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Study Marine Craft Construction

Career Outcomes

Shipwright (399112)
Boat Repairer/Builder (399111)

Both of the above occupations are currently on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

Industry Overview

Metals, Engineering and Boating is a diverse industry that employed 192,000 people in the machinery and equipment and 135,000 in the metal products sectors at August 2018. It includes people from the initial conceiving and designing phase of products, through to manufacture, assembly, installation, repair, packaging, and selling manufactured products.

The shipbuilding sector has experienced significant revenue growth and is projected to continue to grow over the next five years, driven by demand from the Department of Defence. The boatbuilding sector has been in decline in Australia over the past five years, however the projected decreased demand for ‘luxury’ vessels is predicted to be partially offset by increased demand for the repair of existing boats and for smaller, more affordable vessels. (National Industry Insights, 2020).

The number of people working as Boat Builders and Shipwrights (in their main job) grew very strongly over 5 years: from 5,100 in 2014 to 6,800 in 2019.

Insights

Average weekly earnings:  $1,602 per week

Mode of work: Most work full-time (87%)

Hours per week: full-time workers spend around 44 hours/ week at work.

Age: the average age is 41 years.

Gender: 2% workers are female

(Source: Job Outlook, historical figures)

Qualification Needed

Workers usually need a certificate III in marine craft construction to work as a Boat Builder or Shipwright. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Course Overview

Studies in marine craft construction will teach you how to perform engineering measurements, perform woodworking machine operations, interpret technical drawing, set up marine vessel structures, install marine systems and much more.

Only a limited number of institutions  provide this course.

Course Requirements

Most institutions require completion of an Australian Year 10 or 11 equivalent, as well as a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.

Costs

A 2-year packaged trade course costs between $18,000 and $19,000 per year, depending on the institution. L

Career Outcomes

Shipwright
Boat Repairer/Builder

Studying Marine Craft Construction in Australia: What the Course Covers

Marine craft construction courses train you to build, fit out and repair boats and ships made from timber, fibreglass (composites), aluminium and steel. You learn to read technical drawings, take engineering measurements, set up hull structures, work with composite materials and resins, weld and fabricate, operate woodworking machinery, install marine systems such as engines, plumbing and electrical fittings, and finish and maintain vessels, as well as marine safety standards and safe work practices.

Qualifications and AQF Levels

Qualification AQF level What it prepares you for
Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction AQF 3 Boat builder, boat repairer and shipwright roles; the core trade qualification
Certificate IV in Engineering or a related trade qualification AQF 4 Supervisor and technical roles after gaining trade experience

Study Pathways

The Certificate III in Marine Craft Construction is the main trade qualification, and only a small number of providers offer it, mostly in coastal areas. It is usually completed through an apprenticeship or a course with substantial practical training. Related skills such as welding, composites or marine mechanics can widen your options in the boating and defence shipbuilding industries.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

Occupation ANZSCO CSOL (482 and 186) Skilled lists (189, 190, 491, 485)
Shipwright 399112 Yes MLTSSL
Boat Builder and Repairer 399111 Yes MLTSSL

Our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide explains which visas use each list and what that means for shipwrights and boat builders.

Career Outlook

Boat builders and shipwrights work in recreational boat building and repair yards, marinas, commercial and ferry operators, and in naval shipbuilding and sustainment. Defence shipbuilding programs have supported demand for shipwrights and related trades, while recreational boat repair and maintenance provides steady work in coastal areas.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Marine Craft Construction

Marine craft construction is a specialist course offered by few providers, so explain how it links to your background, such as boat building, woodworking or fibreglass work, and where in Australia you plan to work. Our Student visa (subclass 500) page sets out the current visa conditions.

Marine Craft Construction Study FAQs

Yes. As at October 2026, Shipwright (399112) and Boat Builder and Repairer (399111) are both on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the MLTSSL. Demand comes from recreational boat builders and repairers as well as larger commercial and defence shipbuilding projects.

Possibly. Because Shipwright and Boat Builder and Repairer are on the MLTSSL, a closely related Certificate III can support the 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream (generally 18 months) if you obtain a TRA skills assessment, usually a Provisional Skills Assessment for Australian trained students, and meet the age and English rules.

Most courses cover timber, fibreglass and composite construction, and some include aluminium. You learn to build and repair hulls and decks, fit out interiors, install deck hardware and apply marine coatings, so you can work on anything from small timber boats to fibreglass motor cruisers.

Only a limited number of providers in Australia offer this qualification, usually near boating and shipbuilding centres. Check that the provider is CRICOS registered to teach international students.

Am I eligible for a Student visa? Student Visa Funds Calculator Study a Trade Course Assessment Study a Uni Course Assessment

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