A marina with a commercial work boat beside a concrete pier

Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal

Commercial Qualification
Practical Assessment

White silhouette of a commercial shipyard crane

Career

White silhouette of a commercial vessel

Boating

White silhouette of a pile mooring with dock ropes on it for a commercial vessel

Testing

Join our scheduled dates:

Minimum group size of 4 or more:

Maritime Assessments You Can Trust

Our training courses are highly rated by hundreds of satisfied customers:

We’re 5-Star Rated!

CurtCurt
01:42 19 Nov 24
Did my boat license and jet ski course. Was very informative and enjoyable. My teacher Todd had good energy and was a pleasure to learn from 🙌
Antony VatnerAntony Vatner
23:12 18 Nov 24
As a boat person of 30 years I found the course amazingly helpful.I forgot to renew my licence so had to start all over again.The course went at a good pace for all and made the day interesting and fun. The instructors were great and absolutely supportive to all. We had 15 year olds and 40 year olds in same class and it worked.This course is exactly what you need for safe boating on sydney harbour or elsewhere.I think it should be mandatory every 5 years for anyone who has a vessel.
Jenny NewmanJenny Newman
01:19 17 Nov 24
Very thorough and helpful, I will enjoy my safe boating adventures!
Ahmad NabilssiAhmad Nabilssi
11:03 15 Nov 24
I cannot recommend ABC enough for their professionalism and genuine care for your success in the course. The team goes above and beyond to ensure you have the support and resources needed to excel. Truly a fantastic experience.
Adrian TateAdrian Tate
04:35 15 Nov 24
Exceptional course, it's easy to follow and understand. The tips they gave made the test much easier
Natalia GubarevaNatalia Gubareva
02:14 15 Nov 24
The instructor was very firendly and thorough! It was a lovely day to spend on a water and learn. I felt much more confident in passing the boating test and taking the boat on the water.
Marcus GouldMarcus Gould
01:05 15 Nov 24
Really well organised, starting early at Tunks Park boat ramp. Our boat was super clean, our instructor was really experienced, good fun and explained everything so it was easy to understand. I can highly recommend ABC if you are ready to take your boating & PWC licence course.
Chris JamesChris James
04:26 13 Nov 24
Made learning fun. Super useful and practical. Thank you!
David MaxwellDavid Maxwell
21:56 12 Nov 24
Was a great day out and would definitely recommend to anyone that wants to enjoy boating and understand the rules of the water. Thank you!
Renato OliveiraRenato Oliveira
13:33 12 Nov 24
Had a great experience with those guys!learned everything easly with their tips!I would recommend!
Andrew MillsAndrew Mills
05:57 12 Nov 24
Great course, good instructors and came away with more than I thought. Well recommmended
Magellan PadillaMagellan Padilla
05:53 12 Nov 24
Adam, thank you. You are an amazing instructor. Would highly recommend you to any of my friends. Keep it up ABC team.
olivar odeesholivar odeesh
05:15 12 Nov 24
Very happy with Steve and his professional service that he provided to usThe first time driving a boat I couldn't have asked for a better experience steve was absolutely amazing and professional at his work enjoyed and learned everything from that day big thanks to Steve again and I highly recommend this company to anyone that is looking to get their boat license
Matt VandenberghMatt Vandenbergh
04:17 12 Nov 24
What great training - The staff were all so friendly, accommodating and knowledgably - They taught in a way that was clear and easy to understand and made everything so manageable - I Could not recommend these courses high enough Great value - money well spend I would say.
Paul JonesPaul Jones
04:08 12 Nov 24
Completed boat and PWC course last weekend. Very impressed with ABC. They were professional and keenly focused on helping student to learn and be safe. Very happy to recommend them.
Anthony NeilsonAnthony Neilson
07:35 09 Nov 24
Great one day course for both boat and PwC. The course is entertaining and educational at same time. They teach you everything you need to know and you do the test and get all your paperwork to take to services nsw . Highly recommend
rdc insydrdc insyd
03:05 09 Nov 24
Excellent course and trainer. Very practical and informative. Highly recommended.
DoctorarmanzDoctorarmanz
07:39 28 Oct 24
I did my boat and PWC training with them nearly 10 years ago and yesterday my son got both his licenses, the guys are professional and caring, I was initially referred to them and I’ll definitely keep sending business.Keep up the great job!
Sami HannaSami Hanna
04:32 26 Oct 24
Great experience and awesome fun instructors. Enjoyed learning with these guys
Peter TennerPeter Tenner
06:11 15 Oct 24
Great experience and learning curve.Everything was very straightforward and explained in detail.I loved the training boat.Thank you
Greg MowbrayGreg Mowbray
05:42 11 Oct 24
Fantastic course and instructor! Couldn’t fault any aspect of the Boat Licence course, from the practical on water session to the detailed theory session. Natalie did a fantastic job. Best training I have experienced!
Allan YoungAllan Young
05:20 29 Sep 24
Can’t recommend highly enough. So informative and helpful passing the exam, but more importantly giving confidence in understanding boating rules and regulations.
Chelsea AnneChelsea Anne
08:03 12 Sep 24
Absolutely amazing, simply explains everything and anything you ask! Goes through everything thoroughly and makes sure you understand everything.
Jacky WongJacky Wong
07:19 12 Sep 24
Very good and friendly
Leo LiuLeo Liu
00:19 08 Sep 24
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for the outstanding performance of the coach in today's General Boating Course. In particular, I believe the coach named Steven (if I heard it correctly) did an exceptional job.During the on-board practice, Steven effectively broke the ice and enlivened the atmosphere. He managed to be humorous and engaging while still covering all the training contents. I must admit that these two hours were extremely enjoyable.In the subsequent courses and tests, Steven demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and patience. His expertise and calm demeanor made the learning process smooth and effective.I am truly impressed by Steven's abilities and dedication. His efforts have made this boating course a memorable and valuable experience.Thank you once again for having such an excellent coach on your team.
john Vujohn Vu
06:08 28 Aug 24
Amazing experience! Our instructor Paul was thorough, patient and he really took the time to make sure everyone learnt what was required every step of the way. One of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet.Awesome Job ABC
faber mazofaber mazo
05:08 26 Aug 24
Really good place to do your boat training, the teacher was so clear and helpful.100% recommend this place.
Sarah KSarah K
08:08 25 Aug 24
Highly recommend going with ABC boating for any boat/PWC training/licenses. Very thorough, professional, patient and our instructor Paul adapted to everyone’s skill level and needs whilst making learning fun, enjoyable and making the learning process easy and simple.
Andrew FitzgeraldAndrew Fitzgerald
10:02 18 Aug 24
I did the general boat license course with ABC today, John our instructor was fantastic, very patient and continuously offered guidance throughout the day to make sure everybody understood the ins & outs. He offered up more information than you need to just pass the course and in doing so, makes sure you start out with a decent amount of skills & understanding of the water to make your first outings on a boat safe and enjoyable. 10/10, will recommend ABC to anyone looking to get their license. Thanks again John & ABC Sydney!
Salwa BenmaaroufSalwa Benmaarouf
02:02 11 Aug 24
As a first-time boat driver, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Paul was absolutely amazing, he took the time to explain everything clearly and shared extra valuable insights beyond the standard guidebook. A big thank you to the entire team for making the booking process so smooth and efficient. I highly recommend these guys for anyone looking to get their boat licence!
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What is the Coxswain 3 Assessment?

Love boating and want to explore it as a career? One of the best entry points is the Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal, which gives you one of the qualifications needed to work in Marine Services at a Marina, Yacht Club, or Shipwright.

Coxswain 3 allows you to command a vessel less than 12 metres long, with up to 6 people onboard during daylight, and of three different engine powers: towing vessels up to 500kW, outboard engines less than 250kW, or inboard less than 100kW.

This qualification is replacing the old Exemption 38, you can read more about it on the AMSA website.

With this qualification in your wheelhouse you’ll be ready for anything!

A person in a boat repair shop, surrounded by tools and a laptop, who uses the Coxswain 3 qualification for their duties

Complete Coxswain 3 in just 4 steps!

1

Hold a Valid
Boat Licence

A person holding a Boat Licence, having successfully passed the NSW Boat Licence Course
  • You need an Australian Boat Licence
  • If you don’t have one, do our full-day course
  • It must be valid and can be from any state

2

Pass the Coxswain
3 Assessment

A student and Instructor on a boat during the Coxswain 3 Practical Assessment
  • Sit the Coxswain 3 Assessment with ABC
  • Show how to operate a commercial vessel
  • Display knowledge of emergency procedures

3

Complete the
Checklists

A person filling out some paper forms
  • Fill out the required forms and checklists
  • Get your HLTAID011 First Aid Certificate
  • Ask your employer for proof of sea time

4

Get your
Coxswain Grade 3

Person handing a completed Coxswain 3 New Certificate form to an employee over the counter
  • Apply at Australia Post for your Coxswain 3
  • It’s valid for 5 years from the date of issue
  • Get out and work in the Marine Industry!

Know someone who needs help with their Coxswain?
Give the gift of a Boat Licence Course to get them started!

1

Hold a Valid Australian Boat Licence

Which Licence counts for Coxswain 3?

There are two Licences in NSW that count directly for the Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate of Competency:

NSW General Boat Driving Licence

Complete your Boat Licence training in our course

NSW Boat & PWC Licence

The combined Licence also counts

If you’re from another Australian State or Territory your valid Boating Licence is also recognised towards the Coxswain 3.

Finally, if you have previously attained the Exemption 38 then your final practical record may be considered in place of the Boat Licence – see AMSA for more.

2

Pass the Coxswain 3 Practical Assessment

What happens during the Assessment?

The assessment will begin beside your commercial registered vessel, so long as it is appropriate for use with the Coxswain 3 Qualification (eg a tender or work boat).

If you do not have access to a vessel then we can arrange for our training vessel to be used instead.

Once onboard we will begin the assessment, which is based on your competency at demonstrating the required tasks, some of which can be seen below:

Locate and access safety equipment onboard

Provide pre-departure briefing to passengers

Control the vessel safely at low and high speed

Bring vessel to wharf, mooring, berth, or pen

Other techniques and skills

What is the minimum group size?

This course requires a minimum of 4 participants to organise, we book them in as requested and don’t currently have a schedule of dates to join.

Is a Marine Radio Qualification also Required?

It is not required to have a Marine Radio qualification to become eligible for Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal.

However, operating a Marine Radio may be part of your duties at your workplace while transporting passengers or completing other tasks.

Students will often complete the Coxswain and Marine Radio assessments at the same time.

You can read more about our Marine Radio Courses for SROCP and LROCP.

3

Complete the Checklists and Forms

Coxswain 3 Form Requirements

Once you’ve got a Boat Licence and have passed the Practical Assessment, there are three further items:

Hold a valid HLTAID011 First Aid Certificate or Equivalent

You’ll need to hold a current First Aid Certificate that is the equivalent of the HLTAID011 – AMSA has a list of acceptable alternatives on their website:

AMSA First Aid Alternatives

If you don’t have one, you can complete the HLTAID011 First Aid Certificate through our sister brand Fast Lane First Aid:

Fast Lane First Aid HLTAID011 Course

Fast Lane First Aid Logo

Pass a Medical Exam with a GP, Doctor, or Optometrist

Then you’ll undergo a medical assessment to prove your fitness, as well as an eyesight test.

If your GP is not able to perform the “Ishihara plate test” for you in their office, you’ll also need to see an Optometrist.

Your results get recorded on the “Certificate of medical fitness as a domestic seafarer” form:

AMSA Form 1850

Show Proof of Relevant Sea Time

Coxswain 3 requires at least one day of qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel.

You can show this with a letter that thoroughly details your sea service, written by a vessel operator, owner, master, or chief engineer.

Alternatively, ask your employer to complete the “Record of sea service” form:

AMSA Form 771

4

Get Your Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate

Lift off with your Coxswain 3

There are just two things left to finish:

Fill out Certificate of Competency Application Form

Compile all the information about your sea service and other qualifications, then prepare your final completed form:

AMSA Form 426

Lodge your form at an Authorised Australia Post

Take your finished form to a specially authorised Australia Post outlet, where you will have a photo taken, have your ID verified, and pay the “New Certificate” application fee

Authorised Australia Post Locations

Coxswain Grade 3 Application Fees

Coxswain Grade 3
as easy as A, B, C!

Frequently Asked Questions

Coxswain 3 Assessment
On Your Boat

$495 pp

Group size of 4 or more
Minimum Cost $1980

Coxswain 3 Assessment
On ABC Vessel

$750 pp

$495 pp
for group of 4 or more

Marine Radio Short Range
SROCP

$370 pp

Optional Add-On

First Aid Certificate
HLTAID011

$110 pp

Optional Add-On

Coxswain application and processing fees are charged separately, and can be seen on the AMSA Fees For Services Page

Are there any pre-requisites? Do I need to have boating experience first?

To complete the full Coxswain Grade 3 application form you must complete all the required steps:

Be at least 16 years of age

Hold a valid Australian Boat Licence

Pass the Coxswain 3 Practical Assessment

Hold an HLTAID011 First Aid Certificate or equivalent

Pass a Medical Exam with a professional

Show proof of relevant sea time

The steps can be completed in any order.

You won’t be required to hold a Boat Licence before the assessment as you’ll be onboard with one of our Instructors for training purposes – but it’s a good idea to do that first.

Do I have to pay before the course? Can I pay on the day?

Due to the nature of this assessment we require payment in full prior to the day.

What if I have a hard time with reading or learning?

If you have trouble with Learning, Literature and Numeracy, please let us know before your course so we can best plan to help you.

We are happy to discuss and always strive to support everyone where possible.

Which language is used during the Course? Can it be translated?

All Course material is provided in English, and all training content is also delivered in English.

There is no opportunity to have a translated version, or to bring an interpreter with you to the course.

Please get in touch with us if you’d like to know more about your options for other languages.

Do I need to know how to swim?

You don’t need to be able to swim, or be a strong swimmer, to attend the course.

We’ll ask all passengers to wear a comfortable inflatable lifejacket upon boarding, which will keep you afloat if it touches the water.

We’ve never had anyone test that for us; but we do get the lifejackets serviced regularly just in case.

How long is Coxswain 3 valid for?

Once you have submitted your paperwork and it’s approved, the certificate is valid for 5 years.

It can be renewed at the end of that period without requalifying.

How much is the Coxswain 3 Certificate fee?

Certificate processing fees are charged separately, and a list of prices can be seen on the AMSA Fees Page.

Renewing a Certificate comes with a slight discount.

What are the limitations of the Coxswain 3 Certificate?

According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority info page, you’ll be allowed to do the following (emphasis ours):

  • 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:
      • 1 nautical mile of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone and in line of sight of the parent vessel

This certificate will also allow you to:

  • 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.