why Choose This Course?
Marine Training Academy (RTO 30683) delivers nationally recognised commercial maritime training through flexible online learning and practical workshops conducted by experienced maritime professionals.
Course Highlights
✓ Start Online
Begin your online theory without waiting for a scheduled classroom intake.
✓ Practical Workshops
Complete hands-on maritime training with experienced industry trainers.
✓ Flexible Study
Study online at your own pace around work, family and personal commitments.
✓ Ongoing Student Support
Receive support from the Marine Training Academy team throughout your training.
✓ Workshop Dates
View upcoming practical workshops using the Dates & Locations page.
Career & Industry Pathways
This nationally recognised maritime qualification supports entry-level opportunities within Australia’s commercial maritime industry and provides a pathway towards higher AMSA certifications.
- General Purpose Hand (GPH)
- Commercial deckhand
- Passenger and ferry vessel crew
- Charter and tourism vessel crew
- Commercial fishing vessel crew
- Marine support operations
- Further training towards Coxswain qualifications
Course Details
Who Is the MAR10224 General Purpose Hand Course For?
The MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations is designed for people seeking entry-level work as a
General Purpose Hand, commercial deckhand or vessel crew member within Australia’s commercial maritime industry.
Commercial Deckhand Careers
Suitable for people wanting to begin work as a commercial deckhand or General Purpose Hand on Australian commercial vessels.
Career Changers
Ideal for adults moving into the maritime industry from another trade, profession or employment sector.
School Leavers
Suitable for school leavers seeking a practical entry pathway into commercial maritime employment and further training.
Commercial Fishing Crew
Relevant for people seeking deck or support roles on commercial fishing vessels.
Tourism and Charter Vessels
Suitable for crew working on tourism, charter, cruise and passenger vessel operations.
Ferry and Passenger Operations
Relevant for people seeking entry-level crew roles on ferries and other passenger vessels.
AMSA Maritime Career Pathway
Suitable for people beginning a commercial maritime career and progressing towards AMSA certification and higher qualifications.
This course may be suitable if you are asking:
- How do I become a commercial deckhand in Australia?
- What qualification do I need to work as a General Purpose Hand?
- How do I begin an AMSA commercial maritime career?
- What entry-level maritime course should I complete?
Course Fees & Payment Options
The MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) is competitively priced and includes the training required to begin your commercial maritime career in Australia.
Course Fee
$1,250 AUD
One simple price with no hidden training costs.
What’s Included
- Online learning resources
- Practical workshop training
- Trainer support
- Assessment activities
- Nationally recognised training
Your Course Includes
Study the theory online at your own pace before attending your practical maritime workshop.
Complete hands-on training with experienced maritime professionals using real-world equipment and scenarios.
Receive assistance from qualified trainers throughout your enrolment via phone, email and online support.
All required knowledge and practical assessments are included within the course.
Payment options may be available. Contact Marine Training Academy to discuss current payment arrangements before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the MAR10224 General Purpose Hand course cost?
- Does the course fee include practical training?
- Is online learning included?
- Are assessments included in the course price?
- Can I pay for the course using a payment plan?
ees & Payment OptionsCourse Fees & Payment OptionsCourse fees are fixed and clearly advertised on our website. A full list of course inclusions, exclusions, additional costs, and related enrolment information is published in our Course Enrolment Guide. For further details, please contact [email protected].
Training Delivery & Assessment
The MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) combines flexible online learning with practical workshop training, allowing students to study at their own pace while developing the hands-on skills required for employment within Australia’s commercial maritime industry.
Online Theory
Complete your theory online from anywhere in Australia. Access your learning materials 24/7 and progress through the course at your own pace.
Practical Workshops
Attend practical training delivered by experienced maritime professionals where you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world commercial maritime scenarios.
Trainer Support
Our trainers provide guidance throughout your course, helping you understand the theory, prepare for workshops and successfully complete your assessments.
Assessment
Assessment includes both knowledge-based activities and practical demonstrations to ensure students can safely perform General Purpose Hand duties.
Workshop Locations
Practical workshops are delivered at selected Marine Training Academy locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view upcoming training sessions across Australia.
Study at Your Own Pace
There are no fixed weekly classes for the online component, allowing you to balance study with work, family and other commitments before attending your workshop.
Common Questions About Course Delivery
- Can I complete the theory online?
- Do I need to attend practical workshops?
- How long can I take to complete the online learning?
- Where are the practical workshop locations?
- Are trainers available if I need help?
- How is the MAR10224 course assessed?
AMSA Certification & Career Pathways
The MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) provides the nationally recognised training component for the General Purpose Hand (GPH) Near Coastal certification pathway administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This qualification is recognised throughout Australia’s commercial maritime industry and provides the foundation for further maritime certification and career progression.
Completion of MAR10224 satisfies the training component required for the General Purpose Hand Near Coastal certification pathway. Students must also meet applicable AMSA certification requirements before a certificate can be issued.
This qualification aligns with Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – National Law), which outlines the training and certification requirements for seafarers working on Australian domestic commercial vessels.
AMSA certification also requires eligible sea service. Time spent working on commercial vessels helps build the practical experience required for certification and progression towards higher maritime qualifications.
Graduates commonly seek employment as General Purpose Hands, commercial deckhands, passenger vessel crew, tourism vessel crew, commercial fishing crew and in other entry-level positions within Australia’s maritime industry.
Many students use the General Purpose Hand qualification as their first step towards obtaining an AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal certificate by completing additional training and gaining the required qualifying sea service.
Students interested in marine engineering roles may also progress towards Marine Engine Driver qualifications through additional training and qualifying sea service. Marine engineering qualifications have their own training, sea service and AMSA certification requirements.
Career Progression
General Purpose Hand Near Coastal (GPH) provides an entry point for people beginning a career in Australia’s commercial maritime industry and a foundation for progressing into higher-level deck, vessel command or marine engineering roles.
After completing MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) and meeting the applicable AMSA certification requirements, students can gain commercial sea service and practical vessel experience across tourism, charter, passenger, fishing, workboat and marine support operations.
With further training and qualifying sea service, GPH can support progression towards higher maritime qualifications such as Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal or Marine Engine Driver qualifications, providing pathways towards skipper, vessel master, marine engineering and other senior commercial maritime roles.
Completing MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) provides the nationally recognised training qualification. The AMSA General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency is issued separately.
Applicants seeking AMSA General Purpose Hand Near Coastal certification must also satisfy the applicable eligibility and certification requirements, including qualifying sea service, medical requirements and other requirements specified by AMSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal), including course delivery, AMSA certification, employment opportunities and practical training.
Is this course nationally recognised?
Yes. MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Marine Training Academy (RTO 30683).
Is the theory completed online?
Yes. The theory component is completed online, allowing students to study at their own pace before attending the practical workshop.
Do I need previous boating or maritime experience?
No. This qualification is designed as an entry-level course for people beginning a commercial maritime career.
What jobs can I apply for after completing this course?
Graduates commonly seek employment as General Purpose Hands, commercial deckhands, passenger vessel crew, tourism vessel crew, charter vessel crew and commercial fishing crew, subject to employer requirements and AMSA certification where applicable.
How long does the course take?
The online learning is self-paced, allowing students to complete the theory around work and personal commitments before attending a scheduled practical workshop.
Is sea service included with the course?
No. Sea service is gained separately through employment or approved commercial vessel experience and forms part of certain AMSA certification pathways.
What happens after I complete MAR10224?
After successfully completing the qualification, students can pursue employment opportunities, gain commercial sea service and continue progressing towards higher AMSA certificates such as Coxswain or Marine Engine Driver.
Is this course approved by AMSA?
The qualification is nationally recognised and forms part of the training pathway for AMSA certification. Students must also satisfy applicable AMSA eligibility and certification requirements.
Can I progress to a Coxswain qualification?
Yes. Many students use the General Purpose Hand qualification as the first step towards obtaining higher commercial maritime qualifications, including Coxswain, after completing additional training and gaining the required sea service.
Where are the practical workshops held?
Marine Training Academy delivers practical workshops at selected training locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view current workshop schedules and availability.
Still Have Questions?
Our maritime training specialists are available to help you choose the right course, explain AMSA certification pathways and answer any questions about enrolment, workshops or career opportunities.
Talk to a Course Adviser
Get personalised guidance about course selection, AMSA certification pathways, practical workshops and enrolment.