MARINE SURVEYOR TRAINING

The AIMS marine surveying courses are designed for people with existing maritime knowledge, qualifications or practical industry experience who want to formalise their skills and move into, or progress within, marine surveying.

This may include marine surveyors, seafarers, marine engineers, near coastal masters, boat builders, shipwrights, naval architects, marine tradespeople and others with relevant vessel or maritime sector experience.

Yes. Courses require applicants to have relevant maritime experience or qualifications. Marine surveying requires practical vessel knowledge, and students must be able to apply technical learning to real-world survey tasks.

The AIMS do not generally accept enrolments from applicants with no maritime background.

The courses are delivered by distance learning. Students receive learning materials electronically and complete written assignments, practical tasks, case studies and knowledge assessments. Students may also be able to access support from AIMS assessors, training staff, tutorials and information sessions.

Yes. Because practical survey tasks form part of the assessment process, students must have access to a suitable vessel, worksite or marine environment relevant to their chosen course. If you are already working in the industry, practical tasks may be tailored to your workplace environment where appropriate.

• Completion time depends on the qualification and the student’s experience. As a guide:
• The Industry Diploma of Recreational Vessel Survey™ is typically completed within 3-6 months, with enrolment valid for 12 months.
• The International Diploma of Marine Surveying (Working Boats)™ is typically completed within 8-12 months, with enrolment valid for 18 months.
• The Advanced Diploma of Commercial Marine Surveying™ is typically completed within 8-12 months, with enrolment valid for 24 months.

Yes. AIMS offers Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, for students who can demonstrate relevant skills, knowledge, experience or previous qualifications. RPL allows the AIMS to assess what you already know against the qualification requirements and identify any gap training or assessment you may need to complete.

RPL outcomes are generally priced at the same rate as training and assessment. This is because assessment of prior learning still requires a formal review of evidence by qualified assessors.

Successful completion of an AIMS qualification can support your pathway into marine surveying, depending on the course and your area of practice.

Some roles may require additional accreditation, experience, insurance, certification or quality management requirements. Students seeking AMSA accreditation or AIMS certification should review the relevant requirements before enrolling.

The International Diploma of Marine Surveying (Working Boats)™ meets some requirements relevant to AMSA accreditation. However, AMSA may require additional qualifications, suitable experience, appropriate insurance and capacity to operate under a quality management system.

Students should check AMSA requirements directly before applying for accreditation.

The International Diploma of Marine Surveying (Working Boats)™ is focused on domestic commercial vessels , commonly between 7 and 35 metres or within a student’s specialist area.

The Advanced Diploma of Commercial Marine Surveying™ is tailored to those wanting to work in the shipping sector of the industry. Electives coveri commercial survey areas such as marine insurance surveys, cargo surveys, port and flag state inspections, marine warranty surveys, draft surveys and marine incident investigation.

The Industry Diploma of Recreational Vessel Survey™ is designed for people who want to survey recreational vessels under 25 metres. It is suited to candidates such as existing AIMS members, near coastal masters, marine engine drivers, boat builders and shipwrights. It does not cover super yacht survey requirements.

You may be asked to provide a current CV or resume, copies of relevant qualifications and certificates, evidence of maritime experience, and a signed declaration from the Student Handbook. You must also complete the online enrolment form.

Yes. The courses are self-paced and designed for working maritime professionals and are delivered by distance learning.

However, students should be prepared to allocate regular study time and complete practical and written assessment tasks within the enrolment period.

Yes. Course fees may generally be paid upfront or through a regular direct debit payment plan. Payment plan timeframes vary depending on the qualification.

All fees must be finalised before the final qualification certificate is issued.

No. AIMS does not offer government funding or subsidies for these courses.

• Course fees vary depending on the qualification. Current fees are:
• Industry Diploma of Recreational Vessel Survey™: AUD $3,500 + GST
• International Diploma of Marine Surveying (Working Boats)™: AUD $4,450 + GST
• Advanced Diploma of Commercial Marine Surveying™: AUD $6,600 + GST

International students are not charged GST where applicable.

The AIMS may require payment arrangements to be confirmed as part of the enrolment process. Students should contact the training team for current payment setup requirements before submitting their enrolment.

Some additional fees may apply in specific circumstances. For example, an administration fee may apply for approved course extensions, and a fee may apply if you request a replacement certificate or statement of attainment.

Credit card payments may also incur a provider fee.

Yes. Course fees include the training and assessment required for the qualification, including review of submitted work and practical assessment evidence.

The AIMS do not charge additional fees for reassessment of units within the qualification, provided the student remains enrolled and within the applicable course timeframe.

Refunds are generally only available if you cancel your enrolment before receiving any training materials. Once training materials have been issued and the course has commenced, refunds are generally not available.

If a scheduled direct debit payment is not honoured, your course enrolment may be suspended until payments are brought up to date and regular payments recommence as agreed.

Alternative payment arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who wish to discuss payment options should contact AIMS before or during enrolment.

To enrol, first review the relevant course brochure and confirm that you meet the entry requirements. You can then complete the online Student Enrolment Form available on the AIMS website and provide the supporting documents requested by the AIMS.

Before submitting your enrolment form, you should read the relevant course brochure, review the Student Handbook., check the course prerequisites, confirm that you have access to a suitable vessel or worksite, and make sure you can complete the course within the required enrolment timeframe.

Your CV helps AIMS assess your maritime background, industry experience and potential eligibility for the course.

It may also assist with identifying whether Recognition of Prior Learning or gap training may be relevant to your enrolment.

Yes. Students are required to read the Student Handbook. and complete the acknowledgement declaration. This confirms that you understand the course conditions, fees and refunds information, your rights and responsibilities, and your requirement to meet course prerequisites.

If you are unsure which qualification best matches your background or career goals, you should contact the AIMS training team before enrolling. They can help you understand the course options and entry requirements.

The timing may vary depending on how quickly you provide the required documents and whether the AIMS needs additional information to assess your application. Submitting a complete enrolment form with all supporting documents will help avoid delays.

After you submit your enrolment form, AIMS will review your application and supporting documents. If your enrolment is accepted and payment arrangements are confirmed, you will receive access to your course materials and instructions for commencing your study.

Yes. The AIMS reserves the right to refuse enrolment where an applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements, does not have the required maritime background, or cannot demonstrate access to suitable vessels or worksites needed for practical assessment tasks.

Yes. Anyone can apply to enrol.

Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students who need additional time should contact AIMS before their enrolment period expires. An administration fee may apply for approved extensions.