Department of Trade, Employment and Training
Marine Engine Driver (Grade 3 Near Coastal)
Marine Order 505 – Certificate of Competency Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal (NC). The holder of this certificate will be able to:
Perform the duties of Chief Engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power
Perform the duties of Chief Engineer on a vessel with an outboard engine with unlimited propulsion power in waters to the outer limits of the EEZ.
Perform the duties of Second Engineer (second in charge of the engine room) on a vessel with an Inboard engine with propulsion power <750 kW in waters to the outer limits of the EEZ.
Assist an engineer in any tasks that may be required on board while working under the general supervision of the person in charge of the vessels engines in waters to the outer limits of the EEZ.
Work in the engine room of a vessel with propulsion power <3000 kW in waters to the outer limits of the EEZ.
Note:
This is an entry-level engineering qualification that serves as the foundation for the MED pathway.
Full-time
The lodgment of a second training contract where one of the training contracts is full-time will be reviewed by the Department to determine if each of the parties to each training contract can meet their obligations. There must be a clear separation between the training and employment requirements for each training contract and must not be replicated through the one occupation only.
Part-time
Minimum of 15 hours per week over each 4 week period throughout duration of apprenticeship/traineeship.
Casual
Refer to section 2.5 of the Declaration of Apprenticeships and Traineeships, for the meaning of casual, irregular, occasional and intermittent employment arrangements.School-based
7.5 hours per week of paid employment. This may be averaged over a 3 month period.
Over the period of a year, the employer must provide at a minimum the equivalent of 375 hours (50 days) of paid employment.
For a school-based trainee to be eligible to complete in this traineeship they must have met the minimum paid employment requirement as outlined below:
- 12 month full time nominal completion duration - 50 days minimum (375 hours)
Note: Each school-based traineeship has minimum paid employment requirements that are unique to the traineeship. Please refer to each traineeship in QTIS for further information.
Apprentices/trainees with a disability are entitled to work less than 15 hours per week when averaged over a 4 week cycle. They must be a holder of a disability pension and Pension concession card to be approved.
Students not enrolled in years 10, 11 or 12 may be eligible to enter a SAT provided there are exceptional circumstances warranting consideration and all other entry requirements are met, including being of an age where it is legal to undertake paid employment.
Before a student not in years 10, 11 or 12 commences a SAT, a business case supporting the arrangements must be provided to and approved by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).
Delivery of training to school-based trainees
Limits have been imposed on the amount of institutional training which may be delivered to school-based apprentices, based on the nominal term of a full time training contract. This restriction does not apply to school-based traineeships.
Marine Order 505 – Certificate of Competency Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal (NC)
AMSA Requirement: Be at least 16 years when the certificate is issued.
Visa holders may engage in apprenticeships or traineeships provided their work rights allows this, based on information and advice provided by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
Please refer to the Declaration policy, table 16 for the requirements on supervision.
Modified supervision arrangements available: NO
Employers are required to provide, or arrange to provide the facilities, range of work, supervision and training as detailed in the training plan.
Qualified person for traineeships
1. A person who has satisfactorily completed a traineeship in the trainee's calling, and is the holder of a completion certificate issued under an Act, or
2. A person who holds a certificate of recognition issued under an Act, certifying the person has the necessary skills and knowledge in the calling, or
3. A tradesperson in the trainee's calling, as defined under a specific industrial instrument, or
4. A person who holds a tradesperson's certificate or certificate of recognition as a recognised tradesperson issued under the Tradespersons' Rights Regulation Act 1946 in the traineeship calling, or
5. A person who holds a relevant qualification in the traineeship calling, or
6. A person individually, or persons collectively, who has/have documented competence (achieved through an RPL or training pathway) or demonstrated competence in all the competencies the employer is required to provide training for under the trainee's training plan (note - cannot be a person or persons currently undertaking the same traineeship), and
7. A person undertaking a traineeship, at a higher level than the trainee's, whose traineeship incorporates supervisory or coordinating skills and who has documented competence (achieved through an RPL or training pathway) in at least one of the competencies the employer is required to provide to the trainee under the training plan and who is supervised by a person who qualifies under (1), and/or (5) and/or (6).
And, where a licence to practice the calling is required, the qualified person holds a current licence.
Adequate supervision of apprentices and trainees cannot solely be provided from an offsite location by electronic means. Electronic means include, but are not limited to, telephones, radios and webcams.
The level of supervision will normally range between direct, general and broad as per the below guidelines:
- Direct - Close monitoring of work ensuring understanding and identifying potential risks and/or hazards
- General - Occasional monitoring to ensure progress is occurring
- Broad - Quality checking of completed tasks.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:
Marine Order 505 – Certificate of Competency Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal (NC)
To obtain a MED 3 CoC you will need to have completed one of the following options for qualifying sea service (QSS):
While performing duties as a general-purpose hand (with or without a certificate), as an assistant to an engine driver, to a chief engineer or to a second engineer, or as a Coxswain grade 1 or grade 2:
At least 20 days qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel with propulsion power ≥75 kW that includes at least 10 days on a vessel with an inboard diesel engine and a completed AMSA task book.
At least 60 days qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel with propulsion power ≥75 kW that includes at least 30 days on a vessel with an inboard diesel engine without an AMSA task book.
Eligibility:
Be at least 16 years when the certificate is issued.
Be able to speak and understand English, including written documents.
Evidence of QSS accrual in the form of:
– Record of sea service form 771
– On board sea service record from your task book or
– Letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your QSS.
– Approved sea service log book.Evidence of medical fitness (including eyesight requirements):
– Certificate of medical fitness domestic seafarers form 1850 or
– Current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303).Complete a Certificate II – Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC course from a registered training organisation (RTO).
Complete an AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA) at an approved RTO
Complete a HLTAID011 unit of competency Provide first aid or equivalent course.
Declaration Policy
This Policy outlines the regulatory requirements for parties involved in the training to ensure that the apprentice or trainee receives quality training as agreed under the training plan.
Norfolk Island Policy
Specific amendments to the Declaration Policy for apprenticeships and Traineeships on Norfolk Island.
School-based Policy
This policy sets out the requirements specific to school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) in Queensland and on Norfolk Island.
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Restricted callings
Restrictions apply to the rights of employers to appoint staff under the age of 18 to certain jobs, or "callings".
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Industrial relations
Industrial relations protect apprentices' rights, ensure fair wages, resolve disputes, and promote safe, supportive workplaces.
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Qld Government funding
The Queensland Government contributes towards the cost of training for eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees.
Last Updated: October 2026