Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal

OVERVIEW

A Coxswain navigates and steers a small commercial vessel under 12 metres in length, operating within the limits of sheltered and inshore waters, that is, in waters within 15 nautical miles off the coast.

As master of a small fishing or trading vessel, they are responsible for supervising other crew and passengers. They are also expected to lead a crew and make decisions under pressure, such as taking appropriate actions in an emergency.

Other tasks for a coxswain include maintaining the operations of engines (less than 500 KW), updating vessel logbooks, assisting in mooring and unmooring vessels and keeping watch.

Commercial vessels under the command of a coxswain can include small passenger vessels, charter vessels, water taxis, tourist craft, and fishing vessels.

MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

This qualification applies to people working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency to command and operate the engines of a vessel:

<12 m in length
With propulsion power that is unlimited for an outboard engine or <500 kW for an inboard engine
That is in inshore waters or designated waters
or
As a tender or auxiliary vessel within 3 nautical miles (nm) of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Licensing/Regulatory Information

This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Coxswain Grade 1 NC as defined in the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) Part D.AMSA certification will require:

Achieving MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
A marine radio operators VHF certificate of proficiency
Meeting the medical and eyesight requirements specified in the NSCV Part D
Assessment by an AMSA approved assessor using the AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA) conducted on a commercial vessel ≥5.0 m in length
Sea Service – you must have completed either:
- 30 days on commercial vessels at least 5m long – working in a deck capacity or working in both a deck and engineering capacity with a completed AMSA task book. Task book can be purchased from SMIT.
- 150 days on commercial or recreational vessels at least 5m long – working in a deck capacity or working in both a deck and engineering capacity without an AMSA task book.