Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driving - Grade 3 Near Coastal)

Working in the maritime industry and looking to upskill?
Get your Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Certificate of Competency.
Taught on-campus over 11 days, this immersive learning is designed to give you the skills you need quicker, getting you back on the water in no time!

The Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 (Near Coastal) is a commercial maritime qualification administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This certificate allows you to operate the engines of a commercial vessel.
The Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC will allow you to work:
- as chief engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 500 kilowatts within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ),
- as chief engineer on a vessel with an outboard engine of unlimited propulsion power within the EEZ,
- as second engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 750 kilowatts within the EEZ,
- as an assistant under the general supervision of the chief engineer within the EEZ,
- in the engine room of a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 3000 kilowatts within the EEZ.
The MAR20421 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) is a key prerequisite for applying to AMSA for the Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC Certificate of Competency (CoC).
This course is taught on-campus over two weeks, with classes five days a week. This immersive format ensures you become qualified quickly, allowing you to return to the water and apply your new skills promptly.
The face-to-face nature of this course means you’ll work closely with our expert teachers, who will guide your learning every step of the way, boosting your confidence in applying what you’ve learned.
Upon completing this course, you’ll be qualified to work onboard a commercial vessel as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3, gaining hands-on experience while you consider your next career move.
Go on to study a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal), or a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal). Both courses will give you specialised skills and help further your employment opportunities in the industry you love.
What are you waiting for?

Employment onboard a commercial vessel as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 (work as an engineer on a commercial vessel with power rating up to 500kW within Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ.

MAR30821 Marine Engine Driver Grade 2
MAR40220 Marine Engine Driver Grade 1

Working with others, servicing and operation of inboard and outboard motors, completing engine room tasks, conducting simple monitoring of engineering systems underway.

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Mandatory entry requirements:

Nil

Recommended entry Requirements:

Please note that changes to Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – National Law) have come into effect from 01 Jan 2023. There have been significant changes to the Certificate of Competency application requirements.
To be eligible for a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 near coastal certificate, you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age on the certificate issue date
- Be able to speak and understand English, including written documents
- Be medically fit for the duties by undertaking a medical examination with a GP
- Gain any needed sea service comprising of:
- With a completed AMSA task book, you will need 20 days of sea service on commercial vessels with power > 75kW, at least half of the sea service on vessels with inboard diesel engines.
- Without an AMSA task book, you will need 60 days of sea service on commercial vessels with power > 75kW, at least half of the sea service on vessels with inboard diesel engines
Complete training, including a First Aid qualification (HLTAID011 Provide first aid)

Limitations to course Entry:

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the certificate issue date and meet medical, eyesight, sea service and course requirements.
Students must be able to carry out the following activities:
- Swim with and without a lifejacket
- Carry items up to 12 kg in weight (such as fire extinguishers)
- Be able to embark, disembark and move about a vessel freely
- Be able to hear a watch ticking and meet AMSA eyesight requirements
- Be able to read, speak and understand Engish at a basic level

Not applicable.

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: true

Licensing/Regulatory Information
This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.
AMSA certification will require:
1. Marine Engine Driver 3 course at certificate 2 level, and
2. Final assessment by an AMSA approved assessor using the AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA).
3. Sea service:- Sea service consisting of:
With AMSA approved task book:
- At least 20 days qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel with propulsion power ≥75 kW that includes at least 10 days on a vessel with an inboard diesel engine.
Without AMSA approved task book:
- At least 60 days qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel with propulsion power ≥75 kW that includes at least 30 days on a vessel with an inboard diesel engine.
4. Meeting the medical and eyesight requirements specified in Marine Order 505.