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:

Book Coxswain Grade 3 – ABC Boat

Minimum group size of 4 or more:

Book Coxswain Grade 3 Group – Your Boat
A marina with a commercial work boat beside a concrete pier

Maritime Assessments You Can Trust

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

We’re 5-Star Rated!

Read Reviews

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!
Matthew RudlandMatthew Rudland
05:19 08 Aug 24
Fantastic company. Very knowledgeable and first class equipment. If you’re serious about getting your licence. These guys will get you there!
Arlo ThompsonArlo Thompson
10:44 02 Jul 24
Had a great time in the process of receiving my licence. Instructor was one of the nicest people I’ve met and his teaching was thorough. Highly recommend as anyone can pass the test with ABC’s methods and there was plenty of information not necessarily in the test study guide that is essential for boating.
Matt DisipioMatt Disipio
05:31 30 Jun 24
Everything was clearly explained and lots of fun. Ibrahim was a fantastic teacher and was lots of help, would definitely recommend.
Nathaniel StewardNathaniel Steward
03:02 24 Jun 24
Attended a 1 day general boat licence course with ABC. They are a little expensive compared to other options but Ibraham was a great teacher and gave us lots of helpful ways to remember the maritime rules and signals. Highly recommend.
Bill GableBill Gable
06:53 15 Jun 24
The best way to get your boat license. So professional and knowledgeable teachers.
Leigh LawtonLeigh Lawton
19:50 20 May 24
Great course and fantastic instructor which went through all detail on the water and classroom to help me pass the test at the end of the day.
John StylesJohn Styles
05:34 19 May 24
Fantastic day with Ibrahim on the water and in the classroom, thoroughly knowledgeable and delivered the training in an easy to follow and enjoyable manner.The course was very well structured, flowed and was exceptionally well organised, a credit to Ibrahim and the entire team.I highly recommend them to anyone needing a boat licence or any other training they offer.
Barbara ReardenBarbara Rearden
05:27 19 May 24
Excellent way to learn what you need to safely enjoy boating in NSW instructor had so much knowledge and communicated to everyone in the class in a way we all understood. Would recommend this to anyone wanting to get a boat licence
Chris GattoChris Gatto
05:24 04 May 24
Great fun today! Ibrahim was a great instructor!!
Matthew ReidMatthew Reid
09:53 15 Apr 24
Absolutely a fantastic company to use for your licensing requirements. All the instructors were helpful, knowledgeable, and really took the time to make sure you learnt what was required. A really easy going team that make you feel comfortable so you can pass. Great work ABC.
Phil NursePhil Nurse
08:55 14 Apr 24
We completed our theory and practical today with Ibrahim and it was fantastic. Ibraham was very knowledgeable and engaging and his style really helped me in learning all the theory aspects. His instructions on the boat were also very clear and I felt confident and safe throughout. Thank you for a great experience, Ibrahim!
Darren ParkerDarren Parker
07:10 08 Jan 24
Highly recommended - excellent way to spend a day on the water and in the classroom learning. Instructors provided quality practical advice all day. Hands on experience and everything you need to know. Great delivery style - endless tips - non-judgemental - professional approach.
Andrei LoginovskiyAndrei Loginovskiy
01:31 29 Oct 23
Amazing experience!Our coach Ibrahim was a rock star: he delivered one of the most engaging and enjoyable learning I ever had experienced, lots of practical advices, very attentive and just a great person.You learn theory to pass tests, they share heaps of practical knowledge. Just practice alone worth the money spent.I will for sure recommend to anyone and has recommended to my friends already.
Matthew LienertMatthew Lienert
04:49 20 Oct 23
Fantastic day when I went to ABC Australian Boating College, it was so much fun we went straight out onto the boat took turns with control of the boat and instructions and explanation was clear and concise. I am enthusiastic to getting my boat with further training and settling in on my own vessel, (extra charge of course! Hehe) You will love every minute of it receiving so much freedom enjoyment with peace and tranquillity on the water.. Adam is really passionate and helpful about anything Boating, he is a wealth of knowledge after obviously many years he has had on the water. My rating for him is AAA5 Stars!Book your boat license in with him today. It really is like ABC very easy to learn from him on the water one off the water.
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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!

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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!

ABC Boat Your Boat

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.