2026 Maritime Program
Training the Future
The Ocean is our home
Integrated training
Integrated training between vessel and classroom learning is essential for bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering a comprehensive understanding of maritime operations and safety.
Career skills training
Maritime skill development onboard dedicated training vessels is proving crucial to equip school based maritime students with practical, hands-on experience in industry standard maritime operations. This process ensures learners are equipped to demonstrate both knowledge and practical competence in their roles onboard the domestic commercial vessels across a two year journey.
Brighter Futures
The planned course for the 2026 Growing Our Own program will focus on high levels of Safety, Skill Development and Industry Standard Practices. This targeted approach will focus on employment opportunities in the Fishing, Resource, and Tourism industries. Brighter futures in the maritime industry are built by fostering a strong community and safety culture, blending local traditional knowledge with vocational training to create resilient and skilled professionals
Tagai 2024 Coxswain Graduates
NPASC 2024 Coxswain Graduates
Growing Our Own
Maritime Program
Career pathways 2026
The Growing our Own program will partner with region experienced Registered Training Organisations to offer the following Nationally Accredited Training in 2026.
Year 10
MARSS00008 Shipboard Safety Skill Set(Elements of shipboard safety)
This Skill Set develops the knowledge and skills required to complete the shipboard safety units of competency required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Year 11
MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
This qualification applies to students entering the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency for Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal.
Year 12
MAR20424 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal)
This qualification applies to students working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency in the capacity of Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal.
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies.
HLTAID015 Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use specialised equipment in the provision of resuscitation and oxygen therapy in line with the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.
SFIAQU415 Operate ROVs
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology. The unit applies to individuals who operate underwater aquatic ROV technology processes.
Beyond the School Gate
Year 13 Pathways
MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operation
This qualification applies to students working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency in the capacity of master on commercial vessels up to 24 m in length within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
SFISS00042 Wild Harvest Diver Skill Set
This skill set is designed to prepare individuals with skills and knowledge requirements to conduct wild harvest diving activity. This skill set meets some of the workplace health and safety (WHS) regulatory compliance requirements for diving for wild species to depths of 30m.
MAR30824 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)
This qualification applies to students working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency in the capacity of Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal
new Training Assets 2026
Growing our Own
Asset Improvement 2026
The Growing our Own 2026 Maritime program will introduce a new and specifically designed training vessel to further develop students vessel operation skills inline with law enforcement, border control and outboard driven ferries currently operating in the region.
ASSET IMPROVMENT 2026
The Growing Our Own 2026 Maritime Program will introduce a new and purpose-built underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) training program to equip students with the specialist skills needed for operations supporting fisheries management, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection activities across the region’s unique and strategically important waters.
Empowering Torres Strait Youth Through Emerging Technology
The 2026 “Growing Our Own” program will introduce a formalised training program which is focused on the use of Underwater Remotely Operated Vessels (ROVs). The Underwater ROVs training platforms will develop technical, operational and research skills in support of the development and sustainability of the Torres Strait Fishery. The ROVs training project will utilise the CHASING Industrial Grade Underwater ROVs systems and will promote high levels of educational engagement in the Maritime sector. The introduction of cutting edge technology in underwater exploration will create further study pathways for participating students.
GROW 2026
The 2026 “Growing Our Own” program will deliver measurable change by equipping Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area students with hands-on training in vessel operations, marine safety and emerging technologies in the maritime sector,. At its core, the program will continue to foster a strong safety culture and structured learning environment, helping participants build not just technical skills, but confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Training is designed around real-world marine scenarios, ensuring students understand the importance of safety procedures, vessel handling, and environmental care. This will continue to lay the foundation for long-term employment and safer seas.
The 2026 Growing Our Own program will focus on a range of employment outcome targeted training opportunities for the region. This training is being uniquely developed and contextualised to support the regions diverse learning styles with an emphasis on achieving best practice delivery for First Nation students. The ongoing introduction and development of future programs will be tailored to meet local industry needs as well as offering licence to travel qualifications for year 13 graduates of the program.
The Growing Our Own program will concentrate on accredited training offerings that will connect training directly to employment outcomes. Whether working on barge or conducting seabed inspections with ROVs, or crewing local supply vessels and ferries, the program’s hands-on approach ensures learners are job-ready. The ongoing development of Industry partners that recognise the quality of graduates, displaying strong safety awareness, practical skills, and a deep respect for Sea Country.
THE FUTURE
One of the program’s proudest achievements is the development of Indigenous mentors who are now leading the next generation. Former Growing Our Own students Kailu Luffman and Maine Gibuma are stepping up into key roles within the program as vessel Masters while also completing further qualifications to become training professionals. This professional development phase has spanned across five years and has resulted in two highly trained and experienced men capable of passing on skills and knowledge to their communities. This not only strengthens local capability, but ensures training is culturally grounded, community-led, and sustainable. These training mentors are a direct result of the program’s long-term succession planning to create a team of skilled indigenous professionals to drive change as respected leaders in the maritime industry.
News
From our Students
NPSC Coxswains program
Empowering Futures: All-Female Maritime Cohort Nears Completion of Certificate II in Maritime Operations A remarkable journey is unfolding across the waters of the Northern Peninsula Area. A group of determined and inspiring women from our own communities are charting a course toward brighter futures — for themselves, their families, and the region —…
Tagai Coxswain 2025
Navigating New Horizons: Tagai Students Build Bright Futures on the Water Across the Torres Strait, a new generation of mariners is taking shape. Young learners from Tagai State College are steadily working toward their Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) under the MAR20324 qualification, combining classroom learning with vital hands-on experience aboard dedicated training vessels. Together,…
Key Stakeholders
The Future Masters
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the local lands and waterways on which we live, work and sail. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Key People
