Which Coxswain licence do you need?
Introduction
You are required to obtain a Coxswain licence to operate a commercial vessels in Australia. Introductory licences for commercial work on vessels are issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and include:
- Coxswain Grade 3 (MARSS00048 Skill set)
- Coxswain Grade 2 (Cert. I in Maritime Studies)
- Coxswain Grade 1 (Cert. II in Maritime Studies)
The determining factors to obtain a commercial qualification is centred around the nature of the work you will be conducting and your overall sea time. Your competence to operate a vessel is paramount to determine the licence qualification. Think of it like this, the Coxswain grade 3 is an entry level qualification and the further up you go, the more experience you are expected to have.
As a Coxswain licence applicant, you are subject to passing a medical fitness test mandated by AMSA. If you are a beginner to boating, then we recommend you apply for the Coxswain Grade 3 licence to ensure you are a competent seafarer and have accrued relevant sea service.
If you are an experienced seafarer, then you may go directly into the coxswain grade 2 or 1 depending on your sea service and competence on the vessel.
Read more about each Coxswain grade below.
Coxswain Grade 3 NC
There are two ways to get a coxswain grade 3.
- Option 1: Get a NSW GBL then complete 1 day sea service and Coxswain grade 3 practical assessment.
- Option 2: Complete the skillset MARSS00048 + 1 day sea service and Coxswain grade 3 practical assessment.
TEIA is an RTO with nationally recognised training that offers the coxswain grade 3 skillset online. You can also book the 1 day sea time and practical assessment with us at EZ Boating.
The most notable limitations on a coxswain grade 3 include:
- No more than 6 persons on board
- Daylight operation only
- Vessel less than 12 metres.
- Operate within 1nm of shore
- Limit on inboard and outboard engine power
There are a list of other limitations for a coxswain grade 3 than can be found on the AMSA website here.
Coxswain Grade 2 NC
To obtain a coxswain grade 2 you will need to complete the following:
- Certificate I in maritime operations (coxswain grade 2)
- Sea service
- 50 days of qualifying sea service
- or 10 days of qualifying sea service with AMSA taskbook
- Complete the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)
TEIA is a nationally registered training organisation that offers the Cert. I in Maritime Operations, the AMPA and First Aid training. To learn more or book online click here.
The most notable limitations on a Coxswain Grade 2 include:
- Vessel less than 12m
- Operate within 5nm of shore
- Limit on inboard engine power
To view more information about the limitations and requirements of a Coxswain Grade 2 on the AMSA website click here.
Coxswain Grade 1 NC
To acquire a Coxswain grade 1 you will need to complete the following:
- Certificate II in maritime operations (coxswain grade 1)
- Sea service
- 150 days of qualifying sea service
- or 30 days of qualifying sea service with AMSA taskbook
- Complete the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)
TEIA is a nationally registered training organisation that offers the Cert. II in Maritime Operations, the AMPA and First Aid training. To learn more or book online click here.
The most notable limitations on a coxswain grade 1 include:
- Vessel less than 12m
- Limitation on inboard engine power
You can also act as a chief mate or deck watch on a vessel less than 24m in inshore waters with your coxswain grade 1 licence.
To view more information about the limitations and requirements of a Coxswain Grade 1 on the AMSA website click here.
Qualifying Sea service
AMSA specifies that sea service for Coxswain 3 licence can be completed on a commercial vessel. As for Coxswain 2 licence it must be on a commercial vessel or recreational vessel. As for Coxswain 1 it can be in a deck or engineering capacity on a vessel greater than 5m.
One day of sea service is 8 hours. Working less than 8 hours on seperate days can be combined to be counted as 1 day.
Working more than 8 hours in any 24 hour period can only be counted as 1 day sea service.
AMSA Medical Assessment
You need to pass a medical assessment to ensure you have basic manoeuvrability, vision and hearing to operate a vessel safely. AMSA has various medical assessments that you can complete. The basic medical assessment for domestic commercial seafarers is conducted by your GP and Optometrist. Use form 1850 to conduct your medical assessment for the coxswain licence.
There are higher qualifications than the coxswain courses that can be obtained such as the master 24 or master 45 that allows seafarers to operate a vessel greater than 12 metres. A coxswain licence is a great place to start your career on the water.
At EZ Boating, we offer all Coxswain qualifications with our partners at TEIA. We stress on safety and how to navigate our waterways. Learn more by visiting our courses page here.
