
Courses for beginners
There are no courses available in Newcastle New South Wales for beginner learners with no prior experience or qualifications.
Courses for experienced learners
There is 1 course available in Newcastle New South Wales for experienced learners with prior experience or qualifications.
Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Key questions
How can I become a watchkeeper deck officer?
To become a watchkeeper deck officer in Newcastle, you may want to consider completing the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck). This qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in this industry.
Are there training providers in Newcastle?
You can train to become a watchkeeper deck officer by completing a qualification with TAFE NSW. 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 Newcastle area that provide watchkeeper deck officer training. The closest campus is 23km away from the center of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle
If you are looking to advance your maritime career, our comprehensive range of Watchkeeper Deck Officer courses in Newcastle is the perfect opportunity for those with prior experience in the field. One prominent course available is the Diploma of Maritime Operations (Watchkeeper Deck) MAR50320, which offers in-depth training and equips you with the skills necessary to excel as a watchkeeper. This vocational education and training course is ideal for individuals looking to enhance their qualifications and step confidently into roles that demand expertise and knowledge on deck.
In addition to formal training, the opportunities for career progression are vast, ranging from a General Purpose Hand to various esteemed positions such as Sea Captain or Chief Engineer. Each role plays a critical part in maritime operations and holds different responsibilities that can align with your skills and ambitions. For instance, if your interest lies in engineering, becoming an Engineer Watchkeeper could be the ideal path, allowing you to leverage technical know-how while supporting deck operations.
Newcastle, with its rich maritime heritage and ongoing developments in the industry, provides an excellent backdrop for pursuing Watchkeeper Deck Officer courses. As you consider your future in this dynamic field, it’s worth exploring related professions, such as Marine Surveyor, Marine Mechanic, or even a Master Mariner. Each of these positions offers unique challenges and rewards, allowing you to choose the path that best suits your innovative spirit and career goals.
Further reading


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