Suitable for people wanting to begin or develop a career in marine engineering and engine-room operations on Australian commercial vessels.

Relevant for deckhands and other vessel crew looking to expand their skills into marine engine operation, servicing and engine-room duties.

Suitable for adults, tradespeople and mechanically minded workers seeking to move into marine engineering and commercial vessel operations.

Relevant for people undertaking or progressing towards engine-room, machinery and maintenance duties on commercial fishing vessels.

Suitable for crew involved in engine operation, servicing, maintenance and engineering duties on tourism and charter vessels.

Relevant for people seeking marine engineering and engine-room duties within ferry and passenger vessel operations.

Suitable for people working towards an AMSA Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency and meeting the associated AMSA requirements.

See Current Course Fee

Course fees are fixed and clearly advertised on our website.

• Online learning resources
• Practical marine engineering workshop training
• Trainer support
• Assessment activities
• Nationally recognised training

Complete your MED 3 theory online from anywhere in Australia. Access your learning materials 24/7 and progress through the online component at your own pace.

Attend hands-on marine engineering training delivered by experienced maritime professionals, where you’ll apply your knowledge to marine engines, propulsion and auxiliary systems, engine-room tasks, servicing, maintenance and electrical systems.

Our trainers provide guidance throughout your MED 3 course, helping you understand the theory, prepare for practical workshops and successfully complete your MAR20424 assessments.

Assessment includes knowledge-based activities and practical demonstrations to assess the skills and knowledge required by the MAR20424 qualification, including marine engine operation, servicing, engine-room tasks, propulsion and auxiliary systems, electrical systems and associated safety procedures.

MED 3 practical workshops are delivered at selected Marine Training Academy locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view upcoming Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal training sessions.

There are no fixed weekly classes for the online component, allowing you to balance MED 3 study with work, sea service, family and other commitments before attending your practical workshop.

Completion of MAR20424 provides the nationally recognised training qualification used for the Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal (MED 3) certification pathway. Applicants must separately meet the applicable AMSA requirements before a Certificate of Competency can be issued.

The Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal certification pathway is regulated under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – National Law), which sets out certification and eligibility requirements for seafarers working on Australian domestic commercial vessels.

Qualifying sea service is an AMSA certification requirement and is separate from completing the MAR20424 training qualification. Applicants should ensure their sea service meets the current requirements for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal (MED 3) Certificate of Competency.

MED 3 certification can support engineering and engine-room responsibilities on eligible Australian commercial vessels, including vessels operating in tourism, charter, passenger, ferry, commercial fishing, workboat and marine support operations.

Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 can support maritime workers who wish to build further engineering experience, undertake additional training and progress towards higher commercial marine engineering qualifications such as Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal (MED 2). Further training, qualifying sea service and applicable AMSA requirements apply.

Students interested in vessel command and deck operations may choose to undertake separate Coxswain or Master Near Coastal qualifications. These qualifications form a different maritime career stream and have their own training, sea service and AMSA certification requirements.

Yes. MAR20424 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Marine Training Academy (RTO 30683).

Yes. The theory component is completed online, allowing students to study at their own pace before attending the required face-to-face practical workshop training.

There are no formal entry requirements for the MAR20424 qualification. However, previous maritime experience, engineering experience, prior sea service, existing skills and knowledge may influence an individual student’s training needs. Applicants seeking an AMSA Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency must separately meet the applicable AMSA certification requirements.

The MED 3 pathway supports marine engineering and engine-room duties on eligible Australian commercial vessels, including vessels operating in tourism, charter, passenger, ferry, commercial fishing, workboat and marine support operations. Employment opportunities remain subject to the vessel, position, employer requirements and applicable AMSA certification.

The online learning is self-paced, allowing students to complete the theory around work, sea service and personal commitments. Practical training is scheduled in 5-day workshop blocks. The total practical training and workshop attendance required may vary depending on factors such as previous maritime or engineering experience, prior sea service, existing skills and knowledge, progress through the online learning, dedicated study and individual training needs.

A 5-day workshop block should not be interpreted as the total course or practical training duration for every student. Students must complete the required training and satisfactorily demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills required for the MAR20424 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal). Additional training, practice, workshop attendance or assessment may be required where needed.

Students should refer to the current course information and training plan for applicable completion timeframes.

Yes. Qualifying sea service is an AMSA certification requirement and is separate from completing the MAR20424 training qualification. Applicants should ensure their sea service meets the current AMSA requirements for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

After successfully completing the qualification, you will have completed the nationally recognised training component of the Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal pathway. If you intend to obtain the AMSA MED 3 Certificate of Competency, you must also satisfy the applicable AMSA certification requirements.

No. Completing MAR20424 provides the nationally recognised training qualification, but an AMSA Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal (MED 3) Certificate of Competency is issued separately. Applicants must meet AMSA’s applicable certification requirements, including qualifying sea service, medical requirements, final assessment requirements and other applicable eligibility requirements.

Yes. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is one of the 13 core units within MAR20424. Students must meet the applicable training and assessment requirements for this unit as part of completing the qualification.

Training includes practical skills in servicing marine internal combustion engines, completing engine-room tasks, operating marine engines, propulsion and auxiliary systems, electrical systems, deck machinery, vessel maintenance, workplace safety, emergency procedures, survival at sea and environmental work practices.

Yes. Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal can form part of a broader marine engineering career pathway. With further training, qualifying sea service and satisfaction of the applicable AMSA requirements, students may progress towards Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal (MED 2) and higher marine engineering qualifications.

Marine Training Academy delivers MED 3 practical workshops at selected training locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view current workshop schedules and availability.