General Purpose Hand Course (GPH) in Australia – How to Become a Deckhand

If you’re looking to start a career on commercial vessels, you’ve probably come across the General Purpose Hand (GPH) course — sometimes simply referred to as a “GPH ticket.”

This qualification is one of the most common entry points into the maritime industry in Australia and is essential for anyone wanting to work as a deckhand on commercial vessels.

Whether you're aiming to work on fishing boats, ferries, workboats, or even progress into the Superyacht industry, the GPH course is often the first step.

What Is a General Purpose Hand (GPH)?

The General Purpose Hand (GPH) certificate is an entry-level maritime qualification that allows you to work as crew on commercial vessels.

As a GPH, you’ll assist with the day-to-day operations of a vessel, working under the supervision of the master or skipper.

This includes:

• Assisting with deck operations

• Handling ropes and lines

• Supporting berthing and mooring procedures

• Maintaining the vessel and equipment

• Following safety procedures onboard
  

It’s the foundation qualification for anyone starting out in the maritime industry.

What Can You Do With a GPH Qualification?

After completing a GPH course, you can work in roles such as:

• Deckhand on commercial vessels

• Crew member on fishing boats

• Ferry or charter vessel crew

• Marine tourism operations

• Entry-level superyacht crew (with additional certifications)

The GPH qualification gives you practical, hands-on skills that are directly applicable across a wide range of maritime jobs.

Who Should Complete a GPH Course?

The General Purpose Hand course is ideal for:

• Beginners with no prior maritime experience

• People looking to start a career on the water

• Those wanting to work as a deckhand on commercial vessels

• Individuals planning to progress to Coxswain or Master qualifications

• Anyone entering the marine or superyacht industry

If you’re unsure where to start in maritime, this is typically the best first step.

Course Overview – What You’ll Learn

A GPH course delivered by Sydney Maritime Institute covers the essential skills required to safely work onboard a vessel.

Training includes:

• Basic seamanship and deck operations

• Rope handling, knots, and line work

• Assisting with vessel operations and manoeuvres

• Workplace health and safety procedures

• Basic maintenance and cleaning of vessels

• Communication and teamwork onboard

The course combines theory and practical training to ensure you’re job-ready from day one.

GPH Course Requirements (AMSA)

To complete your General Purpose Hand qualification, you’ll typically need:

• AMSA-approved training through a registered training organisation

• A valid medical certificate (AMSA 1850 or 303)

• Basic safety knowledge and competency

• Sea service (required when applying for your final certificate through AMSA)

Requirements can vary slightly depending on your pathway, so it’s important to confirm your eligibility before enrolling.

Course Duration and Study Mode

• Duration: Varies depending on training provider (typically short course format)

• Mode: In-person training with practical components

• Location: Sydney (Northern Beaches)

Training is hands-on and designed to simulate real working conditions onboard a vessel. Course duration through SMI The course is 17 days (3 weeks) in total and is reflected in the following order

Week 1 & 2: Mon-Sat & Mon-Tue (Shipboard Safety Skill Set & First Aid units)

Week 2 & 3: Wed-Sat & Mon- Fri (General Purpose Hand/Deck units)

Students who have already completed the Shipboard Safety skill set or First Aid will be given credit transfer for the following units. Students who have completed an STCW95 course will be given recognition of prior learning for the following units, excluding first aid. Students will then be exempt from Week 1 & part of Week 2 of the course.

MARF028 – Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

MARF029 – Meet work health and safety requirements

MARF030 – Survive at sea using survival craft

MARF060 – Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

GPH vs Coxswain – What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions when starting out.

GPH (General Purpose Hand):

• Entry-level crew qualification

• Work under supervision

• Focus on deck operations and support tasks

Coxswain:

• Allows you to operate and command a vessel

• Higher level of responsibility

• Requires additional training and sea service

In simple terms:GPH = crew member Coxswain = skipper

Many students complete their GPH first, then progress to Coxswain Grade 2 and beyond.

Career Pathways After GPH

Completing your GPH course opens the door to further maritime qualifications, including:

• Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal

• Master < 24 Metres Near Coastal

These pathways allow you to move from crew roles into command positions with higher earning potential.

Course Cost

Course fees vary depending on your experience and training requirements.

You can get a personalised estimate using our Course Cost Calculator.

Course Cost Calculator

Why Train With Sydney Maritime Institute?

• AMSA-approved registered training organisation

• Practical, hands-on training on real vessels

• Experienced trainers with industry backgrounds

• Small class sizes and flexible intake dates

• Clear pathways to Coxswain and Master qualifications

• Private RTO with high standards

  
  

Ready to Start Your Maritime Career?

Take the first step into the maritime industry with a General Purpose Hand (GPH) course at Sydney Maritime Institute.

Learn the essential skills to work as a deckhand and begin your pathway toward higher maritime qualifications.

Learn More or Enrol Today

Need More Information from AMSA?

For official information about General Purpose Hand certification and requirements, visit the AMSA website.