Defence Maritime Maintenance is a Defence Support Industry. It is the non-uniformed, civilian ‘workforce behind the Defence Force’ with expertise and trade skills in sustainment, through life support and upkeep of Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australian Border Force (ABF) marine vessels.
It includes a network of mostly NT Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and individual contractors working in supply chains of ‘prime’ companies delivering and sustaining major Defence projects to the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.
These enterprises and contractors service many industries, but also have unique expertise working in challenging environments specific to Defence maritime and commercial working vessels:
- Large, complex systems (similar to sustaining a ‘self-contained town’) Fig 1.
- Advanced technology
- Cramped, hot or wet conditions and/or
- Servicing at sea in changing weather conditions.
Fig 1. Systems that can require servicing by Maritime Maintenance
Darwin is rapidly growing as a key hub for home port maintenance for Defence, Border Force, Offshore Oil and Gas and general maritime industries.
ISACNT engaged with NT industry, the Australian Defence Force, the Northern Territory Government, the Industry Capability Network NT and reviewed national papers and reports to inform this industry insight.
Current State
NT Defence Support Industries currently service marine vessels including the Armidale Class Patrol Boats (ACPB) and Cape Class Patrol Vessels (CCPV) in Darwin.
Strengths
Geo-political and economic
- The NT’s proximity to Asia and maritime borders are strategically important to Defence
- Government commitment to Defence Industry growth in NT
- Darwin Harbour is 5 times larger than Sydney Harbour
- Port of Darwin is the nation's northern gateway for Australasian trade
Workforce and capability
- 114 NT businesses identify as Defence capable, experienced and engaged in maritime maintenance activity
- NT businesses are meeting current maritime service demand (80% commercial, 20% Defence)
- Increasing Defence and maritime opportunities and service demand
- Additional capability exists; 187 additional businesses may have transferable skills, accreditations or certifications or have relationships to collaborate with businesses that do
- Industry, Government and Defence are committed to working together to improve maritime capability and capacity for the NT
Training and skills
- The NT Apprenticeship training system is robust and meets entry level skill demand for industry
- Recent growth of NT Oil and Gas Industry and large infrastructure projects are maturing local workforce skills (quality, OHS, technology)
Challenges
Geo-political and economic
- Changing global leadership creates uncertainty in region
- Regional weather and remoteness can create challenging maritime conditions
Workforce and capability
- Defence, Oil and Gas, Maritime and Defence Support Industries compete for similar, limited skills in a thin market
- Demand for shared skills increasing:
- Large scale non-Defence projects (Ichthys and Shell Prelude) moving into commission operations phase
- Darwin supply base and Port of Darwin activity levels increasing
- Interstate recruitment of NT workforce
- Defence clearances can be difficult to obtain for individuals and businesses
Training and skills
- Increasing demand for post trade training and higher-level skills
- Insufficient industry, training providers, individuals and Government investment and participation beyond Certificate 111 and IV qualifications
The number of workers employed to support Defence procurement projects is relatively small in the context of Australia's industrial base, which suggests that there is sufficient workforce capacity to support Defence Industry. However, some skills and occupations that are critical to Defence Industry are in general shortage within our economy and there is competition for these skills from other industries.
Future State
In the future, there is scope in Darwin to provide maritime maintenance services as part of the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) program. The Darwin Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park will attract even more opportunities to the NT when constructed.
Opportunities
Geo-political and economic
- Australia’s long-term focus to develop sovereign capability
- Government’s commitment to modernising Darwin maritime infrastructure will increase service demand requirements
- Darwin’s port and harbour presents strong economic growth potential
Workforce and capability
- Defence’s commitment to creating opportunities for businesses and skilled labour to apply their expertise, trade and technical skills to support the ADF and ABF
- Additional capability in the NT exists: 187 businesses with transferable skills, accreditations and certifications can become Defence engaged
Training and skills
- Increasing demand for post trade training and higher-level skills
- Defence’s commitment to collaborating with industry and training organisations to develop expertise, trade and technical skills to support the ADF and ABF
- Greater investment by industry, government and training providers in post trade training and higher-level skills can increase local skill base and attract additional industries to the NT
- Developed career pathways from entry level to professional roles can incentivise skilled workers to stay in NT for longer
Threats
Geo-political and economic
- If Darwin maritime infrastructure projects are delayed
- Changing global leadership creates instability in the region
- Regional weather and remoteness can create challenging maritime conditions
Workforce and capability
- If the NT is unable to respond to service demand and higher-level skills needs:
- Defence Industry will source interstate labour hire or Fly-In, Fly-Out workers through their supply chains
- NT capability constricts as demand grows
- New technology demands, and rapid change will impact the sector
Training and skills
- Insufficient industry, training providers, individuals and Government investment and participation beyond Certificate 111 and IV qualifications
- Scarce high-level trade and IT skills in the NT
There will be significant opportunities for workers and businesses already supporting Defence and those working in other industries to be part of the Defence Industry.
Skills in Demand
The ADF, ABF, Defence Support Industries and NT enterprises and contractors have identified critical workforce skills in high demand to meet service requirements of Defence Maritime Maintenance now and into the future.
Critical skills in demand include:
- Professional trade skills, knowledge, currency and work experience
- Project management skills
- Mechanical or electronic skills
- Numeracy & literacy proficiency (ACSF Level 3 and above)
- Technical problem-solving skills
- Documentation and record keeping
- Competence in working with International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/ Class Society compliances (Lloyds Register; Bureau Veritas; Det Norske Veritas (DNV))
Other skills in demand:
- Reliability and responsibility
- Willingness to learn
- Safety awareness
- Effective communication skills
Over the next decade and beyond, the demand will increase for Australian workers with trade, technical, science and technology skills within Defences Industry…. to maintain our ships, submarines…. As well as other support capabilities.
National qualifications and degrees offered in the NT required to fill occupations in demand include the following tables. The tables identify the lack of local training at the Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels that would allow for career progression from entry-level trade requirements through to professional degrees and specialised skill sets, required for growth opportunities in the NT.
The workforce employed within the Defence Support Industries also require time on tools ‘minimum 3-5 years’, including workplace mentoring and professional development growth which is required to support sustainment of a skilled NT workforce.
Investment in post trade training is essential to the long-term capability and capacity of industry to support Defence in maritime maintenance.
Technical/Trade Occupations
Occupations in demand requiring trade-based qualifications in the NT are listed below. Defence Maritime Maintenance workers career pathways have been identified. These occupations may require additional licences, accreditations, certifications and specialised training to work on Defence contracts.
NT Apprenticeship / Traineeship
Training Delivered in the NT
NO NT Appreticeship / Traineeship
NO Training Delivered in the NT
Electronic Instrument Trades Worker
ANZSCO # 342313 Installs, maintains and repairs electronic equipment and systems such as audio and visual reproduction equipment, home entertainment systems, computers and electronic security systems. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III Instrument and Control
Certificate IV Instrument and ControlorCertificate IV in Electronics and Communications
Diploma of Instrument and Control EngineeringorDiploma Industrial Electronics and Control Engineering
Advanced Diploma of Industrial Electronics and Control Engineering
Electronics Technician
ANZSCO # 342314 Installs, modifies, maintains and repairs electronic instruments and control systems. Registration or licensing may be required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III Electronics and CommunicationorCertificate III Electrotechnology Electrician
Certificate IV Electrical InstrumentationorCertificate IV Electronics and Communications
Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering
Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications
Higher Education pathways include Degree – Bachelor Engineering Electronics; Technician (Electronic Engineering)
ICT Hardware Technician
ANZSCO # 313111 Supports and maintains computer systems and peripherals by installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing hardware. Skill Level: 2
Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology
Certificate IV in Computer Systems Technology
Diploma of Telecommunications EngineeringorDiploma of Information Technology NetworkingorDiploma of Computer Systems Engineering
Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
Higher Education pathways include Degree – Associate Degree of Network Engineering or Diploma of Engineering
Heavy Diesel Mechanic
ANZSCO # 321212 Maintains, tests and repairs diesel motors and the mechanical parts of trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes. Registration or licensing may be required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical OverhaulingorCertificate IV Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis
Motor Mechanic
ANZSCO # 321211 Maintains, tests and repairs petrol engines and the mechanical parts of lightweight motor vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes. Registration or licensing may be required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate IV Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis
Diploma of Automotive Technology
Higher Education Pathway Diploma of Engineering
Fitter general
ANZSCO # 323211 Fits and assembles metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Certificate IV in Engineering
Diploma of Engineering - Advanced TradeorDiploma of Engineering - Technical - Maintenance Technician
Industrial/Marine Electrician
ANZSCO # 341111 Installs, tests, connects, commissions, maintains and modifies electrical equipment, wiring and control systems. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrican
Certificate IV Electrical - InstrumentationorCertificate IV in Electrotechnology Systems ElectricianorCertificate IV Engineering (Electrician -Electrical Maintenance)
Diploma in Electrical Equipment and Systems EngineeringorDiploma of Electrical Engineering
Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering
Higher Education pathways include Degree - Associate Degree of Engineering (electrical and electronics specialisations)
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
ANZSCO # 3421111 Installs and repairs water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration
Certificate IV in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Servicing
Diploma of Electrical and Refrigeration and Air-conditioningorDiploma of Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
Hydraulic Fitter
ANZSCO # 323211 Fits and assembles metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical TradeorCertificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical TechnologyorCertificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Certificate IV in Engineering (Maintenance)
Plumber
ANZSCO # 334111 Installs and repairs water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems. Registration or licensing is required. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Plumbing
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
Diploma of Plumbing and Services
Welder First Class
ANZSCO # 322313 Fabricates and repairs metal products using various welding techniques. Skill Level: 3
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Certificate IV in Engineering
WTIA Coded Welding Course (Industry Qualification) – AS1796
Where required specialised Welder Certification i.e. DNV certification
Management and Professional
Management and professional occupations in demand in the NT are listed below. Defence Maritime Maintenance career pathways have been identified. These occupations may require trade qualifications, additional licences, accreditations, certifications and specialised training to work on Defence contracts. In some, a university degree has been identified.
NT Apprenticeship / Traineeship
Training Delivered in the NT
NO NT Appreticeship / Traineeship
NO Training Delivered in the NT
Project Manager
ANZSCO # 133211 Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the engineering and technical operations of an organisation. Skill Level: 1
Certificate IV In Project Management Practice
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
Diploma In Project Management
Multiple Higher Education pathways for project management are available, Graduate Certificate through to Master’s Degree
Scheduler
ANZSCO # 312911 Develops maintenance planning strategies, and schedules, coordinates and monitors the maintenance of all plant equipment. Skill Level: 2
Certificate IV In Project Management Practice
Diploma of Engineering – Technical - Maintenance Technician
Estimator
ANZSCO # 312114 Prepares and delivers estimates and cost plans for construction projects up to the tender settlement stage. Skill Level: 2
Certificate IV In Project Management
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Estimating) (Process Based Learning)
Corporate Services - Contracts Manager
ANZSCO # 132111 Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the overall administration of an organisation. Skill Level: 1
Diploma of Business AdministrationorDiploma of Business
Associate Degree of Legal Studies
Bachelor of Accounting; Bachelor of Business; Bachelor of Commerce (Business Law)
Occupation Health and Safety Coordinator
ANZSCO # 251312 Develops, implements and evaluates risk management policies and programs, trains employees in occupational health and safety procedures, monitors and audits the workplace, and records and investigates incidents to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. Skill Level: 1
Certificate III in Work Health and Safety
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
Diploma of Work Health and Safety
Quality Assurance Manager
ANZSCO # 139914 Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the deployment of quality systems and certification processes within an organisation. Skill Level: 1
Diploma of Quality Auditing
Resources and Useful Links
Resources
Australian Industry Standards IRC, Maritime Skills Forecast, 2017.
Australian Defence Industry, The Workforce Behind the Defence Force, Australian Government, 2018.
Department of Defence, 2016 Defence White Paper, Commonwealth of Australia, 2016.
NT Department of Treasury and Finance, Northern Territory Budget 2017-2018, NT Government
Useful Links
Australian Government Department of Education and Training
