There has never been a better time if you are looking to the opportunity of working on the water as a marine Coxswain. The first step is complete the required training. There is currently a shortage of Coxswains’ nationwide so don’t leave it too long.
We recommend the following process for completing a Coxswain Course.
1. Complete a 1 day First Aid course
2. Complete the Marine Radio course. Can be completed 100% online.
3. Complete the Coastal Navigation component. See link on this page.
4. Finalise the process by completing the Coxswain Course with a Registered Training Organisation.
The information below is taken from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Website
Coxswain grade 1 near coastal
The Coxswain grade 1 near coastal will allow you to command, and operate the engines of, a vessel less than 12 metres long with unlimited outboard engine propulsion, or inboard engines less than 500 kilowatts:
- In inshore waters (refer to National Standard for Commercial Vessels Part B—General requirements) or designated waters (under state or territory waterway management legislation).
- As a tender or auxiliary vessel within 3 nautical miles of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone.
- Act as a chief mate or deck watchkeeper on a vessel <24m long in inshore waters.
You can also undertake the duties and perform the functions of a General Purpose Hand NC, Coxswain Grade 3 NC and Coxswain Grade 2 NC.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Coxswain grade 1 near coastal certificate you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age on the certificate issue date.
- Be able to speak and understand English, including written documents.
- Be medically fit for the duties, including eyesight
- Gain any needed sea service
- Complete training
For more information, select what you need to apply for below
Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency — national law) 2022
Other than 2 engine operation units of competency the main difference between a Coxswain NC1 and the NC2 and NC3 is the requirement to complete the Coastal Navigation unit of Competency MARH013. The good news is that this is a low cost learning component and can be completed completely online.
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When you have completed the marine radio licence course you will then be able to apply for your Marine Qualification such as Coxswain or Master <24 metres etc. with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Go to the AMSA website using the link above and complete and submit Form 426.
Download the:
1. Certificate of medical fitness for a near coastal certificate
The Certificate of medical fitness for domestic seafarers form 1850 lets us know that you are medically fit for working at sea.
If you are colour blind, you will be restricted to working in daylight hours only.
2. Standards for the medical assessment of domestic seafarers
Provide a medical practitioner with the Standards for the medical assessment of domestic seafarers and have them fill out the Certificate of medical fitness for domestic seafarers form 1850.
If you have a current AMSA medical (Certificate of medical fitness form 303) you can use this instead.
You must submit your completed medical form with your Certificate of competency application form 426.
You need to show you have experience working at sea in a deck, or a deck and engineering capacity, on vessels at least five metres long. You must have completed either:
-
30 days on commercial vessels with a completed AMSA task book
-
150 days on commercial or recreational vessels without an AMSA task book.
If you have completed a task book you must attach a copy of the seafarer details page to your application.
You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:
- Record of sea service form 771
- the on board sea service record from your task book
- a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master or chief engineer detailing your sea service
- an approved sea service log book
Read more about qualifying sea service.
Complete a Coxswain grade 1 course at a registered training organisation.
You will need to submit your course completion certificate or your interim certificate of competency with your Certificate of competency application form 426.
You must also hold a:
- valid HLTAID011 Provide first aid certificate, or equivalent.
- Short range operator certificate of proficiency, or equivalent. This is the SROCP Marine Radio Licence. See Marine Radio course enrollment link below.
If you do not hold these certificates, contact a registered training organisation.
NOTE: Because training organisations usually only run courses a few times a year it is a good idea to complete these components first.
Before being issued your certificate of competency you will need to complete an AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA). This must be conducted by a registered training organisation approved by us as a final assessor.
Refer to the syllabus document (PDF 960.21 KB) to find out what may be included in your final assessment.
After passing the final assessment the registered training organisation may give you an interim certificate of competency that will allow you to start working immediately. To be eligible for the interim certificate of competency you must have completed your Certificate of competency application form 426 including signing the declaration.
To apply, complete and submit the Certificate of competency application form 426.
Read more about completing and submitting your application for a domestic certificate.
