General Purpose Hand

Certificate I in Maritime Operations (MAR10224)

🕖 3 Weeks Self-Paced 🕮 Boat Prac + Theory


The MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) is a nationally recognised qualification that provides the foundational skills and knowledge required to work as a General Purpose Hand (GPH) on commercial vessels operating in near coastal waters. This qualification prepares students to assist with vessel operations, maintenance, safety procedures, emergency response, and general deck duties while working under the supervision of qualified maritime personnel.

The course combines maritime safety, seamanship, vessel maintenance, and crew operations to equip students with practical skills relevant to Australia’s commercial marine industry. Successful completion provides a pathway towards obtaining an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.


Qualification description

The MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) is a nationally recognised qualification that provides the foundational skills and knowledge required to work as a General Purpose Hand (GPH) on commercial vessels operating in near coastal waters. This qualification prepares students to assist with vessel operations, maintenance, safety procedures, emergency response, and general deck duties while working under the supervision of qualified maritime personnel.

The course combines maritime safety, seamanship, vessel maintenance, and crew operations to equip students with practical skills relevant to Australia’s commercial marine industry. Successful completion provides a pathway towards obtaining an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

This qualification contributes towards meeting the training requirements for the AMSA General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.
Completion of this qualification alone does not guarantee certification. Students must also satisfy AMSA requirements relating to practical assessment, sea service, age, medical fitness, and any other requirements specified by AMSA at the time of application.

AMSA certification will require:
  • Successfully complete all required units of competency
  • Successfully complete an AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)
  • Meet AMSA medical and eyesight requirements
  • Meet minimum age requirements
  • Satisfy any sea service requirements specified by AMSA
  • Submit an application to AMSA with the required supporting documentation
  • You are encouraged to review AMSA certification requirements before you enrol.
  • Seafarers seeking certification should check with AMSA.

Seafarers seeking certification should check with AMSA.

Units of Competency
Unit CodeUnit NameNotes
MARB053Assist with routine maintenance on a commercial vesselCore Unit
MARF028Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vesselCore Unit
MARF029Meet work health and safety requirementsCore Unit
MARF030Survive at sea using survival craftCore Unit
MARF060Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonmentCore Unit
MARG012Work as part of a crew on a commercial vesselCore Unit
MARN016Apply general purpose hand skills aboard a commercial vesselCore Unit
HLTAID011Provide First AidCore Unit – RPL
Entry Requirements

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) foundational skills. 

You are required to read and complete the LLN segment at the bottom of this page to ensure you are capable of completing the course. 

Online Learning

The theory components of this course is conducted entirely online at your own pace. We recommend students dedicate 2-3 hours daily to ensure they complete the course before the AMPA dates scheduled. Whilst you have 6 months to complete the course, we recommend students complete the course in 3 weeks to ensure retention of learning material and you are prepared for your final exam. 

The online learning platform we use is aXcelerate. This easy to use and follow learning platform will give you a clearly outlined guide as you progress through the course. You will have access to your trainer through the help portal. Your trainer is highly accessible and can even schedule zoom classes if you have further questions you’d like to clarify or concepts you’d like to understand. 

We will be with you every step of the way!

AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)

This course includes your AMSA Mandated practical assessment. This assessment will require 1 day of in-person assessing to complete the following tasks: 

Sea survival activities that includes swimming for at least 50m

Fire safety activates that includes fighting live fires

We are flexible with students where possible and give the opportunity for students to plan ahead. It is important to chose the correct dates for your AMPA. To avoid any late change fees, you are required to give us at least 2 weeks notice from your scheduled AMPA if you would like to change course dates. 

What will I need for this course?

You will need the following items to complete this course: 

– Laptop or computer to access your online learning material and assessments. 

– Internet access

– Australian Boating Manual (e-copy or hard copy) 

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN)

Please complete this short assessment to ensure we can support you in every step of the way during your course. This will assist us to provide further training where required. 

Click here for the LLN ASSESSMENT

After completing your LLN assessment you may proceed with your enrolment. 

Flexible Payment Options

We support all major payment methods via our secure payment gateway STRIPE. You may opt in for a payment plan at checkout using stripes integrated third party buy now pay later options. Please note: your email must be registered with the Buy Now Pay Later options such as AfterPay to receive this option at checkout. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to discuss payment options. 

After completing your LLN assessment you may proceed with your enrolment. 


You can complete the theory only component at your own pace and book your practical assessment with AMPA separately when you are ready.

Boat on the water
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Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

Cost: $1,250
Course Duartion: 3 Weeks self-paced
AMPA: 1 day in-person
Outcome: Cert I in Maritime Operations (GPH)

Call us: 1300 EZBOAT (1300 392 628)

Need more information, email us at

Available Sessions

General Purpose Hand - Theory 01/01/2026 - 31/12/2026
Location: Online
Duration: 3 Week
$800
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You can complete your theory at your own pace and practical at the dates you chose from the available sessions below. You are required to complete your theory component before attending your practical. We recommend students allow 3 weeks to complete the self-paced theory component of the course. You will benefit from the discounted price when booking the full course. Flexible payment options are also available at checkout. If you wish to devise a payment plan please contact our office.

Available Sessions

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Select a highlighted date to view available sessions.