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

Commercial Vessel Operators

Suitable for people wanting to develop the skills and knowledge required to operate and command eligible small commercial vessels.

Existing Maritime Crew

Ideal for deckhands and maritime crew who are ready to progress their skills and work towards greater vessel operating responsibilities.

Career Changers

Suitable for adults moving into the commercial maritime industry and seeking a recognised pathway towards becoming a Coxswain Grade 1 NC.

Commercial Fishing Operations

Relevant for people working in commercial fishing who require vessel handling, navigation, seamanship, engine and operational skills.

Tourism and Charter Vessels

Suitable for people seeking vessel operating and skipper roles within tourism, charter and other commercial marine operations.

Passenger and Ferry Operations

Relevant for maritime workers seeking to progress into vessel operating roles within eligible ferry and passenger vessel operations.

AMSA Maritime Career Pathway

Suitable for people progressing through the Australian commercial maritime industry and looking towards future qualifications such as Master <24 metres Near Coastal.

Course Fee

See Current Course Fee

Course fees are fixed and clearly advertised on our website.

What’s Included

• Online learning resources
• Practical workshop training
• Trainer support
• Assessment activities
• Nationally recognised training

Online Theory

Complete your theory online from anywhere in Australia. Access your learning materials 24/7 and progress through the course at your own pace around work, family and other commitments.

Practical Workshops

Attend hands-on practical training with experienced maritime trainers on real commercial vessels and within real marine workshop environments. You’ll apply your knowledge in vessel handling, navigation, seamanship, engine operation, safety and other commercial maritime tasks. Workshops also allow trainers to identify and address any knowledge gaps before students progress through practical assessment.

Trainer Support

You are never learning alone. Students have access to their trainer throughout every stage of the course, including the online learning component. Support is available by email, phone and online video whenever you need help understanding course content, preparing for practical training or completing assessment activities.

Assessment

Assessment includes both knowledge-based activities and practical demonstrations to ensure students can safely apply the skills required for Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal operations. Practical assessment builds on the knowledge developed online and reinforced during the workshop.

Workshop Locations

Practical workshops are delivered at selected Marine Training Academy locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view upcoming Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal training sessions.

Study at Your Own Pace

There are no fixed weekly classes for the online component, allowing you to balance study with work, family and other commitments before attending your practical workshop. While your online learning is flexible, trainer support remains available throughout your course.

Completion of MAR20324 provides the nationally recognised training qualification used for the Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal certification pathway. Applicants must separately meet the applicable AMSA requirements before a Certificate of Competency can be issued.

The Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal certification pathway is regulated under Marine Order 505 (Certificates of Competency – National Law), which sets out certification and eligibility requirements for seafarers working on Australian domestic commercial vessels.

Qualifying sea service is an AMSA certification requirement and is separate from completing the MAR20324 training qualification. Applicants should ensure their sea service meets the current requirements for a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal certification can support operating and employment opportunities across eligible small commercial vessels, including tourism, charter, passenger, fishing, workboat and marine support operations.

Coxswain Grade 1 can support maritime workers who wish to build further experience, undertake additional training and progress towards higher commercial maritime qualifications such as Master <24 metres Near Coastal. Further training, qualifying sea service and applicable AMSA requirements apply.

Students interested in marine engineering may choose to undertake separate Marine Engine Driver qualifications. These qualifications form a different maritime career stream and have their own training, sea service and AMSA certification requirements.

Is this course nationally recognised?

Yes. MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) is a nationally recognised qualification delivered by Marine Training Academy (RTO 30683).

Is the theory completed online?

Yes. The theory component is completed online, allowing students to study at their own pace before attending the required face-to-face practical workshop.

Do I need previous boating or maritime experience?

There are no formal entry requirements for the MAR20324 qualification. However, students seeking an AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency must also meet AMSA’s applicable sea service, medical, marine radio and certification requirements.

What can I do with a Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate?

An AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency can support work operating eligible small commercial vessels within the limits and operating areas specified by AMSA. Opportunities may exist across charter, tourism, passenger, commercial fishing, workboat and marine support operations.

How long does the course take?

The online learning is self-paced, allowing students to complete the theory around work and personal commitments. Practical training is scheduled in 5-day workshop blocks. The total practical training and workshop attendance required may vary depending on factors such as previous boating or maritime experience, prior sea service, existing skills and knowledge, progress through the online learning, dedicated study and individual training needs.

A 5-day workshop block should not be interpreted as the total course or practical training duration for every student. Students must complete the required training and satisfactorily demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills required for the MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal). Additional training, practice, workshop attendance or assessment may be required where needed.

Students should refer to the current course information and training plan for applicable completion timeframes.

Do I need sea service for Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal?

Yes. Qualifying sea service is an AMSA certification requirement and is separate from completing the MAR20324 training qualification. The amount and type of sea service required depends on the applicable AMSA pathway and current certification requirements.

What happens after I complete MAR20324?

After successfully completing the qualification, you will have completed the nationally recognised training component of the Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal pathway. You must also satisfy the applicable AMSA requirements before applying for your Certificate of Competency.

Does completing MAR20324 automatically give me my Coxswain Grade 1 certificate?

No. Completing MAR20324 provides the nationally recognised training qualification, but an AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency is issued separately. Applicants must meet AMSA’s applicable certification requirements, including qualifying sea service, medical requirements, marine radio requirements and final assessment requirements.

Do I need a marine radio certificate?

Yes. The Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal certification pathway requires an appropriate marine radio qualification. Students should check the current AMSA requirements applicable to their certification pathway.

Is First Aid included in the qualification?

Yes. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is one of the 13 core units within MAR20324. Students must meet the applicable training and assessment requirements for this unit as part of completing the qualification.

What practical skills will I learn?

Training includes practical skills in vessel handling, passage planning and navigation, seamanship, operating inboard and outboard motors, propulsion and auxiliary systems, basic servicing and maintenance, maritime safety, emergency procedures, survival at sea and environmental work practices.

Can I progress to Master <24 metres Near Coastal?

Yes. Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal can form part of a broader commercial maritime career pathway. With further training, qualifying sea service and satisfaction of AMSA requirements, students may progress towards qualifications and certification such as Master <24 metres Near Coastal.

Where are the practical workshops held?

Marine Training Academy delivers Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal practical workshops at selected training locations. Visit the Dates & Locations page to view current workshop schedules and availability.