Qualifications

Mark’s Formal Qualifications

  • DIPBUS

    Certificate in Business & Computing

    CBC
    Bay of Plenty Polytechnic - 1998
    • Accounting principals
    • Accounting software
    • Computer hardware systems
    • Software design & installation
    • HTML programming
    • Computer Networks & communications
    • Network design & installation
    • Database design & management
    • Procedures & technical writing
    • Research & findings
    • Public speaking & technical presentations

  • Coxswain 1 NC

    Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal

    MAR20324
    Certificate II in Marine Operations
    Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre - 2026
    • Vessel handling up to 12m
    • Seamanship skills aboard vessel up to 12m
    • Vessel regulations up to 12m
    • Coastal navigation & passage plans
    • Main propulsion & secondary unit operations
    • Operate inboard & outboard motors
    • Servicing main propulsion & auxiliary systems
    • COLREGS
    • Vessel WHS

  • SSSS

    Shipboard Safety Skill Set

    MARSS00008
    Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre - 2026
    • MARF028 Fire prevention & fire fighting on vessels
    • MARF029 Work Health & Safety, regulations, hazard identification and mitigation
    • MARF030 Survive at sea using survival craft - Launching life rafts, operation and survival skills
    • MARF060 Survival skills in event of vessel abandonment

  • NZCE

    Certificate in Engineering (Electronics)

    NZDE
    Bay of Plenty Polytechnic - 1995
    • Engineering fundamentals
    • Technical literacy
    • Electrical & electronic principals
    • Digital electronics & microcontroller systems
    • PLC - Programmable Logic Controllers
    • Engineering management & projects
    • Power electronics & drives
    • PCB design & manufacturing
    • Instrumentation, testing & trouble shooting
    • Mechanical engineering - machining & welding

  • LROCP

    Long Range Marine Radio

    LROCP
    Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency
    Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre - 2026
    • VHF, MF/HF radio fundamentals
    • Radio operation
    • DSC - fundamentals & operation
    • Emergency Equipment - EPIRB, SART
    • Regulations & licensing
    • Maintenance & trouble shooting
    • Emergency procedures

  • Licenses

    Drivers Licenses

    • Queensland Manual Drivers License
    • RMDL - Queensland Marine Drivers License
    • New Zealand Manual Drivers License
    • MotorSport New Zealand (MSNZ) ClubSport license (expired)

  • First Aid

    First Aid

    First Aid Academy - Dec 2025
    • HTLAID009 CPR - Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
    • HKTAID011 Provide first aid

  • Certificates & competencies

    Other Certificates

    • AMSA 1850 - Certificate of medical fitness for near coastal seafarers - Dec ‘25 - Dec ‘30
    • Blue Card - Working with Children - Feb ‘26 - Feb ‘29

Marks favorite reads

  • Why We Buy

    Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping

    By Paco Underhill

    This book changed my life. Paco Underhill is a behavioral scientist who has spent his life dedicated to using science and human behavior to help businesses. It’s particularly poignant if own a retail or bricks and mortar business, but is a great read for all business owners.

  • The E Myth Revisited

    The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

    by Michael E. Gerber

    The E-Myth is arguably the most fundamental book for any small business owner. Gerber's core idea is that most businesses are started by "Technicians" (e.g., a great mechanic starts a garage) who get trapped working in their business, not on it. He teaches you how to create systems and processes so the business can run without you.

  • The Lean Startup

    The Lean Startup

    By Eric Ries

    This book revolutionized how to build a business. Instead of a massive, perfect launch, it teaches a "build-measure-learn" feedback loop. You start with a "minimum viable product" (MVP), test it with real customers, get feedback, and adapt (or "pivot") quickly. It saves you from wasting time and money on an idea no one wants.