Coxwain Grade 1 (Near Coastal) - MAR20324

Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal

Boat Coach offeres this qualification in partnership with Adapt Education (RTO# 32452)

https://adapteducation.com.au/course/certificate-ii-in-maritime-operations/

This qualification develops the skills and knowledge required to operate and manage small commercial vessels in near coastal waters. You’ll learn practical vessel handling, navigation, safety procedures, emergency response, weather assessment, basic engineering, and leadership skills needed to operate confidently and responsibly in a commercial maritime environment.

With this qualification, you can:

  • Operate as skipper on eligible small commercial vessels
  • Work in charter, tourism, fishing, workboat, tender, and support vessel operations
  • Manage passengers, crew, safety equipment, and emergency situations
  • Build recognised maritime credentials for employment or insurance purposes
  • Progress toward higher-level maritime qualifications

Course covers:

  • Vessel handling and seamanship
  • Navigation, chart work, tides, and passage planning
  • Weather interpretation and risk assessment
  • Safety, survival, and emergency procedures
  • Marine radio communication
  • Basic engineering and propulsion systems
  • Passenger and crew management
  • Regulatory responsibilities and operational compliance

Ideal for commercial boat operators, charter skippers, marine tourism staff, fishing operators, workboat crew, and anyone looking to gain professional maritime credentials for small vessel operations in Australian near coastal waters.

Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must be

Applicants must be:

  • At least 16 years old on the certificate issue date
  • Able to speak, read, and understand English
  • Medically fit for the duties required at sea
  • Able to meet AMSA’s medical and eyesight requirements
  • Able to provide evidence of qualifying sea service
  • Competent in the required Coxswain Grade 1 training and final practical assessment (AMPA)

Training requirements

Applicants must complete MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) through a Registered Training Organisation. This qualification is required to obtain the AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

Sea service requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of sea service in a deck, or deck and engineering capacity. AMSA currently requires either:

  • 30 days qualifying sea service on commercial vessels at least 5 metres long with an AMSA task book, or
  • 150 days qualifying sea service on commercial or recreational vessels at least 5 metres long without an AMSA task book.

Additional certificates required

  1. A current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate, or equivalent
  2. A marine radio Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP), or higher
  3. Evidence of passing the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)

Units of Competency

The Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal qualification is made up of 13 units of competency:

MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

  • MARF060 Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
  • MARF028 Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
  • MARF029 Meet work health and safety requirements
  • MARF030 Survive at sea using survival craft
  • MARC037 Operate inboard and outboard motors
  • MARI003 Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres
  • MARJ006 Follow environmental work practices
  • MARK007 Handle a vessel up to 12 metres
  • MARN008 Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres
  • MARB027 Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
  • MARC038 Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
  • MARH013 Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres
  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid — not included in the course price or learning plan. Students must provide evidence of completion. Students may seek alternative providers

All assessments are completed in class using our online assessment software.

*Please note: for the survival units, students are required to complete several practical water-based activities, including:

  • Swimming in a group for a minimum of 50 metres
  • Swimming in a lifejacket for a minimum of 50 metres
  • Towing while wearing a lifejacket for a minimum of 25 metres
  • Remaining afloat without a lifejacket for at least 5 minutes
  • Boarding a life raft unassisted while wearing a lifejacket and assisting others to board
  • Jumping safely from a height into the water while wearing a lifejacket

Please contact us before your course if you feel you may be physically unable to complete these activities. We can discuss your options and provide guidance before your training begins.

Delievery Method

Distance Learning Delivery

Our Distance Learning option gives students the flexibility to complete the theory component of their course at their own pace, from a location that suits them. This delivery mode is ideal for students who have work, family, or other commitments and are unable to attend full-time face-to-face classes.

With Distance Learning, students receive:

  • Up to 12 months to complete the course requirements
  • Access to a structured, easy-to-follow online learning plan
  • Online theory resources and assessment tasks to work through at your own pace
  • Support from our experienced trainers and instructors by email, phone, or video call by appointment
  • Flexibility to study around work, family, and other commitments

Students completing the Distance Learning option will also be required to attend a one-week practical training and assessment block. This block is completed in person and includes the required practical training, skill development, and final practical assessments.

Practical blocks are scheduled at selected times throughout the year , students will be contacted when they are being held. Students should ensure they are available to attend the full practical block once their online theory and required course components are complete.

Practical Training Location

Practical training sessions are conducted at multiple approved training venues. Primary locations include Cleveland and Manly. Participants are advised to arrange suitable transport to and from the training venues.

Application Process - Becoming a Coxswain

1. Enrol in the course

Students enrol through Adapt Education, our Registered Training Organisation partner. Once enrolled, you will receive access to your online learning and course requirements.

2. Complete your theory

Work through the online theory and assessments at your own pace, with support available from our training team when needed.

3. Attend practical training

Once your theory and required course components are completed, you will attend the practical training and assessment block with Boat Coach.

4. Complete your AMPA

Students must complete the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment, known as the AMPA. This practical assessment confirms you can safely carry out the required skills for Coxswain Grade 1 operations. This can be done with alternate providers

5. Complete your supporting requirements

Students will also need to meet AMSA’s sea service, medical (AMSA form 1850), eyesight, first aid and marine radio requirements before applying for their final Certificate of Competency.

For sea service, AMSA currently requires either:

  • 30 days on commercial vessels at least 5 metres long with a completed AMSA task book; or
  • 150 days on commercial or recreational vessels at least 5 metres long without a task book. (AMSA form 771)

6. Apply to AMSA

Once you have completed your course, AMPA and supporting requirements, you can apply to AMSA for your Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

Before applying, you will need to gather the required documents, including:

  • A signed and current Certificate of Medical Fitness — AMSA Form 1850
  • Evidence of your sea service
  • Your Certificate II in Maritime Operations — Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal course completion certificate
  • A current first aid certificate — HLTAID011 Provide First Aid or equivalent
  • A marine radio certificate — SROCP or higher
  • The cover page of your final practical assessment — AMPA
  • A colour passport-sized photograph that meets AMSA’s requirements

Applications are submitted online through myAMSA using your Australian Government myID. You will need to complete the online application form, upload your documents, pay the required fee and submit your application.

If you cannot use myAMSA, you can complete the Certificate of Competency application — AMSA Form 426 and submit it with copies of your required documents at a participating Australia Post outlet. You will also need to provide proof of identity.

Boat Coach will help guide you through the process so you understand what documents are required before applying.

Pricing

Pricing structure breakdown:

Cert II MAR20324* - $3500
AMSA Mandated Practical Asssessment (AMPA) - TBC
Short Range Marine Radio Licence - TBC

*Payment plans available - please check the Adapt education website for more details

How to enrol

Boat Coach is a third party provider on behalf of Adapt Education (RTO#32452)

You will need to enrol through their webite, by clicking the button below

Enrol Here