TAFE Queensland is making waves on the Gold Coast, with a new Certificate II in Maritime Operations setting sail at the Coomera Marine Centre of Excellence from 2026.
For the first time, aspiring mariners, deckhands and ocean enthusiasts can train on the Gold Coast thanks to TAFE Queensland’s statewide network which already delivers this qualification in Cairns and Brisbane.
This sought-after qualification aims to meet the Gold Coast’s booming marine industry – one that employs thousands and continues to grow every year.
Driven by the strength of the national marine industry, which last year generated over $10 billion in revenue and supported 35,000 jobs, Australian manufacturers are seeing rising demand for boats and marine equipment, sparking a surge in opportunities skilled workers.
Boating Industry Association CEO Andrew Fielding, said the course will address the challenge for skilled maritime workers across Southeast Queensland.
This sought-after qualification aims to meet the Gold Coast’s booming marine industry – one that employs thousands and continues to grow every year.
Driven by the strength of the national marine industry, which last year generated over $10 billion in revenue and supported 35,000 jobs, Australian manufacturers are seeing rising demand for boats and marine equipment, sparking a surge in opportunities skilled workers.
Boating Industry Association CEO Andrew Fielding, said the course will address the challenge for skilled maritime workers across Southeast Queensland.
“With the highest concentration of marine businesses in the country based in the Coomera Marine Precinct, TAFE Queensland’s Marine Centre of Excellence is best equipped for delivering essential maritime qualifications,” said Andrew.
“As the industry continues to grow, we’re hearing from local operators who need qualified staff to meet regulatory and operational demands,” he said.
“TAFE Queensland’s Certificate II in Maritime Operations will produce a steady pipeline of well-trained, qualified professionals to keep pace with that growth.”
TAFE Queensland Gold Coast General Manager Karen Dickinson, said the course open doors for school students, school leavers and anyone eager to start a career on the water.
“It’s about giving young people and anyone ready for a fresh start a pathway into one of Queensland’s most exciting and growing industries,” Ms Dickinson said.
“At our Coomera Marine Centre of Excellence, students will have access to specialised, purpose-built workshops and state-of-the-art marine facilities,” she said.
“TAFE Queensland are leaders in the marine and maritime industry and its important for us to be extending programs from our Great Barrier Reef International Marine Centre in Cairns to Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” said Mr Tucker, CEO TAFE Queensland.
“We train some of Australia’s leading mariners in state-of-the-art facilities and TAFE Queensland has been working hard to increase opportunities for young people to enter this important industry.”
“This new course in the Southeast corner have direct employment and career pathways into industry.”
“TAFE Queensland also offers pathways to further qualifications such as Certificate III and IV in Maritime Operations delivered through our Great Barrier Reef International Marine Centre for students wanting to continue their studies. Over time, we are hoping to have local delivery in the Southeast for these and other marine and maritime qualifications too,” he said.
For now, the Certificate II in Maritime Operations covers everything from navigation and safety to engine maintenance and seamanship, giving students the confidence to operate small vessels and the practical skills the industry demands.
Designed for entry-level roles such as deckhands or general crew, it also provides a pathway to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate.
With the Gold Coast’s marine manufacturing sectors booming, this course arrives at the perfect time, ensuring local talent can stay, train and launch their careers on the Coast.
