SO, YOU WANT TO GET PAID TO DRIVE A BOAT?

Get your Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal qualification.

MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations

Turn your experience on the water into a pathway to commercial work in charter, fishing, tourism, workboats and more.

- Online theory at your own pace

- Practical training at Cleveland, QLD

- Up to 12 months to complete

- Experienced marine trainers

- AMPA included free for Boat Coach students

- $3,500 with payment plans available

Coxswain Grade 1 student plotting a passage on a chart at the helm of a commercial vessel

Course at a glance

  • Qualification — MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations
  • AMSA pathway — Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal
  • Delivered with — Adapt Education (RTO# 32452)
  • Theory — Online and self-paced, start any time
  • Practical — One-week in-person block at Cleveland, QLD
  • Time to complete — Up to 12 months
  • Course fee — $3,500, payment plans available
  • Nationally recognised — Yes

Pricing

  • Cert II MAR20324 — $3,500*
  • AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA) — Free for Boat Coach Students
  • Short Range Marine Radio Licence (SROCP) — $250

*Payment plans are available. Please check the Adapt Education website for more details.

Not sure if you qualify?

Sea service is the step most people get stuck on. Send us your details and we'll work out where you stand and what you still need.

No obligation. We'll never pass your details on.

Coxswain Grade 1 (Near Coastal) — MAR20324

Boat Coach offers this qualification in partnership with Adapt Education (RTO# 32452)

This qualification develops the skills and knowledge required to operate and manage small commercial vessels in near coastal waters. You’ll learn practical vessel handling, navigation, safety procedures, emergency response, weather assessment, basic engineering, and leadership skills needed to operate confidently and responsibly in a commercial maritime environment.

With this qualification, you can:

  • Operate as skipper on eligible small commercial vessels
  • Work in charter, tourism, fishing, workboat, tender, and support vessel operations
  • Manage passengers, crew, safety equipment, and emergency situations
  • Build recognised maritime credentials for employment or insurance purposes
  • Progress toward higher-level maritime qualifications

The course covers:

  • Vessel handling and seamanship
  • Navigation, chart work, tides, and passage planning
  • Weather interpretation and risk assessment
  • Safety, survival, and emergency procedures
  • Marine radio communication
  • Basic engineering and propulsion systems
  • Passenger and crew management
  • Regulatory responsibilities and operational compliance

Ideal for commercial boat operators, charter skippers, marine tourism staff, fishing operators, workboat crew, and anyone looking to gain professional maritime credentials for small vessel operations in Australian near coastal waters.

Eligibility & Requirements

Who can apply

  • At least 16 years old on the certificate issue date
  • Able to speak, read, and understand English
  • Medically fit for the duties required at sea
  • Able to meet AMSA’s medical and eyesight requirements
  • Able to provide evidence of qualifying sea service
  • Competent in the required Coxswain Grade 1 training and final practical assessment (AMPA)

Training requirements

Applicants must complete MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) through a Registered Training Organisation. This qualification is required to obtain the AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

Sea service requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of sea service in a deck, or deck and engineering capacity. AMSA currently requires either:

  • 30 days qualifying sea service on commercial vessels at least 5 metres long with an AMSA task book, or
  • 150 days qualifying sea service on commercial or recreational vessels at least 5 metres long without an AMSA task book.

Not sure whether your days count? This is the most common question we get — send us your details and we’ll tell you where you stand.

Additional certificates required

  1. A current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate, or equivalent
  2. A marine radio Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP), or higher
  3. Evidence of passing the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA)

What you get in the course - Units of Competency

The Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal qualification is made up of 13 units of competency.

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

  • MARF060 — Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
  • MARF028 — Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
  • MARF029 — Meet work health and safety requirements
  • MARF030 — Survive at sea using survival craft
  • MARC037 — Operate inboard and outboard motors
  • MARI003 — Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres
  • MARJ006 — Follow environmental work practices
  • MARK007 — Handle a vessel up to 12 metres
  • MARN008 — Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres
  • MARB027 — Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
  • MARC038 — Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
  • MARH013 — Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres
  • HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid. Not included in the course price or learning plan. Students must provide evidence of completion and may seek alternative providers.

All assessments are completed in class using our online assessment software.

Students in lifejackets boarding and paddling a life raft during survival training

Water-based practical activities

For the survival units, you'll complete several practical activities at a local pool:

  • Swimming in a group for at least 50 metres
  • Swimming in a lifejacket for at least 50 metres
  • Towing while wearing a lifejacket for at least 25 metres
  • Staying afloat without a lifejacket for at least 5 minutes
  • Boarding a life raft unassisted in a lifejacket, and helping others aboard
  • Jumping safely from a height into the water in a lifejacket

Please contact us before your course if you think you may not be able to complete these. We'll talk through your options first.

Delivery Method

Distance Learning Delivery

Our Distance Learning option gives students the flexibility to complete the theory component of their course at their own pace, from a location that suits them. This delivery mode is ideal for students who have work, family, or other commitments and are unable to attend full-time face-to-face classes.

With Distance Learning, students receive:

  • Up to 12 months to complete the course requirements
  • Access to a structured, easy-to-follow online learning plan
  • Online theory resources and assessment tasks to work through at your own pace
  • Support from our experienced trainers and instructors by email, phone, or video call by appointment
  • Flexibility to study around work, family, and other commitments

Students completing the Distance Learning option will also be required to attend a one-week practical training and assessment block. This block is completed in person and includes the required practical training, skill development, and final practical assessments.

Practical blocks are scheduled at selected times throughout the year. Students will be contacted when they are being held, and should ensure they are available to attend the full practical block once their online theory and required course components are complete.

Boat Coach commercial training vessel with students on deck at Cleveland, Queensland

Practical training at Cleveland

Your one-week practical block runs on the water at Cleveland, Queensland, aboard a working commercial vessel, with the survival units completed at a local swimming pool.

You'll cover vessel handling, navigation and passage planning, anchoring and mooring, engine operation, safety and emergency procedures — the same tasks you'll be doing on the job.

Please arrange your own transport to and from the training venues.

Application Process — Becoming a Coxswain

1. Enrol in the course

Students enrol through Adapt Education, our Registered Training Organisation partner. Once enrolled, you will receive access to your online learning and course requirements.

2. Complete your theory

Work through the online theory and assessments at your own pace, with support available from our training team when needed.

3. Attend practical training

Once your theory and required course components are completed, you will attend the practical training and assessment block with Boat Coach at Cleveland.

4. Complete your AMPA

Students must complete the AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment, known as the AMPA. This practical assessment confirms you can safely carry out the required skills for Coxswain Grade 1 operations. The AMPA is included free for Boat Coach students — or you can complete it with another provider if you prefer.

5. Complete your supporting requirements

Students will also need to meet AMSA’s sea service, medical (AMSA form 1850), eyesight, first aid and marine radio requirements before applying for their final Certificate of Competency.

For sea service, AMSA currently requires either:

  • 30 days on commercial vessels at least 5 metres long with a completed AMSA task book; or
  • 150 days on commercial or recreational vessels at least 5 metres long without a task book (AMSA form 771).

6. Apply to AMSA

Once you have completed your course, AMPA and supporting requirements, you can apply to AMSA for your Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

Before applying, you will need to gather the required documents, including:

  • A signed and current Certificate of Medical Fitness — AMSA Form 1850
  • Evidence of your sea service
  • Your Certificate II in Maritime Operations — Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal course completion certificate
  • A current first aid certificate — HLTAID011 Provide First Aid or equivalent
  • A marine radio certificate — SROCP or higher
  • The cover page of your final practical assessment — AMPA
  • A colour passport-sized photograph that meets AMSA’s requirements

Applications are submitted online through myAMSA using your Australian Government myID. You will need to complete the online application form, upload your documents, pay the required fee and submit your application.

If you cannot use myAMSA, you can complete the Certificate of Competency application — AMSA Form 426 and submit it with copies of your required documents at a participating Australia Post outlet. You will also need to provide proof of identity.

Boat Coach will help guide you through the process so you understand what documents are required before applying.

Coxswain student demonstrating a red hand distress flare during emergency procedures training

Safety and emergency skills

Distress signals, fire fighting, survival at sea and emergency response are all part of the qualification — practised hands-on, not just read about.

You'll use real flares, real extinguishers and a real life raft, so that if it ever happens for real, it isn't the first time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience before I start?

There are no formal entry requirements for the training itself. However, AMSA’s sea service, medical, first aid and marine radio requirements must be met before they will issue your Certificate of Competency.

How long does it take?

The online theory is self-paced and you have up to 12 months to finish it. The practical is a one-week in-person block at Cleveland. How quickly you finish is largely up to you.

Where is the practical training held?

At Cleveland, Queensland, with the survival units completed at a local swimming pool. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to and from the venues.

What does it cost?

$3,500 for the MAR20324 qualification. The AMPA is included free for Boat Coach students. A Short Range Marine Radio Licence (SROCP) is $250 if you need one. Payment plans are available through Adapt Education.

Is First Aid included?

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is one of the 13 units, but it is not covered by the course price or learning plan. You arrange it separately and provide us with evidence of completion.

Does finishing the course give me my Coxswain certificate?

No. MAR20324 is the nationally recognised training. AMSA issues the Certificate of Competency separately, once you have also met their sea service, medical, first aid and marine radio requirements. We will guide you through what is needed.

What can I do with the qualification?

Skipper eligible commercial vessels up to 12 metres within AMSA’s near coastal limits — charter, tourism, passenger, commercial fishing, workboat and marine support operations.

Can I progress further afterwards?

Yes. Coxswain Grade 1 is a step towards higher commercial maritime qualifications such as Master under 24 metres Near Coastal, with further training and qualifying sea service.

Talk to a trainer before you enrol

Tell us where you're based and we'll send through upcoming practical block dates and the full prerequisites checklist. One of our trainers will call you within one business day.

No obligation. We'll never pass your details on.

Already decided? Enrol directly

Boat Coach delivers this qualification as a third party provider on behalf of Adapt Education (RTO# 32452). Enrolment is completed through their website.

Enrol with Adapt Education