
Courses for beginners
There are 2 courses available in Cairns Queensland for beginner learners with no prior experience or qualifications.
Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction
- There are no mandated entry requirements.


Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Courses for experienced learners
There is 1 course available in Cairns Queensland for experienced learners with prior experience or qualifications.
Certificate IV in Engineering (Marine Craft Construction)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Key questions
How can I become a boat builder?
To become a boat builder in Cairns, you may want to consider completing the Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction. This qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in this industry.
Are there training providers in Cairns?
You can train to become a boat builder by completing a qualification with TAFE NSW or National Skills. Find a course provider near you. Once you make an enquiry, a course advisor will get in touch to discuss your study options and course fees.
What study modes are available?
There are several campuses within the Cairns area that provide boat builder training. The nearest campus is located right in the center of Cairns. You can also study a boat builder course through traineeship learning. Find a course provider that best suits your study needs.
Related occupations
Explore related occupations in the boat builder sector.
General Purpose Hand
A General Purpose Hand performs various duties on a marine vessel, assisting passengers, managing cargo, cleaning, and conducting safety checks.
Coxswain
A Coxswain steers small vessels, navigates courses, communicates with crew, and prioritises safety during journeys and emergencies.
Second Engineer
A Second Engineer repairs and maintains equipment on a vessel, handling mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems while ensuring smooth operations.
Chief Cook
A Chief Cook prepares meals on a vessel, ensuring ingredient availability, hygiene, and special dietary needs while managing tasks efficiently.
Sea Captain
A Sea Captain navigates and manages a vessel, ensuring safety and leadership while transporting passengers or cargo and communicating with the crew.
Chief Engineer
A Chief Engineer oversees machinery maintenance, designs equipment, supervises teams, and requires strong analytical and leadership skills.
Marine Mechanic
A Marine Mechanic repairs boats and maritime equipment, specialising in engines and systems while demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Marine Engineer
A Marine Engineer maintains and repairs shipping equipment, working on various vessel systems and ensuring effective operation through servicing and problem-solving.
Shipwright
A Shipwright builds and repairs ships, requiring strong technical skills, attention to detail, and teamwork to meet customer needs.
Assistant Shipwright
An Assistant Shipwright aids in constructing and maintaining vessels, following instructions and working in teams while ensuring attention to detail.
Engineer Watchkeeper
An Engineer Watchkeeper ensures the effective operation and maintenance of ship machinery, requiring technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication.
Marine Surveyor
A Marine Surveyor inspects vessels for safety compliance, prepares reports, and conducts scheduled checks, requiring attention to detail, organisation, and strong communication skills.
Master Mariner
A Master Mariner is responsible for navigating and operating a large ship, ensuring the safety of crew and passengers while complying with regulations and communicating effectively with authorities.
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
A Watchkeeper Deck Officer oversees navigation, supervises cargo loading, liaises with the captain, manages equipment, and communicates with crew and passengers.
Deckhand
A Deckhand performs cleaning, maintenance, cargo handling, mooring, and safety patrols on a ship, requiring physical fitness, teamwork, and strict adherence to safety procedures.
Ship Mate
A Ship Mate assists with navigation, supervises crew, manages cargo, and ensures safety aboard vessels, requiring strong awareness and problem-solving skills.
Ship Master
A Ship Master oversees vessel operations, navigation, crew coordination, and regulation compliance, requiring strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Naval Architect
A Naval Architect designs ships and marine vessels, developing innovative solutions, meeting client needs, and adapting skills for varied projects.
More about boat builder courses in Cairns
If you are looking to embark on a rewarding career in the marine industry, exploring the variety of Boat Builder courses in Cairns is an excellent starting point. With the stunning Great Barrier Reef as your backdrop, Cairns offers an ideal location to train as a boat builder. The region provides access to high-quality educational institutions such as the Federation Academy, which delivers the Certificate IV in Engineering (Marine Craft Construction) for those with prior experience. There are also accessible options for beginners, including the Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction and the Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade.
The vocational education and training courses in Cairns not only provide you with hands-on experience but also pave the way for a multitude of job opportunities in the maritime sector. As a qualified boat builder, you can be well-prepared for various career paths, including roles such as a General Purpose Hand, Coxswain, or even a Chief Cook. Additionally, advanced training can lead to positions like Sea Captain or Chief Engineer. These roles require diverse skill sets that these courses effectively cultivate.
In the beautiful coastal city of Cairns, the demand for skilled marine professionals is on the rise. Training in Transport and Logistics courses emphasises the connection between boat building and maritime operations, ensuring that learners receive a holistic education relevant to the industry. Courses like the Certificate IV in Engineering (Marine Craft Construction) not only refine your technical abilities but also familiarise you with the operational standards required in the maritime sector.
Furthermore, by choosing to study locally, you will benefit from the insights of experienced instructors and industry professionals. The local training providers, such as the Federation Academy, are highly esteemed and recognised as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia. Each course is crafted to meet industry standards, ensuring that students from the Cairns area gain the necessary skills to succeed in roles such as Marine Mechanic, Marine Engineer, and Shipwright. Start your journey today and explore the range of Boat Builder courses in Cairns that will prepare you for a fulfilling career in this dynamic field.
Further reading


What can you do with a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)?
6th January 2022