General Purpose Hand Courses
A General Purpose Hand performs various duties on a marine vessel, assisting passengers, managing cargo, cleaning, and conducting safety checks.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a General Purpose Hand
Get qualified to work as a General Purpose Hand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
MAR10220
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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 Sa...
Career opportunities
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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MAR20321
Duration
3 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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 s...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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MAR10418
Duration
2 weeks - 3 weeks
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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.
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Career opportunities
Duration
2 weeks - 3 weeks
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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MAR20421
Duration
3 weeks - 4 weeks
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
The MAR20421 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) is the theory component of the AMSA certification as a Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC. It’s a nationally recognised training course and recognised by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. During your studies you’ll learn how to carry out maintenance and repairs in an engine room as well as service a vessel’s combustion engines, propulsion and auxiliary systems. The course also covers: hull maintenance, deck...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 weeks - 4 weeks
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to General Purpose Hand.
Common questions
How much does a General Purpose Hand earn?
In Australia, a full time General Purpose Hand generally earns $1,100 per week ($57,200 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.
What are the job opportunities for a General Purpose Hand?
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
How do I become a General Purpose Hand?
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.
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More information
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.
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