Coxswain Grade 3 (near coastal)
Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal (NC) lets you operate a vessel less than 12 metres for specified purposes in specified waters
Coxswain Grade 3 (formerly called Exemption 38) is widely considered to be the best value-for-money entry-level commercial boating qualification currently available.
Course Information
- One day theory and practical training
- No final AMSA oral examination required for certification
- No prior sea experience is required
- No at-home study is required
The course is completed within one enjoyable day, with both theory & practical training done under the supervision of our experienced trainers. Upon completion, we’ll provide you with an application which you’ll need to lodge with AMSA.
A recreational boat licence doesn’t allow the operator to legally operate a commercial vessel. If you wish to operate or work on a vessel used for commercial or work purposes, you must obtain the relevant certificate of competency, i.e. Coxswain Grade 3
What does Coxswain Grade 3 allows me to do?
Coxswain Grade 3 (near coastal) allows you to:- Command and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 metres long with outboard engine propulsion less than 250 kW, or inboard engines less than 100 kilowatts
- Carrying no more than 6 persons including crew and master
- In daylight hours only, if carrying passengers
- Operating within the following:
- A marina
- A mooring area in sight and communication of a marina
- Inland waters
- Smooth waters
- Within 1 nautical mile of shore
- Inside or within 1 nautical mile of an aquaculture lease or in waters approved for daily transit to and from an aquaculture lease
- Command and operate the engines of a tender less than 12 metres long with outboard engine propulsion less than 250 kW, or inboard engines less than 100 kilowatts
- In daylight hours only, if carrying passengers
- Operating within either:
- If you have completed the Maritime Training Package units: 3 nautical miles of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone and in line of sight of the parent vessel; or
- If you hold a recreational boat licence, RYA Powerboat level 2 course or Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling course: 1 nautical mile of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone and in line of sight of the parent vessel
- Command and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 metres long with propulsion power for inboard or outboard engine of up to 500 kW
- That is used only for towing people
- In daylight hours only
- In waters approved as a water ski area by a State or Territory authority.
Who can obtain Coxswain Grade 3?
To be eligible for a Coxswain grade 3 near coastal certificate you must:- Be at least 16 years old on the certificate issue date
- Be able to speak and understand English, including written documents
- Be medically fit for the duties, including eyesight
- Gain any needed sea service
- Complete training
When Can I Start Operating?
Once you have completed the training, you must lodge your application with AMSA. They will then send you your certificate.
What Do I Need To Bring?
- Acceptable identification – Australian Drivers Licence and/or boat licence or current passport and Medicare card.
- Suitable practical boating clothes i.e., enclosed shoes
