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Posted by David Sexton
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18 August, 2025
A BURSARY grant initiative aimed at assisting mature age engineers find maritime careers has been announced by Offshore & Specialist Ships Australia (OSSA).
This follows an earlier OSSA Schools Maritime Careers Education Program, whereupon it was decided to expand plans via a bursary grant.
The idea reportedly developed from a meeting held at the 2024 Ancient Mariners Cruise in Sydney Harbour.
“During discussions, it was noted that was a clear lack of available marine engineers in the workforce and minimal training programs were available,” said OSSA’s Reg McNee.
“Something had to be done to rectify the situation.”
Under the OSSA initiative, potential candidates are expected to hold a trade certificate that meets the requirements of AMSA Marine Order 72.
This would then allow for a minimum of 36 weeks sea time to be acquired before attending the Australian Maritime College prior to sitting the Watchkeeping Certificate, initially serving onboard as a trainee marine engineer under the supervision of the chief engineer.
The bursary initiative has been supported by several retired marine engineers and AIMPE members.
OSSA also arranged several fundraising initiatives in further support of the bursary program.
“OSSA are expecting to expand further with the Trainee Engineer Bursary Program, with further awards later in 2025,” Mr McNee said.
He said OSSA previously advertised for interested tradesmen in the AIMPE On Watch magazine and received some 15 expressions of interest.
A successful applicant was found, a 32-year-old who has a history working as an engine fitter at a Tasmanian ship repair facility and on Svitzer tugs.
Strait Link were approached and agreed to take him on as a trainee funded by the OSSA bursary.
He is assigned to their Bass Strait ro-ro fleet where he is to complete the required nine months of sea time.
The OSSA bursary allows for a weekly subsistence grant, as well as assistance with pre sea safety training, insurance, initial travel and AMSA medicals.
“OSSA also has assigned an experienced mentor to further assist our candidate during his time as a trainee marine engineer,” Mr McNee said.
OSSA is also seeking help from the maritime community to continue with bursary schemes.
For more information or to discuss bursary schemes, contact OSSA through its website.
