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General Purpose Hand Courses in Ballina

A General Purpose Hand performs various duties on a marine vessel, assisting passengers, managing cargo, cleaning, and conducting safety checks.

How do I become a General Purpose Hand in Ballina?

Get qualified to work as a General Purpose Hand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

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.

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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

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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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Further reading

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General Purpose Hand careers

For those in Ballina looking to embark on a maritime career, exploring General Purpose Hand courses in Ballina is an excellent starting point. These courses provide the foundational skills necessary for a role that is crucial to maritime operations. With four beginner courses available, including the Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal) and the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal), you’ll gain invaluable knowledge that will set you on the right path.

The General Purpose Hand role opens doors to various exciting maritime career options in the Ballina region. As you progress, you might find yourself interested in related job roles such as Deckhand, Coxswain, or even Chief Engineer. You can also pursue further education through advanced courses like the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) to enhance your credentials and job prospects.

In addition to the various courses available, it's important to consider the broader fields of study associated with maritime careers. You can explore Transport and Logistics courses or delve specifically into Maritime courses to further your education. By starting with General Purpose Hand courses in Ballina, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding career on the water, supported by a pathway to advanced roles like Master Mariner or an adept Marine Mechanic.