MAR10224 General Purpose Hand Near Coastal

Begin Your Maritime Career with Our General Purpose Hand Course

Embark on a rewarding maritime journey with our General Purpose Hand course, designed for aspiring professionals in the commercial maritime sector. This course equips you with essential skills for the crucial role of a Deckhand, covering safety, vessel operations, and maintenance. Gain practical expertise and theoretical knowledge, setting sail towards a successful career in the maritime industry.

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Course Content

If you are looking to kick start your career on a Commercial vessel, you will need to attain the entry-level qualification of General Purpose Hand. Often referred to as a Deckhand, this foundational course will allow you to embark on a maritime career across a wide range of vessels.

As a General Purpose Hand, you will form part of the general crew that reports to the Master to ensure the safety of the fellow crew, passengers and the Commercial vessel itself.

Introduction to Maritime Operations: An overview of the maritime industry, its regulations, and the role of a General Purpose Hand.

Safety at Sea: Basic training on safety procedures, use of safety equipment, and emergency response protocols.

Vessel Operations Assistance: Techniques and best practices for assisting in the operation of a vessel, including anchoring, mooring, and basic navigation.

Maintenance Assistance: Basics of vessel maintenance, including cleaning, painting, and simple repairs.

Rope Work: Understanding different types of ropes, knots, and their applications in maritime operations.

Communication: Basics of maritime communication, both verbal and using standard marine communication equipment.

Environmental Awareness: Introduction to the maritime environment, marine conservation, and sustainable practices.

Is This Course Right For You?

Please see the following flyer to check if this course is right for you and you meet the eligibility requirements:

MARSS00008 – Shipboard Safety Skill Set

Career Opportunities and Study Pathways

This qualification is suitable for people working in an entry level position in the maritime industry as a General Purpose Hand under general supervision of the master or engineer of a commercial vessel to:

Study Pathways

Further Studies:

MAR20324 Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal

MAR30824 Certificate III in Maritime Operations

Course Schedule - Newcastle

Offered self-paced online learning. See ‘Enrol Now’ for further information. At Maritime & Safety Training, we deliver a blended learning model that combines the convenience of self-paced online study with the practical advantages of face-to-face training blocks.

Our online learning allows you to work through theory at your own pace, anywhere and anytime, while our in-person sessions focus on the hands-on skills, assessments, and real-world application required in the maritime and aquaculture industries.

This approach ensures you gain both the knowledge and the practical competency needed to succeed, without disrupting your work or lifestyle.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

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 MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)
5 days qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel
An Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) approved first aid certificate

People seeking certification should check with AMSA

This is an accredited course.

Core Units of Competency

HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

MARB053

Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vessel

MARF060

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

Price (AUD)

$2000

this includes the ESS Skillset which is required in conjunction with the GPH Course to achieve an AMSA Certificate of Competency or "Ticket"

Upcoming Practical Assessment (AMPA) Dates

Tuesday 8th September

Tuesday 10th November

Enrol Now

Start Your Maritime Career with Confidence

Whether you’re entering the maritime industry or advancing your qualifications, our expert trainers and industry-recognised courses will prepare you for success.

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Common Career Opportunities

General Purpose Hand (Deckhand)
Work the deck as crew on commercial vessels. You’ll handle lines, cargo and gear across fishing boats, ferries, charters and marine services. It’s how most people get their start at sea.
Fishing Industry Crew
Join a commercial fishing operation as deckhand or skipper. You’ll work the near coastal grounds, handle the gear and the catch, and learn the trade on the job.
Charter and Tourism Vessel Operator
Skipper or crew dive boats, fishing charters and sightseeing trips. You’ll take passengers out along the coast and look after them on the water. Good work if you like people.
Ferry and Water Taxi Operator
Move passengers between coastal towns, islands and across busy harbours. Steady rosters and regular routes, close to home.

Where This Leads

MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
The first skipper ticket. Take charge of small commercial vessels in near coastal waters.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Students Are Saying

From Coxswain to Certificate III graduates, discover why maritime professionals choose us for quality training and real-world experience.

Great people working here, great deal for what your getting definitely should check it out

Kayde Botham
Student

Very clear and easy to understand the rules and safety around boating and PWC. Highly recommend.

Ellen Wheatley
Student

Great courses and a great team.
I highly recommend to do your marine training here.
I also have to say all the stuff is super helpful and friendly.

DM
Student

MAST provided a clear and memorable training experience across multiple courses.

Cameron Burns
Student

Great session today with Jim. Learned a lot and still more to learn. Feel much more confident thanks to the session today. Hawkesbury river training has to be one of the best locations.

D
Student

Great day pulling engines apart! Thanks JP for the knowledge!

Anthony Gordon
Student

Great training and highly recommended. Relax environment and the facilitators are very good and you learn all that is needed to feel confident boating.

Bryce Watson
Student

What a great organisation. Clear, concise, and well thought out. Had a great experience with my course. The instructors are very approachable and were always available to help. Couldn’t recommend more.

Brendhan Bennison
Student

After completing both MED II and MC24 over 7 weeks full time I would highly recommend MAST. Hopefully face to face in class teaching will be back to normal soon.

Scott Ellam
Student

The course was well-organised, and Matthew, the instructor was experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. He explained everything clearly, making things easy to understand and giving helpful suggestions for passing the boat license test.

Kevin Reid
Student

FAqs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most about our courses, enrolment and training. Can't find what you need? Get in touch and the team will help.

What is a General Purpose Hand (Deckhand) ticket?
It’s the entry-level deckhand qualification, a Certificate I in Maritime Operations. It’s the first ticket most people get to work on deck on a commercial vessel. You learn the basics of safe deck work, so you can start a career at sea with no experience behind you.
What jobs can I get with a General Purpose Hand?
A General Purpose Hand ticket gets you on deck as a deckhand or general crew on commercial vessels, in areas like fishing, tourism, ferries and marine services. It’s the standard starting point at sea. From there, many people build sea time and move up to a Coxswain ticket.
Do I need any experience to start a General Purpose Hand course?
No. The General Purpose Hand is an entry-level course built for people with no maritime background. You’ll cover the safety and deck skills you need from scratch. There’s a minimum age and a basic language, literacy and numeracy level to meet before you enrol.
Is a GPH the same as a deckhand qualification?
Yes. General Purpose Hand (GPH) is the formal name, and deckhand is what the job is usually called. Same ticket, same role. If you’ve seen a job ad asking for a deckhand or a GPH, this is the course that covers it.
What’s the next step after a General Purpose Hand?
Most people use the General Purpose Hand as their first ticket, build sea time on deck, then step up to a Coxswain Grade 1 to start skippering. We can show you how the deckhand-to-skipper pathway works and what sea service you’ll need.
Are your courses nationally recognised?
Yes. We’re a Registered Training Organisation, RTO 90440. Your qualification is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework. It comes from the MAR Maritime Training Package and is cited by AMSA under Marine Order 505. So the ticket you earn with us is recognised by employers and regulators right across Australia.
Do you offer government-subsidised or funded training?
Yes. Eligible students can train through the NSW Smart and Skilled program. It can cut your course fees, and for some qualifications it covers most of the cost. Whether you qualify depends on your residency, age and any training you’ve done before. Want to check? Visit our Smart and Skilled page or give us a call and we’ll confirm it for you.
How do I enrol in a course?
Pick your course from the Courses page and hit Book Now. You’ll finish your enrolment and payment online in a few minutes. Prefer to talk it through first? Call us on 1300 302 123 and we’ll help you choose the right course. Once you’re booked, we’ll send you everything you need to get started.

MAR10224 General Purpose Hand Near Coastal

Begin Your Maritime Career with Our General Purpose Hand Course

Course Content

Is This Course Right For You?

Career Opportunities and Study Pathways

Study Pathways

Course Schedule - Newcastle

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Core Units of Competency

Start Your Maritime Career with Confidence

Common Career Opportunities

General Purpose Hand (Deckhand)

Fishing Industry Crew

Charter and Tourism Vessel Operator

Ferry and Water Taxi Operator

Where This Leads

MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

What Our Students Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a General Purpose Hand (Deckhand) ticket?

What jobs can I get with a General Purpose Hand?

Do I need any experience to start a General Purpose Hand course?

Is a GPH the same as a deckhand qualification?

What’s the next step after a General Purpose Hand?

Are your courses nationally recognised?

Do you offer government-subsidised or funded training?

How do I enrol in a course?