MAR Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)
Project scope
Industry has identified the need to develop individual crew competencies at entry level to meet the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV). The NSCV provides standards for operation and crew competencies for domestic commercial vessels operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Increased business demand across near coastal sectors of the Maritime industry including tourism, ferry and barge, port and charter operations has resulted in a need for appropriately skilled staff.
To meet the NSCV standards the Maritime industry require the entry level qualification for General Purpose Hands be reviewed and developed, whilst providing clear vocational pathways to other sectors of the maritime industry and ensuring that new seafarers meet mandatory crew competency requirements.
The Maritime Industry Reference Committee (IRC) proposed to review four existing Units of Competency and develop four new Units of Competency for the Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal). The project outcomes will ensure that current regulatory and technical competencies required by entry level seafarers across a variety of maritime sectors are contained within this qualification. The project will also consider the use of imported Units of Competency from other Training Packages where they contribute to the skills and knowledge required by this occupation.
Deliverables
This project will review and develop:
- MAR10318 – Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) qualification
- Four existing Units of Competency and up to four new Units of Competency
Timeline
The Case for Endorsement is expected to be submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee by 31 October.
How to get involved
A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be formed to provide expertise for this work. If you have any questions about this project or are a subject matter expert and would like to be considered for the TAC for this project, please contact the Industry Manager.
Stakeholder feedback on draft training materials will be sought as part of the development phase of work.
Technical advisory committee
MARITIME SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS NEEDED
10 SEPTEMBER 2020
Work on this project has commenced and the Maritime IRC is forming a TAC.
Your industry expertise and insight are welcome to review four existing Units of Competency and develop four new Units of Competency for the Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal).
TAC nominations closed on Wednesday, 25 September 2019.
Consultation
27 APRIL 2020
DRAFT MATERIAL
The Maritime TAC has finalised draft materials for this project.
The TAC reviewed Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) and 4 associated Units of Competency. One new Unit of Competency was developed combining Work effectively as part of a crew on a vessel up to 80 metres and Perform basic lookout duties.
Feedback on draft materials closed on Monday, 25 May 2020 for consideration by the TAC.
Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.
5 FEBRUARY 2020
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for this project is continuing the review and development of Training Package materials.
Draft material is expected to be available in April/May 2020 for public consultation and feedback.
Summary of development
Draft units, skill sets and/or qualifications are developed in consultation with Subject Matter Experts and industry stakeholders.
Initial drafting of Training Package material (Units of Competency, Skill Sets and/or qualifications) is being undertaken by a Technical Advisory Committee established by the IRC. Comprising people with diverse expertise and experience in Maritime Operations, it has ensured that the draft Units are informed by the needs of industry.
Quality Assurance
10 SEPTEMBER 2020
FINAL DRAFT CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT
The draft Training Package materials have undergone independent edit and quality assurance.
The Case for Endorsement is scheduled to be submitted to the AISC in October 2020.
Consultation
24 JUNE 2020
DRAFT MATERIAL
The Maritime TAC has finalised draft materials this project and would like your feedback.
Feedback on draft materials closed on Wednesday, 8 July 2020 for consideration by the TAC.
Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.
Summary of feedback
- Does the GPH need to identify lights, shapes and sound signals
- Will the qualification be equivalent
- Maybe training in equipment isolation and removal of energy before commencement of work/tasks
- Align qualification with draft marine order 505
Approval
16 DECEMBER 2020
At its meeting on 2 December 2020 the AISC approved the Maritime Training Package (Release 7.0) for referral to the Skills Ministers for endorsement.
For more information on this project, please contact the Industry Skills Specialist.
Submission
27 OCTOBER 2020
CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT SUBMITTED TO AISC
The draft Training Package materials have been submitted to the AISC.
Thank you to all stakeholders who provided valuable feedback and contributed to this project.

Anna Jerrems
Industry Skills Specialist - Maritime