
Courses for beginners
There are 2 courses available in Cairns Queensland for beginner learners with no prior experience or qualifications.
Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) to Maintain the Safety of Navigation
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Transmit and Receive Information by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Courses for experienced learners
There are no courses available in Cairns Queensland for experienced learners with prior experience or qualifications.
Key questions
How can I become a watchkeeper deck officer?
To become a watchkeeper deck officer in Cairns, you may want to consider completing the Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) to Maintain the Safety of Navigation. 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 watchkeeper deck officer by completing a qualification with TAFE Queensland. 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 watchkeeper deck officer training. The nearest campus is located right in the center of Cairns. Find a course provider that best suits your study needs.
Related occupations
Explore related occupations in the watchkeeper deck officer 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.
Boat Builder
A Boat Builder constructs and repairs maritime vessels, customising designs to client specifications and specialising in areas like interiors or masts.
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.
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.
Marine Trimmer
A Marine Trimmer fabricates and fits durable coverings, seating and fittings for boats, ensuring comfort, safety and style.
Marine Fabricator
A Marine Fabricator builds and repairs metal parts for boats, cutting and welding marine-grade materials to ensure safety and strength.
More about watchkeeper deck officer courses in Cairns
If you are looking to pursue a career as a Watchkeeper Deck Officer, the available Watchkeeper Deck Officer courses in Cairns can be an excellent stepping stone. Cairns, known for its vibrant maritime industry and beautiful coastline, offers aspiring professionals a range of training options designed to equip them with the essential skills needed in this competitive field. Completing these courses can help you gain the qualifications needed to excel as a Watchkeeper Deck Officer, while also opening the door to exciting opportunities within the maritime sector.
In addition to the Watchkeeper Deck Officer position, there are various related job roles that you may wish to explore. For example, you might consider becoming a General Purpose Hand, Coxswain, or even a Sea Captain. Each of these roles contributes significantly to the maritime industry and offers unique responsibilities and challenges. Choosing a course tailored to your interests can help you build a fulfilling career in this dynamic environment.
The Cairns region is not only ideal for training but also provides a plethora of robust employment opportunities in maritime and transport sectors. By taking Watchkeeper Deck Officer courses in Cairns, you lay the groundwork for potential pathways such as the Chief Cook or the Marine Engineer. Each specialised role offers various prospects depending on your skills and interests, making it easy to pivot as your career progresses.
As you consider your future, remember that opportunities abound in maritime roles like Chief Engineer, Marine Mechanic, and Boat Builder. With the combination of training and experience based in Cairns, you can achieve significant milestones in your career while contributing positively to the maritime industry. The journey may seem challenging, but with the right support and commitment, becoming a skilled Watchkeeper Deck Officer is well within reach.
Further reading


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