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MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering [Class 1] [Engineer Class 1 [Motor]]

National ID
MAR60120
WA Course Code
AC38
CRICOS code
103750E
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Why choose this course?

For a career in marine engineering, this is the qualification to choose. You will study mechanics, thermodynamics, electro technology and naval architecture. 

During your studies you will learn about electrical, electronic and control engineering along with the operation and maintenance of marine engineering plant and equipment.

This qualification is suitable for people working in the maritime industry who seek Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certification in the capacity of:

  • engineer class 1 - Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) chief engineer unlimited; or
  • engineer class 2 - STCW second engineer unlimited on ships.

Successful completion of this course requires sea time (seagoing service time being the total of all of your individual working days onboard vessels), plus the AMSA oral examination that enables students to obtain the AMSA certificate.

More information is available at the AMSA website (amsa.gov.au)(opens in a new tab). Students are encouraged to check this website on a regular basis as frequent changes may occur.

This course is a full-time program that is timetabled over 4 to 5 days per week. This means you will have a very heavy study load which will encroach on your personal commitments during weekdays over the course of the program. The timetabled hours per week are essential to ensure all course requirements are met.

Career opportunities

  • Marine Engineer (Class 1 or 2)

  • An IELTS score (academic) of 7.0 with no band score less than 7.0 or equivalent.

  • Completion of MAR50120 Diploma of Marine Engineering [Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal] (AC31) OR [Engineer Watchkeeper Specialist] (AC62) is required for entry into this course.

  • Equivalent to Australian Year 12.

  • Students must submit a comprehensive Resume outlining their work experiences, employment history and qualifications in order for the application to be assessed for entry into this course.

  • You must have the following to be considered:

    be part of an AMSA approved engineer cadet program of at least 3 years duration and appropriate qualifying sea-time OR have completed the following documented qualifying seagoing service – a Certificate of competency, which demonstrates at least 12 months of qualifying seagoing service on vessels at least 750 kW propulsion power while holding an Engineer Watchkeeper certificate OR its equivalent of which at least 9 months was on vessels using propulsion of the kind to which the certificate relates OR if holding an Engineer Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency or any other Certificate that AMSA considers to be at least equivalent to an Engineer Watchkeeper.

    You will need a certificate of competency to be qualified to work in the Australian maritime industry and on Australian or international vessels in international waters. You must also be properly trained to work in your role in the maritime industry. (See Qualifications & training (amsa.gov.au) for more information).

    Based on any certificates or qualifications that you may already hold, you may be required to undertake additional short course qualifications as specified by AMSA. This is an AMSA requirement for certification for all seafarers. The fees may be up AUD $10,000 depending on your training.

​Please view Admission requirements for your country of origin.

The AMSA certification of competency will require you to:

• have the MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering Class 1 qualification;

• hold or have held certificates of competency as defined in Marine Order 72, which sets out the requirements for eligibility, training and experience requirements to become an engineer under the Navigation Act 2012. You can find more information at https://www.amsa.gov.au/about/regulations-and-standards/marine-order-72-engineer-officers.   

• have qualifying sea service as defined in Marine Order 72;

• have completed STCW short courses as defined in Marine Order 72;

• hold a valid AMSA certificate of medical fitness;

• have a final AMSA assessment pass; and

• meet any other regulatory requirements as defined in Marine Order 72.

Your study options

Semester 1, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $14,528
  • Resources fee: $580
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 12
MAR50120 Diploma of Marine Engineering [Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal] - AC31
1 semester
MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering [Class 1] [Engineer Class 1 [Motor]] - AC38
2 semesters
Year 12
MAR50120 Diploma of Marine Engineering [Engineer Watchkeeper Specialist] - AC62
2 semesters
MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering [Class 1] [Engineer Class 1 [Motor]] - AC38
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 14 units. These 14 are comprised of 13 core units and 1 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MARB044 Operate and maintain ship power systems exceeding 1,000 volts
  • MARD006 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements
  • MARF039 Manage safety and security of vessel, crew and passengers
  • MARF045 Provide leadership and managerial capability
  • MARL038 Apply advanced principles of marine electrotechnology
  • MARL039 Apply advanced principles of marine engineering thermodynamics
  • MARL040 Apply advanced principles of marine mechanics
  • MARL041 Apply advanced principles of trim, stability and stress
  • MARL047 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers
  • MARL048 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and systems
  • MARL049 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation
  • MARL051 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine electrical systems
  • MARL053 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of ship operations and maintenance
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MARL050 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine diesel engines and systems

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written or oral questioning assessment to show the student’s knowledge, projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge such as developing workplace plans and operational procedures, and practical demonstration of skills in completing the required tasks for relevant units within the qualification.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, Lecturer developed PowerPoint presentations, handouts, workbooks, and text books.

Facilities and equipment may include access to South Metro TAFE’s maritime vessels ‘Brockman’ and ‘The Image’, access to navigational simulators, engine room and stability simulators and the marine mechanical and electrical workshop.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 2, 2025

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 2, 2025
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $14,528
  • Resources fee: $580
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 12
MAR50120 Diploma of Marine Engineering [Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal] - AC31
1 semester
MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering [Class 1] [Engineer Class 1 [Motor]] - AC38
2 semesters
Year 12
MAR50120 Diploma of Marine Engineering [Engineer Watchkeeper Specialist] - AC62
2 semesters
MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering [Class 1] [Engineer Class 1 [Motor]] - AC38
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 14 units. These 14 are comprised of 13 core units and 1 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MARB044 Operate and maintain ship power systems exceeding 1,000 volts
  • MARD006 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements
  • MARF039 Manage safety and security of vessel, crew and passengers
  • MARF045 Provide leadership and managerial capability
  • MARL038 Apply advanced principles of marine electrotechnology
  • MARL039 Apply advanced principles of marine engineering thermodynamics
  • MARL040 Apply advanced principles of marine mechanics
  • MARL041 Apply advanced principles of trim, stability and stress
  • MARL047 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers
  • MARL048 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and systems
  • MARL049 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation
  • MARL051 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine electrical systems
  • MARL053 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of ship operations and maintenance
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MARL050 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine diesel engines and systems

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written or oral questioning assessment to show the student’s knowledge, projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge such as developing workplace plans and operational procedures, and practical demonstration of skills in completing the required tasks for relevant units within the qualification.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, Lecturer developed PowerPoint presentations, handouts, workbooks, and text books.

Facilities and equipment may include access to South Metro TAFE’s maritime vessels ‘Brockman’ and ‘The Image’, access to navigational simulators, engine room and stability simulators and the marine mechanical and electrical workshop.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

Semester 1, 2026

Duration | 2 semesters
When | Semester 1, 2026
Where | South Metropolitan TAFE (52787)

Location map

How | On campus, to a minimum of 20 contact hours per week
Fees (total indicative for course)
  • Tuition fee: $14,528
  • Resources fee: $580
  • Materials fee: $0

Tuition fees are reviewed annually. If tuition fees are increased, you will be required to pay the new fees as they are introduced. You will be provided with an indicative schedule of fees in your Letter of Offer.

Resource fees are for consumables you use in your course e.g. paint, internet etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment. If your course goes longer than one semester, the resource fee may not need to be paid in one amount but may be spaced out over the duration of your course. Your college will advise you of the payment amount each semester.

Material fees are for items that remain your property after the course has been completed e.g. personal protective equipment, tools, text books etc. You pay this fee to your college at enrolment.

Work placement

There is no work placement requirement for this course.

Year 12
MAR50120 Diploma of Marine Engineering [Engineer Class 3 Near Coastal] - AC31
1 semester
MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering [Class 1] [Engineer Class 1 [Motor]] - AC38
2 semesters
Year 12
MAR50120 Diploma of Marine Engineering [Engineer Watchkeeper Specialist] - AC62
2 semesters
MAR60120 Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering [Class 1] [Engineer Class 1 [Motor]] - AC38
2 semesters

To achieve this qualification, students must demonstrate competency in 14 units. These 14 are comprised of 13 core units and 1 elective units. Elective units listed below have been selected in consultation with industry.

Students who enrol into this qualification will be eligible for credit transfer of the units that they have already achieved. Fees paid by international students are set on a commercial basis and are paid as a whole of course fee - no refund will apply to credit transfers. Please refer to your letter of Offer for detailed duration and costings for your enrolment.

Core units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MARB044 Operate and maintain ship power systems exceeding 1,000 volts
  • MARD006 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements
  • MARF039 Manage safety and security of vessel, crew and passengers
  • MARF045 Provide leadership and managerial capability
  • MARL038 Apply advanced principles of marine electrotechnology
  • MARL039 Apply advanced principles of marine engineering thermodynamics
  • MARL040 Apply advanced principles of marine mechanics
  • MARL041 Apply advanced principles of trim, stability and stress
  • MARL047 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine auxiliary boilers
  • MARL048 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine auxiliary machinery and systems
  • MARL049 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine control systems and automation
  • MARL051 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine electrical systems
  • MARL053 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of ship operations and maintenance
Elective units
    National ID
    Unit title
  • MARL050 Demonstrate advanced knowledge of marine diesel engines and systems

Assessment methods

The methods of assessment used in this course include written or oral questioning assessment to show the student’s knowledge, projects that allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge such as developing workplace plans and operational procedures, and practical demonstration of skills in completing the required tasks for relevant units within the qualification.

These assessment strategies and evidence gathering are in accordance with the relevant training package or accreditation guidelines. Detailed Information is provided in the assessment matrix, learning plans and assessment tools for each of the units of competency. Assessors use this matrix to ensure assessments are spread across the duration of the course rather than clustered together at particular times.

Learning resources, facilities and equipment

The following learning resources, facilities and equipment are available at each campus so that you can achieve the skill and knowledge requirements of this course.

Learning resources may include access to Blackboard, Lecturer developed PowerPoint presentations, handouts, workbooks, and text books.

Facilities and equipment may include access to South Metro TAFE’s maritime vessels ‘Brockman’ and ‘The Image’, access to navigational simulators, engine room and stability simulators and the marine mechanical and electrical workshop.

Key dates

Semester and holiday dates are included in your Letter of Offer. View upcoming semester start and end dates.

There may be further semester intakes available for enrolment. You can view any further intakes when you submit your online application(opens in a new tab).

For information about pathways from TAFE to university, view our Pathways to university page.

How to apply

Apply to study at TAFE in six steps:

  1. find a course;
  2. check entry requirements;
  3. submit an application;
  4. accept your offer and pay;
  5. apply for your student visa; and
  6. receive your visa and come to Australia for your studies.

View our TAFE application process page for detailed advice

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TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) provider, for the delivery of training to international students, enrolled in a TAFE course in Western Australia. This nationally recognised course is delivered by a Western Australian TAFE college on TIWA's behalf. TIWA retains responsibility for the quality of the training and assessment delivered by the TAFE colleges and for the issue of certification documentation to students.

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Last updated on June 12, 2024