Marine Training Academy (MTA) offers industry-recognized, hands-on training that prepares you to excel as a General Purpose Deckhand. Our expert instructors bring years of maritime experience, providing practical skills and insights that go beyond standard training. With MTA, you’ll gain essential knowledge in safety procedures, vessel maintenance, and deck operations, tailored specifically to meet Australian maritime standards.

Choosing MTA means training with a trusted provider focused on real-world applications and compliance with AMSA regulations. Our flexible course options and modern facilities ensure you’re fully equipped for a successful career on the water.

This certification is suitable for people working in entry level positions in the maritime industry as a General Purpose Hand on deck or in the engine room of a vessel up to 80 metres within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or in the engine room only for a vessel with propulsion power up to 3000 kW.

The position of General Purpose Hand is also the starting point for career progression to being a Coxswain, Master and/or Engineer. The training course provides skills and knowledge known as Basic Safety Training and is a requirement for all commercial crew.

Career opportunities are extensive with employment available nationwide on a wide range of vessels including:

• Ferries
• Tugs
• Whale Watch Boats
• Dinner Cruise Boats
• Tourist Excursion Boats
• Landing Craft/Barges
• Mooring Barges
• Fishing Charter Boats
• Fuel Barges
• And so many more….

The General Purpose Deckhand course is priced at $1,150. For MTA students, the AMFA assessment is included at no additional cost, providing comprehensive training and certification in one package.

Non-MTA students can also add the AMFA assessment for an additional $500. This pricing ensures that all participants receive high-quality training and assessments to meet Australian maritime standards.

How To Enrol

To enrol, simply click the ENROL NOW button

1. Pay your deposit or course fees.
2. Complete the online enrolment form.
3. You will receive an instant email receipt and will be contacted shortly after to complete your course induction and to confirm your booking.

This level of qualification is currently cited as meeting some of the requirements for certification as a General Purpose Hand Near Coastal as defined by Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency – National law) 2022.

Certification will require achievement of the MAR10220 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal), 5 days qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel and an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) approved first aid certificate. People seeking certification should check with AMSA via this link.

Whilst no specific entry requirements are stated in the training package as required for this course, to be well prepared for this course we recommend that you have:

• An intermediate level of fitness
• The ability to swim 50 metres and stay afloat for 5 minutes while wearing work clothes and without a life jacket
• The ability to handle rough seas without getting seasick
• Access to appropriate work clothes, including closed work shoes and sun protection for practical sessions

Age Requirements

• (M.T.A) The Marine Training Academy will accept enrolments from students before their 16th birthday, provided they meet all other admission requirements.

Note: applicants must be 16 years of age or above to be issued with a Certificate of Competence under the National Standards for Commercial Vessels – Part D – Certificates of Competency by AMSA (Refer AMSA Guidance Notice).

Technology

• As some of the resources are contained in a dedicated learner portal, a student must have access to a computer (with Microsoft Office 365 software).
• Students will need to bring a laptop to class with them as they will need to access their student learner portal throughout their classroom training and assessments.
• Students will require basic computer skills to complete the course without disadvantage.

The General Purpose Hand Course is delivered in two parts:

Theory  via eLearning

• Online theory training and online assessment module to be completed 

Practical hands on training 

• Our practical sessions go beyond the classroom, immersing you in real-world scenarios under the mentorship of expert trainers with years of maritime experience.
• Gain the essential skills and confidence needed to thrive on the water, with training that reflects the demands and standards of the maritime industry.

At MTA, our commitment to practical, on-board learning ensures you’re fully prepared for a successful career in the field.

• MARB053 – Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vessel
• MARF027 – Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
• MARF028 – Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
• MARF029 – Meet work health and safety requirements
• MARF030 – Survive at sea using survival craft
• MARG012 – Work as part of a crew on a commercial vessel
• MARN016 – Apply general purpose hand skills aboard a commercial vessel
• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

**Please note that HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid) is not trained in this course. To receive your General Purpose Hand (GPH) certification, you’ll need to complete external first aid training and supply a Statement of Attainment (SOA).

Requirements for Course Participants

Identification:

• Bring an Australian driver’s licence
• current passport, or birth certificate.

Sea Service:

• Provide evidence of qualifying sea service. Refer to the Record of Sea Service Form for details.

RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning):

• If applying for RPL, please bring academic transcripts, your CV, and any relevant employer reference letters.

Electronic Device:

• A device capable of online assessments, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop.

Clothing:

• Wear work or casual attire suitable for both theory and practical sessions.

Footwear:

• Deck shoes, joggers, sandshoes, or work boots are required. (No thongs or open toes shoes)

Additional Requirements by Training Day:

Marine Radio:

• Bring one passport-sized photo.

Fire Training Day:

• No synthetic outer clothing, socks, or underwear.
  Long-sleeve cotton work shirt and long cotton pants or jeans.
  Hair should be tied back if applicable.

Sea Survival Day:

• In-water clothing: T-shirt or shirt and pants.
  Bring a spare set of clothes, lunch, a bottle of water, a large towel, a warm jacket, and a sturdy plastic bag for wet clothes.

Please read the AMSA requirements for the Certificate of competency for this course.

You will need to submit an Application for a Certificate of Competency (industry licence) to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. This can be completed at any Registered Australia Post Retail Outlet. Please check you’ve met the requirements and complete a 426 application form.