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

Our Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
course equips you with the necessary skills to command, safely and efficiently, a commercial vessel of less than 12m and 500kW engaged in inshore operations. On completion of this course, you may obtain a Certificate of Competency as a Coxswain subject to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements.
Our typical Coxswain Grade 1 course delivery consists of the following:
Elements of Shipboard Safety: 3 days
- Safety and Survival at Sea, WHS and Fire Fighting
Coxswain Grade 1 - Block A: 5 days Monday to Friday
- Classroom theory consisting of maritime regulations, navigation, weather and tides
Coxswain Grade 1 - Block B: 5 days Monday to Friday
- Practical week consisting of vessel operation, navigation plan execution, pollution prevention and seamanship
Coxswain Grade 1 - Block C: 3 days Monday to Wednesday
- Marine small vessel engineering

The Coxswain Grade 1 (Near Coastal) is a commercial maritime qualification administered by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This certificate allows you to command and operate a vessel less than 12 metres in inshore waters, typically within 15 nautical miles of the mainland coast.
The Coxswain Grade 1 NC will allow you to command, and operate the engines of a commercial vessel less than 12 metres long with unlimited outboard engine propulsion, or inboard engines less than 500 kilowatts In inshore waters (typically within 15 nautical miles of the mainland coast) or designated waters (under state or territory waterway management legislation). A Coxswain Grade 1 NC can also operate a tender or auxiliary vessel within 3 nautical miles of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone or 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.
The MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) is a key prerequisite for applying to AMSA for the Coxswain Grade 1 NC Certificate of Competency (CoC).
This course is taught on-campus over four weeks, with classes five days a week. This immersive format ensures you become qualified quickly, allowing you to return to the water and apply your new skills promptly.
The face-to-face nature of this course means you’ll work closely with our expert teachers, who will guide your learning every step of the way, boosting your confidence in applying what you’ve learned.
Upon completing this course, you’ll be qualified to work onboard a commercial vessel as a Coxswain Grade 1, gaining hands-on experience while you consider your next career move.
Go on to study a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal), or a Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal). Both courses will give you specialised skills and help further your employment opportunities in the industry you love.
What are you waiting for?

Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as maritime operations:
- Coxswain
- Deckhand.

MAR30921 - Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)
MAR20421 - Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal)

Skills and knowledge in:
- Operation and maintenance o small marine engines and auxiliary systems such as steering and electrical systems,
- Survival at Sea skills
- Fire minimisation and extinguishment techniques
- Workplace Health and Safety procedures
- Coastal navigation, including the use of electronic navigation equipment such as chart plotters and radar
- Complying with Acts and Regulations
- Following environmental policies and regulations
- Manoeuvring a small vessel within inshore waters in a variety of contexts and situations, including emergency situations such as a Man Overboard
- Seamanship skills and techniques onboard vessels up to 12 metres in length.

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Recommended entry Requirements:

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. Persons must be at least 15 years of age to enter the course.
• Meet medical, eyesight, sea service, and course requirements. Check www.amsa.gov.au for more information.
• You need to show you have experience working at sea on a deck or a deck and engineering capacity on vessels at least five metres long. You must have completed either:
o 30 days on commercial vessels with a completed AMSA task book
o 150 days on commercial or recreational vessels without an AMSA task book.
• You must hold an appropriate Marine Radio qualification – SROCP as a minimum
• You will also need to hold an appropriate First Aid qualification, currently HLTAID011 Provide first aid.

Limitations to course Entry:

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. Students must be at least 15 years of age to apply for this course.
- Meet medical, eyesight, sea service and course requirements.
Students must be able to carry out the following activities:
- Swim with and without a lifejacket
- Carry items up to 12 kg in weight (such as fire extinguishers)
- Be able to embark, disembark and move about a vessel freely
- Be able to hear a watch ticking and meet AMSA eyesight requirements
- Be able to read, speak and understand English at a basic level (ASCF Level 2)

Not applicable.

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: true

This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Coxswain Grade 1 NC as defined in Marine Order 505.
AMSA certification will require:
• Be at least 16 years of age on the certificate issue date.
• Meet medical, eyesight, sea service and course requirements. Check www.amsa.gov.au for more information.
• 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:
o 30 days on commercial vessels with a completed AMSA task book
o 150 days on commercial or recreational vessels without an AMSA task book.
• Completion of the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)
• You must hold an appropriate Marine Radio qualification – SROCP as a minimum
• You will also need to hold an appropriate First Aid qualification, currently HLTAID011 Provide first aid.