UQ Skills logoShipboard Safety Skill Set
MARSS00008


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Nationally accredited
qualification

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3 days

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Practical
workshops

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UQ St Lucia

Gain the skills and knowledge to work safely on board a vessel.

This nationally accredited training is a requirement for anyone seeking to work on commercial vessels in domestic waters.

You’ll cover a series of on-board emergency situations and in-water sea survival skills, including abandon ship scenarios requiring the deployment of a life raft.

Learn how to safely don a life jacket, use an EPIRB and fire extinguisher, perform safety equipment checks, crew drills, and the basics of line handling.

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How you'll learn

This program is delivered over 3 days of in-person practical training.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams and reports, oral assessments and practical demonstrations.

Start date

6 February

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

As a safety consideration, it's recommended all students be physically fit to carry out all the roles and responsibilities of a Coxswain on a commercial vessel under 12m within 15nm of the coastline with a propulsion power of up to 500kW for inboard engines and unlimited for outboard engines as defined in Marine Order 505.

Students should also be able to swim (any stroke) a minimum of 25 metres fully clothed.

All UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) testing

You’re required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process. This helps us identify and plan for any learning or support needs you may have before you start your training.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have recent work experience you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Create your USI

You must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before we can accept your enrolment.

Resources

2025 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 2.5 MB) (includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal and other policy information).

Full fee: $670

In order to gain this qualification you’ll need to successfully complete the following 4 units:

Units of competency
CourseCourse code
Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonmentMARF027
Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vesselMARF028
Meet work health and safety requirementsMARF029
Survive at sea using survival craftMARF030

    Careers

    You may find employment in the following roles:

    • coxswain
    • deckhand
    • linesperson.

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    Disclaimer


    Details are correct at the time of upload and are subject to change. UQ Skills reserves the right to change programs, subjects or costs or to cancel a program based on consideration of student numbers and resource allocation. Ensure that you understand the program, subjects, associated costs and fee liability prior to signing an enrolment form. 

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    General enquiries


    Telephone: +61 7 5460 1353
    Email: uqskills@uq.edu.au

    RTO code: #1511

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