Postcode:
Resident:
Employed:
A General Purpose Hand attends to a range of duties on a ship, boat or other marine vessel. You might assist passengers, load and unload cargo or carry out other tasks when required. General Purpose Hands might carry out cleaning tasks, perform routine maintenance or help with mooring activities. You might also perform safety checks and report any issues.
General Purpose Hands must be able to follow instructions and work to correct procedures at all times. It’s important you can work as part of a team and communicate clearly with passengers and colleagues. General Purpose Hands should have a high level of physical fitness and be able to perform a range of heavy lifting duties.
There are 3 courses available for people who want to become a General Purpose Hand.
Possible job outcomes:
Work on commercial vessels as a deckhand or in the engine room with a MAR10220 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal). This nationally recognised qualification is completed over 7 days at a modern maritime training facility and students learn how to assist with routine maintenance, carry out lookout duties — plus gain essential survival and fire emergency skills. Graduate ready to apply for your General Purpose Hand Near Coastal certificate with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Enquire now for the list of intake dates and training centres..
Average duration: 7 days.
Get your grade 2 coxswain certificate at an advanced maritime training facility with simulated mission bridge and radio room. The Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR10418) is a nationally recognised course that qualifies you to operate and command a vessel up to 12 metres long. During a 14 day intensive you’ll be gaining seamanship, survival and emergency response skills and graduate ready to apply for your Grade 2 Coxswain Near Coastal. Enquire now for the next course dates and entry requirements..
Average duration: 2 weeks.
Get your coxswain’s ticket with the MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal). This nationally recognised qualification is the training component of the AMSA certification for coxswain’s working on near coastal commercial vessels up to 12 metres. The course covers: operating inboard and outboard motors, navigating and handling a vessel up to 12 metres, complying with maritime regulations, responding to emergency situations, vessel abandonment procedures, surviving at sea, and more. Enquire now for entry requirements, AMSA certification competencies, and training providers near you that offer this qualification..
Average duration: 4 weeks.
In Australia, a full time General Purpose Hand generally earns $865 per week ($44,980 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this industry has decreased over recent years. There are currently 2,700 people employed as a General Purpose Hand, compared to 3,100 five years ago. General Purpose Hands may find work across regions of Australia where maritime activities are common.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If a career as a General Purpose Hand interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal). You’ll learn about a range of topics including seamanship, survival and emergency response skills. A Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) may also be appropriate.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within maritime. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Maritime
Assistant Shipwright
$960 weekly pay
Coxswain
$865 weekly pay
Deckhand
General Purpose Hand
Second Engineer
Boat Builder
$1,200 weekly pay
Chief Cook
$1,050 weekly pay
Chief Engineer
$1,350 weekly pay
Engineer Watchkeeper
Marine Engineer
$1,600 weekly pay
Marine Mechanic
$1,250 weekly pay
Marine Surveyor
$1,440 weekly pay
Sea Captain
Ship Mate
Shipwright
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
Master Mariner
Naval Architect
$1,730 weekly pay
Ship Master
Learn more about General Purpose Hand courses in your area.