Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

TAFE NSW makes Maritime Magic

by Alice Dalley 23 Jul 2020 00:28 PDT
Sydney Maritime Simulator © Alice Dalley

TAFE NSW graduate Arakel Hamamdjian pursued the job of his dreams and became the skipper of his own vessel. Now he's worked his way up from showboat waiter to proud owner of his own business - Magic Cruises - and wants others to consider a swashbuckling career on the high seas.

The maritime sector has an estimated annual revenue of $5.76 billion and added approximately $2.58 billion to the Australian economy in 2017. Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV) in New South Wales have continued to operate during COVID-19 with social distancing measures in place, allowing local holiday makers to enjoy recreation activities without having to travel interstate or overseas.

Arakel fell into the maritime industry largely by accident, taking a job as a waiter on showboats at the age of 21. He worked his way up until he became one of the cruise directors on the vessels and continued to work in the hospitality side of the business. He enjoyed his work but had always harboured a dream to own his own vessel and run a business.

Arakel said, "I decided to purchase the charter vessel 'Magic' in 2015. It was something I had wanted to do for many years and when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it.

"Becoming a captain wasn't something I had envisioned when I was leaving school however now that I am a Certified Master Class 4 with the opportunity to continue my studies and upgrade my qualifications into the future, I feel blessed and confident in what the future holds for me."

TAFE NSW maritime operations and marine engineering experts deliver a wide range of marine qualifications in state-of-the-art facilities across the state and online with TAFE Digital. Students can advance their practical skills using the latest, high-quality simulated training equipment and on the water.

Arakel has now completed his Certificates II, III and IV in Maritime Operations at TAFE NSW and launched his own charter business - Magic Cruises - offering Sydney Harbour cruises to groups for special events and celebrations.

Arakel said the high quality of training and incredible facilities available at TAFE NSW kept him coming back to continue to grow his qualifications.

"The TAFE NSW marine equipment is the same as you would expect on any large ship. I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn about and use the incredible electronic equipment and marine simulator."

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Maritime Operations, Mario Murzello, said the maritime industry was the perfect choice of career as the COVID-19 pandemic eased.

"Charter vessels have continued to operate during the COVID-19 crisis and a maritime career has good long-term job prospects," Mario said.

"As the pandemic eases, there will be more opportunities for maritime businesses so now is the perfect time to commence training at TAFE NSW to get into the industry."

Enrolments are now open for Semester 2, 2020. To learn more about the range of Maritime courses at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Related Articles

Highfield Boats launches new Escape Series RIBs
An all-new line of fiberglass-hull center console RIBS made in the USA Highfield Boats, America's leading RIB brand, is proud to announce the launch the Escape Series, an all-new line of fiberglass-hull center console RIBS made in the USA. Posted on 13 Sep
Racing & Events Manager role in Dubai
Dubai Offshore Sailing Club is looking for a Racing & Events Manager Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), one of the Middle East's most established and internationally recognised Sailing Clubs, is inviting applications for the role of Racing & Events Manager. Posted on 13 Sep
Bulwarks and Bulldust – Show 7 Season 2
Episode Seven - XCAT World Champion, Tom Barry-Cotter from Five Blade Episode Seven - XCAT World Champion, Tom Barry-Cotter from FiveBlade talks boat shows, greenwashing. Lots to learn, so strap in for a great time. Posted on 13 Sep
2025 Newport for New Products Award winners
Innovation in marine products honored by Industry Experts and Show Attendees The Newport International Boat Show announced today the results of this year's Newport for New Products™ (NFNP) Awards. Posted on 12 Sep
ACR launches RCL-100 and RCL-50 LED searchlights
These popular searchlights offer improved usability and greater versatility ACR Electronics is introducing enhanced versions of its RCL-100 and RCL-50 LED Searchlights to bring a new level of control, convenience and style to boaters. Posted on 11 Sep
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group merger
The combined company will have a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group announced they are joining forces to create the largest yacht firm in the world. Posted on 11 Sep
Record shipment to the United States
Of Queensland built Riviera motor yachts Australia's luxury boat builder Riviera, based on the Gold Coast in Queensland is preparing for its largest ever shipment of motor yachts to the United States - 15 in total that range in value from $1.6m to $6.8 million. Posted on 11 Sep
June data shows continued softness in boat sales
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through June 2025, shows continued pressure on retail sales as economic uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs weigh on consumer demand. Posted on 10 Sep
NMMA Industry reports now available for download
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America The latest report on cruiser, water sport, fishing boat and trailer sales trends, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available for member download. Posted on 10 Sep
Big Weather Gear appointed by Henri-Lloyd in USA
A high-profile return to the US market with its new retail partner Henri-Lloyd will be making a high-profile return to the US market with the appointment of Big Weather Gear as its new retail partner. Posted on 10 Sep
Maritimo M600Selden 2020 - FOOTERCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTER