Contact us for bookings & inquiries - 7 days a week - 0800am to 8.00pm - P: 0412 201 767

To see current Coxswain course vacancies and course dates please Click Here

The Coxswain course is one of our most popular courses

This course is one of our most popular courses and places usually fill up about 4 weeks in advance of the course dates. Obviously the question is 'Why is this course so popular?' Some of the reasons we have identified are:

  • 100% recreational boating experience can be used to obtain a Coxswain marine qualification
  • The course cost is low and split into installment payments
  • Currently 90% of the course can be completed online in about 35 hours
  • The final part of the course only requires attendance for 2 days
  • Courses are run over a Fri & Sat reducing time away from work or family
  • All course material and resources provided by All Hands on Deck Maritime Training have unlimited access

Please continue reading for more information

Training and knowledge required to become a Coxswain

In accordance with the National Law 2012 regulations, and the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D (Crew Competencies), there are 2 grades of Coxswain Certificates of Competency. These grades are known as Coxswain (Grade 2 NC) and Coxswain (Grade 1 NC)
(NC = Near Coastal)
(EEZ = Exclusive Economic Zone - 200 nm seaward from the coast)

Marine Safety (Low Complexity Duties) Exemption 2017

AMSA ammended the requirements regarding holding a Coxswain qualification by introducing Marine Safety (Low Complexity Duties) Exemption 2017 and is commonly known as Exemption 38. This exemption does not require any sea time to be obtained and does not require a final assessment by AMSA. To see details of where the certificate applies and the conditions of use please Click Here

Coxswain (Grade 2 NC) Certificate - (Lower grade certificate)

The Coxswain (Grade 2 NC) Certificate and will allow you to:

  • Command a commercial vessel up to 12 metres in length, which does NOT carry passengers and
  • operate an inboard diesel engine capacity of <100 kW or unlimited outboard engine capacity in smooth or sheltered waters,
  • or within 3nm of a parent vessel in the EEZ
  • or within 3nm from the shore base or aquaculture lease.
    (Examples of vessels may include Survey or Research vessels, vessels conducting mooring servicing, Pilot vessel, Lines Boats, vessels operated by Maritime authorities such as Boating Service Officer (BSO) vessels, Police vessels, Customs and Fisheries patrol vessels, commercial divers, Surf Club and/or Sailing club vessels etc.

Coxswain (Grade 1 NC) Certificate - (Highest grade certificate)

The Coxswain (Grade 1 NC) certificate will allow you to:

  • Command a commercial vessel (Fishing Charter vessel - Water Taxi - Passenger Ferry/Cruise Boat etc) up to 12 metres in length,
  • operating 15 nautical miles to sea,
  • operating a diesel engine capacity of <500 kW (670hp) and
  • carrying passengers.

General Purpose Hand (GPH)(Deckhand) Certificate

If you wish to work as a GPH, or General Purpose Hand, as the position is officially known, and be part of the competent crew on board a commercial vessel under 80 metres in length you need to enroll in the GPH Course so please click Here

Coxswain Requirements

Regardless of which certificate you intend applying for there are basically 4 requirements to obtaining a Coxswain Certificate:

  • Complete a compulsory Coxswain training course
  • Provide evidence of sea service (except EX38)(this can include 100% recreational boating experience)
  • Pass a final practical assessment known as an AMPA (AMSA mandated Practical Assessment)
  • Complete an AMSA task book (optional)(To be used if you wish to claim a reduction of sea service hours - See right hand side link) and

Summary of Coxswain Qualifications

Coxswain NC3

Coxswain NC2

Coxswain NC1


To operate a commercial vessel in daytime only up to 12m in length with inboard engines below 100kw and outboard engines below 250kw with passengers in
  • Inland waters
  • Within sight of a marina or mooring areas
  • Any waters and within 1 nm of a parent vessel and in sight and with communications established

To operate a commercial vessel in daytime only under 12m with inboard engines below 100kw and outboard engines below 250kw
  • Cary max 6 passengers, including crew
    • As above and:
    • Smooth waters (including Inland waters)
    • Sheltered waters within 2 nm from the coast
    • Any waters within 1 nm from the coast
    • Any waters within 250 metres of a structure fixed to the shore
    • Any waters of an aquaculture lease approved by a State or Territory authority, and any approved waters used for the daily transit to and from the aquaculture lease

    To operate a commercial vessel in daytime only under 12m with inboard engines and outboard engines below 500kw towing persons in
    • any waters that are waterski areas approved by a State or Territory authority, with or without passengers;

    Sea time required: NO
    AMPA required: NO

    Please click here to enroll

    Click Here to Request More Coxswain Information

    		•
    To operate a commercial vessel under 12m and operate inboard engines below 100kw and unlimited kw outboard engines with passengers in
    • Sheltered waters
    • As a tender or auxiliary vessel within 1 nm of a parent vessel in the EEZ
    • Within 5 nm from point of departure, shore base or aquaculture lease

    An Exemption to command a commercial vessel under 12m and operate inboard engines below 100kw and unlimited kw outboard engines with passengers may be given if the following additional Units of Competency are completed:
    • MARB002 - Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
    • MARC006 - Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
    and
    • A 1st Aid Certificate is held
    • A Marine Radio Licence is held

    Sea time required: YES 50 days
    Sea time reduction: YES 10 days with a completed Task Book
    AMPA required: YES

    Please click here to enroll

    Click Here to Request More Coxswain Information
    To operate a commercial vessel under 12m with inboard engines below <500kw and unlimited outboard engines kw with passengers in
    • Near Coastal Waters (15 nm to sea)
    • As a tender or auxiliary vessel within 3 nm of a parent vessel in the (EEZ)

    Sea time required: YES 150 days
    Sea time reduction: YES 30 days with a completed Task Book
    AMPA required: YES

    Please click here to enroll

    Click Here to Request More Coxswain Information

    Recreational Boating Experience

    One of the most important conditions under the current regulations is that evidence of boating experience CAN include ONLY recreational boating experience. The amount of sea service varies depending on whether a task book is completed or not.

    For example for a Coxswain (Grade 2 NC) instead of sixty (50) days of sea service this can be reduced to seven (7) days of sea service (recreational and/or commercial) with a completed task book.

    For a Coxswain (Grade I NC) Certificate instead of two hundred and forty (150) days of sea service this can be reduced to thirty (30) days sea service on commercial vessels with a completed task book. Sea Service can be recorded on AMSA Form 771 Record of Sea Service.

    If you wish to obtain an AMSA Coxswain Task Book please click here

    If you are interested in obtaining a Coxswain Qualification then we believe there has never been a better opportunity and these are certainly exciting times for the maritime industry as a whole. Please call our Senior Trainer on P:0412 201 767 if you have any questions about sea service requirements.

    Coxswain Knowledge Required

    To understand the depth of knowledge required of a Coxswain (Grade 2 NC) and Coxswain (Grade 1 NC) please download this document.

    When training has been successfully completed candidates are issued with a Nationally Recognised 'Coxswain Grade I or Grade II' NC certificate.

    The areas of knowledge required of a Coxswain include:

    • Vessel Survey Categories and areas of operation
    • Safety Management Systems
    • Manoeuvering a vessel
    • Anchoring
    • Fight & Extinguish Fires
    • Survival at Sea
    • Splicing, Knots, Hitches and Seamanship Skills
    • Marine Radio operation
    • Basic Meteorology and Tidal knowledge
    • Basic Vessel Stability
    • Coastal Navigation
    • International Collision Regulations including IALA Buoyage systems
    • Operating Deck Equipment (Lifting Gear and Anchor winches)
    • Environmental Regulations
    • Knowledge of Marine Engines
    • Fuel, Cooling, Fire, Bilge and Deck Wash Pumping Systems
    • Knowledge of Engine Start Up & Shut Down procedures
    • Knowledge of Low Voltage Electrical systems

    Coxswain Course enrolment and Course Structure

    Our courses are designed for candidates who wish to complete the course in a reasonable time frame suited to individual work and personal situations rather than taking months of part time college attendance. We use the internet for 90% of training and in addition we have our own training vessel, in commercial 2C survey for up to 30 nautical miles to sea, and therefore we conduct the Coxswain Course in 2 parts:

    1. The Initial enrolment - this involves receiving all training material and resources by email so that study can be commenced immediately and completing a number of online activities and assignments. We estimate about 35 hours of self study. The hours of study can vary and is dependent on your current individual level of knowledge of the maritime environment. No face to face attendance is required at this time however our trainers are available 7 days a week for assistance and questions.

      In addition, if you have limited or no experience with Coastal Navigation (this component is required for an NC1 Certificate) then we have available our Coastal Navigation Training Program with Chart, Dividers, Parallel Rulers etc for those that wish to master this knowledge.

      To commence the initial Coxswain enrolment please click here

    2. The Final Practical Session (Practical Sessions are held every month all year round)

      The Coxswain course is completed by attending for 2 days of practial training at our training vessel. These training days are Friday and Saturday to minimise the time required to be away from work or family.

      If you have already completed the Fire, Survival, W H & S, and Seamanship (Anchoring, Splicing, Knots, Hitches etc) components from the General Purpose Hand (GPH) course then the practical course may be reduced by 1 day.

      A Coxswain must be in possession of a Marine Radio licence if operating marine radios. Marine Radio Licence enrolment.

    3. We have many candidates who attend the course from interstate locations such Darwin, Thursday Island, Cairns, Gladstone, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Geelong, Melbourne, as well as many locations up and down the NSW Coast.

    Prior Skills & Experience

    Prior to submitting your application to AMSA candidates need to provide evidence of boating experience. This CAN include up to 100% of recreational and yachting boat experience and will be assessed on an individual basis by AMSA depending on where the experience was obtained and on what size of vessel. Sea Service can be submitted on a Statutory Declaration form and is also recorded on AMSA Form 771 Record of Sea Service.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

    If you have prior commercial boating experience or certificates/qualifications you may be eligible for a reduction in costs and/or training. To download an application form please Click Here or

    Complete our Skills Recognition Form. To download the form please Click Here

    1st Aid Certificate

    Candidates must be in possession of a current 1st Aid Certificate. It is not necessary to have a 1st Aid Certificate prior to commencing the course however a copy must be provided as soon as possible after the completion of the course before the Coxswain Course Certificate can be issued.

    More Coxswain Course Information

    If you would like more information regarding the Coxswain course please click on the link below

    Click Here to Request More Coxswain Information

    AMSA Trial Final Assessment

    Are you ready for the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment?

    Quite often there is a time delay between completing a Coxswain or Master V course and then arranging a time for the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment. It is during this time that many candidates become unsure on the amount of knowledge they have been able to retain since completing the training course.

    If this sounds like you then we can help with providing you the opportunity to sit a 'Trial' AMSA Final Assessment to check if you are ready for the 'real' AMSA Final Assessment. We will provide you with a written report on how you went in the 'Trial' Assessment and advise on areas that may need improvement and revision.

    Click Here for more AMSA 'Trial' Final Assessment Information

    Coxswain Online Exam Questions Information

    All Hands on Deck Maritime Training have been conducting Coxswain courses since 2004. In that time we have achieved a very successful record of candidates obtaining their Coxswain Certificate on the 1st attempt. One of the reasons for this is that we provide unlimited access to our bank of over 650 examination questions so that candidates can stay fresh with their knowledge and be well prepared for the final AMSA assessment.

    We do realise, however, that not everyone can get to our courses so we have made the examination questions available online to everyone.

    The questions are in 2 seperate catergories:
    Category 1 includes the following:

    • Seamanship and rope handling
    • Splicing, knots and hitches
    • Vessel handling
    • Fire Fighting
    • Survival at Sea
    • Emergency Procedures
    • Meteorology
    • Tides & Currents
    • Collision and Domestic Regulations and more!

    Category 2 includes the following:

    • How Marine Diesel Engines work
    • Operating Diesel Engines
    • Operating Outboard Engines
    • Gearboxes and shaftings
    • Refuelling and Fuel Storage
    • Hydraulic systems & Steerage gear
    • Bilge pumping and Deck wash systems
    • DC Batteries & AC Generators
    • Slipway work and maintenance
    • Deck Machinery and more!

    Both categories can be purchased together for only $99.00. It is important to remember that Coxswain positions are a dual role position (Skipper and Engineer) therefore you should possess engineering knowledge as well as seamanship knowledge.

    In addition to accessing over 650 examination questions you will also receive the following:

    • Unlimited access to the examination questions
    • All Training manuals in a download format
    • Unlimited access to our Senior Trainer via email or phone with any questions you may have.

    Click here to obtain unlimited access to over 650 exam questions for only $99.00

    Testimonials. (Copies available in our office)

    Stewert - Hobart: "Just wanted to let you know I got my Coxswain's ticket renewed. I'm 52 and MAST wanted me to do some more study and I'm not a good learner in a classroom. This really helped a lot"

    Michael - Port Hedland: "Just wanted to say thanks for all your help Peter. I'm on a boat in Port Hedland and really needed to get my Master V Certificate. The questions really helped me stay up to date while I was waiting to do the exam. I will definately recommend you to the other guys on the boat who are studying as well."

    Andrew - Gladstone: "Thanks again Peter. It's hard getting to TAFE every week when I am working. These questions really helped me a lot and is really good value"

    Obtaining a Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency

    The Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency is required to operate VHF & MF/HF radios and is issued by the Office of Maritime Communications (The regulatory authority):

    The level of knowledge required to pass the exam (70% pass mark required) includes the following subjects:

    • Knowledge of MF/HF and VHF marine radios
    • Identify the difference between Ship Stations, Coast Radio Stations and Limited Coast Stations
    • Understand and use the 'Phonetic Alphabet'
    • Use correct operating procedures and channels when operating a marine radio
    • Understand Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications
    • Understand Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Communications
    • Understand the use of 406 MHz EPIRBS
    • Understand the use of SART's
    • Understand Search and Rescue in Australia
    • Identify the different types of radio equipment, their application and limitations
    • Identify the components of a marine radio and the care and maintenance required with radio equipment and power sources

    Click Here to Request More Marine Radio Information