Course Information

Course Structure 

All Marina Operations course modules available online have a study guide and short knowledge-based test, upon successful completion of each module, the student will receive a Certificate of Achievement.  

The Marina Operations course syllabus consists of the following...

Module 1. Marina Operations 101

This course module takes participants new to the industry or considering a career in the industry through the entry-level basics of Marina Operations, offering an overview of marina design, operational roles, and safety functions, including fire risk management, emergency response planning, and real-world case studies. 

Module 2. Marina Operations Health & Safety

This module introduces participants to the core principles of Health and Safety within marina operations, covering essential topics such as relevant legislation, hazard identification, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), contractor management, and emergency procedures, equipping trainees with the practical knowledge needed to maintain a safe, compliant, and proactive marina environment. 

Module 3. Marina Dockmaster

This module guides participants through the foundational responsibilities of a Marina Dockmaster, offering insight into daily operations, customer care, safety and environmental practices, and essential skills such as managing rental berths, handling docking procedures for boat arrivals and departures, conducting dock-walks, whilst using standard marina operational procedures, equipping trainees with the practical knowledge required for this pivotal role in marina operations. 

Module 4. Fire Emergency Response

This module equips participants with a clear understanding of fire-related emergency procedures in marina environments, covering key areas such as design considerations, fire science, risk assessments, common causes of fire, and real-world case studies, while also developing practical knowledge in emergency planning, response coordination, and the use of firefighting equipment within a marina setting. 

Module 5. Spill Response

This module introduces participants to the essential responsibilities and procedures involved in responding to spills within marina environments, including identification of common spill types, review of the Maritime New Zealand Spill Response Plan, fuel jetty operations, Tier 1 strategies, and the use of spill response equipment building practical knowledge in environmental protection, first response actions, and spill prevention planning. 

Module 6. Marina Security

This module provides participants with a practical understanding of marina-specific security operations, exploring common threats, preventative strategies, communication protocols, and emergency response measures while building the skills needed to identify suspicious activity, manage conflict, and uphold safety and security standards as part of a professional marina team. 

Module 7. Marina Maintenance

This module introduces participants to the essential principles and practices of marina maintenance, focusing on safety, operational efficiency, and long-term asset care. It covers routine inspections, servicing of infrastructure and equipment, hazard identification, and environmental considerations, ensuring trainees develop the practical skills needed to keep marina facilities compliant, functional, and safe for all users. 

Module 8. Electrical Safety in a Marina Environment

This module provides a practical overview of electrical safety within marina operations, guided by the requirements of AS/NZS 3004: Electrical Installations – Marinas and Boats. It is designed to help participants understand the unique risks posed by water-adjacent electrical systems and the critical standards that govern safe installation, maintenance, and operation. 

Module 9. Environmental Management  

This module explores the principles and practices of environmental management specific to marina operations, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, pollution prevention, and regulatory compliance. Guided by the standards and best practices promoted through the New Zealand Clean Marina Programme, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to operate with the environment top of mind. 

Module 10. Emergency Response Plans

This module provides participants with a clear understanding of how to prepare for, respond to, and manage emergencies within a marina environment. Whether dealing with fire, medical events, severe weather, fuel spills, or vessel-related incidents, a well-developed Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is essential for safeguarding life, property, and the marine ecosystem.

On the Job Training - how it all works...

Marina Operations training modules, are designed to support new employees from day one. To ensure a safe and confident start, each new team member should be "buddied up" with an experienced colleague who can guide them through site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safe systems of work.

As the employee progresses through the e-Learning modules, their developing competencies should be observed and tested in the workplace to confirm practical understanding and readiness. A Training Logbook must be maintained as a formal Record of Learning, documenting all training activities completed under the supervision of the experienced team member. This logbook serves as a critical part of the employee’s training records and supports both internal and external verification of progress.

Informal workplace experience, such as assisting with daily operations, responding to real-time scenarios, or shadowing senior staff, should be captured in the logbook by both the trainee and supervisor. This applies regardless of whether the training is delivered by in-house personnel or external industry trainers.

To ensure alignment between practical experience and theoretical knowledge, trainees must complete the relevant Marina Operations e-Learning Modules. These modules provide the formal training framework that complements on-the-job learning, helping each employee build toward becoming a skilled, confident, and compliant member of the marina team.

Guide to Trainee Supervision

Following the successful completion of each Marina Operations Training Course Module, the trainee should have the knowledge to apply these learnings in the workplace under the direct supervision of an experienced team member.

The supervisor's role is to mentor and offer guidance to the trainee, allowing the student to gain practical experience as a member of the team.

Once the trainee has successfully completed the relevant training module, the training assessor must document and sign off on the associated practical skill sets using the designated employee training record. 

When the trainee has demonstrated sufficient experience assisting the marina operations team, the supervisor should then begin actively supporting the development of their operational competencies through guided, hands-on learning. 

Certification

As participants complete each module in the Marina Operations training programme, they will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement for each module. This micro-credential validates their understanding of key operational, safety, and environmental principles in marina operations. 

This tiered certification pathway supports professional development, enhances industry credibility, and reflects a commitment to best practice in marina operations.