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:

• Assist with deck work on a vessel <100 m long and <3000 GT <EEZ under general supervision of the master of the vessel or an appropriately certificated crew member to whom the master delegates the supervision.
• Assist with engine work on a vessel with propulsion power <3000 kW <EEZ under general supervision of the chief engineer of the vessel or another appropriately certificated crew member to whom the chief engineer delegates the supervision.

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.

This qualification is offered over a 12-month period through a blended delivery model of face-to-face and online training and assessment. The face-to-face component is delivered over a four-day workshop, including classroom training, onboard training, firefighting simulations, and safety at sea drills. Prior to commencement of the face-to-face component of the course, online pre-learning and formative assessment activities must be completed. You will have online support from trainers and assessors throughout the duration of the course.

Please note: You are welcome to attend more than one face-to-face workshop during the 12-month program if you would like extra learning or if the trainer and assessor has identified that you need extra time in order to gain competence. Extra workshops incur no further costs and are included in your original course fee/s.

Face-to-Face Workshop
The face-to-face component of this course is delivered over a four-day workshop. During the four days you will complete training with formative and summative assessment activities in the following environments:

• Classroom
• On board vessels ranging from 5 to 18 metres
• Fire fighting simulations
• Safety at sea drills in sheltered waters

Online Activities
These consist of:

• Multiple choice and other formative assessment questions
• Reading learning materials
• Video, email, text and phone conversations with Trainers and Assessors

You will need a computer or tablet with internet access for the online components of this program.

Other resources that you will require for workshop days include: 

• Fire Training: Long pants, long sleeved shirt and closed shoes MUST be worn. Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) will be provided by PTG - Eye protection, gloves et cetera.
• Safety at Sea: Swimwear and towel are required. You may consider bringing a spare change of clothes. Sunscreen MUST be worn for Safety at Sea units.
• Deck and Engine Work: Students MUST wear appropriate clothing and enclosed footwear at all times while on training vessels.

These resources are not included in the course fee and must be purchased or provided separately.

To complete the MAR10220 - Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal), competency in all unit knowledge and skill requirements must be demonstrated. Additional workshops are available if needed.

• Credit Transfer: If you have completed any single or multiple units in this qualification and can provide evidence in the form of a certificate and transcript issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or educational body, you may be eligible for credit transfer. You should consult with PTG for advice on this process.
• Recognition of Prior Learning: RPL recognises your existing experience gained through life or work for which you may not have obtained a formal qualification. If you are able to supply valid, sufficient, current and authentic evidence of having the skills and knowledge required for any or all of the required units for this qualification, you may be eligible for RPL and should consult with PTG for advice on this process.

The qualification includes 8 units of competency covering various maritime operations and safety procedures. These units include:        

• 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         
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
• MARB053 Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vessel
• 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

General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency is issued by AMSA. Requirements include, qualifying sea service, medical fitness certificate and certificate of competency application.

In addition to your successful completion of the MAR10220 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) with PTG, to successfully gain your License you will also need to:

1. Obtain qualifying sea service - at least 5 days qualifying sea service on a commercial or recreational vessel (*Note - sea service must be completed in the last 5 years). Proof of record will be required, you may use an AMSA approved sea service log/ task book.
2. Complete a HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course and supply your certificate.
3. Complete a Certificate of Medical Fitness for a Marine Qualification, AMSA document 1850.
4. Complete Certificate of Competency application, AMSA form 426.

People seeking licensing certification should read Marine Order 505 for licensing and sea service requirements.

• Remain for the rest of the workshop and continue your assessment until found competent, OR
• Book in to a later workshop and be re-assessed.

Course Fee: $1600.00
A deposit is required at enrolment with the balance payable when booking into a Paradigm Practical Workshop or when 50% of the course has been completed.

AMPA Fee (optional* - dependent on personal preference): $500.00. 
$500.00 is due upon enrolment for those wishing to undertake the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA).

Fees charged upon enrolment

• $600.00 course fee deposit
• $500.00 AMPA fee (This can be paid at any time prior to your AMPA) - Optional*. 

For information on PTG payment plans or possible funding options, please contact Paradigm Training Group. 

*An AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA) is not required to obtain the General Purpose Hand NC Certificate of Competency unless the candidate is using this qualification as a starting point in their maritime career pathway. In such cases, the AMPA, assessed by the RTO for Shipboard Safety units, is crucial for students who plan to advance their studies in maritime operations. While the AMPA fee itself is not mandatory for the General Purpose Hand NC certification, it is necessary for participation in the AMPA, which we recommend for those aiming to pursue higher level certificates.