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!

Carl Khraiche
07:44 20 Jan 25
Just finished and had an amazing experience with ABC Boating. The course was incredibly well-structured and informative, combining practical experience on the boat with navigation training, all in one day. I was able to complete both my PWC and boat licences, which was super convenient. The price is very reasonable, especially considering the focus on safety and the expert knowledge shared throughout the session. After the practical, we went through the theory in a straightforward and easy to follow manner, ensuring we fully understood the content. Big shoutout to the team at ABC Boating for their professionalism and dedication. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to get their licences or improve their boating skills. Fantastic job. Thank you Todd and Adam
Richiee lotoilaione
03:53 20 Jan 25
Awesome experience. Instructors adam and Steve were Great 👍
Ali
09:14 19 Jan 25
The practical part of the course was a great learning experience and fun with Steve. The theory part was efficient and effective. Steve and Adam are highly knowledgeable and helpful with a friendly and professional manner. Thank you
Logan Cooney
08:46 16 Jan 25
Steve & Todd great instructors, they show amazing enthusiasm to your learning and have a want for you to pass
Mohammed Ma
04:32 16 Jan 25
The best boating course ever 👌🏼
Kathleen O'Hara
09:06 13 Jan 25
My 14 year old daughter and I did the course today and Todd and Phil were excellent. We had Todd for the practical part and he was great at teaching us how the boat works and safety on the harbour. He pointed out things we should now and emphasised things that are always on the test to help us pass. The theory part of the day also helped to reinforce the knowledge we had learnt all to help us pass the test which we both did. Thank you! I would definitely recommend ABC Boating, they were great and made it a fun day!
Jarrod Davis
04:13 09 Jan 25
Only way to get your boat license
Joan Liu
10:13 06 Jan 25
Learned a lot also had fun, especially thankful to both coatches paid extra patience and support to English as 2nd language learner. Recommend to all.
Ruth Stringer
10:44 05 Jan 25
What a fantastic course! A jam packed day of learning started with the practical experience exercises which I was very nervous about. Adam was really clear and encouraging and gave me the confidence to complete the assigned tasks. The classroom segment conducted by Todd was thorough and really reinforced the critical concepts. Very pleased to have passed with full marks - I don’t think I could have achieved this without the very structured training provided. Thanks to both Adam and Todd for an excellent day and for helping with other boat related queries.
Gamal Mark
03:44 05 Jan 25
Very good service
Harry Forsythe
09:55 30 Dec 24
Great practical and theoretical instruction today in Sydney from Adam & Todd, resulting in a first-attempt 100% score in the test. What more could one ask for?
Sam Gooderick
05:49 23 Dec 24
Great course thank you to Todd and Adam.
Linh Vien Thai
08:45 09 Dec 24
Great experience on the water with a highly skilled instructor. Classroom lecture and test preparation was highly effective. Got my boat and PWC license very fast. Great price and highly recommended.
David McCrostie
05:18 09 Dec 24
I took my 14 year old son for a day of practical and theoretical instruction and finally the exam for his boat and PWC licence last Saturday. The weather was not fantastic but the instructors were! My son enjoyed the practical part a lot and tolerated the theory; he is very nervous around exams but the team at ABC put him to ease and he passed both! We scurried off to the RMS and he now has his paper license and eagerly awaiting the real one in the post as soon as possible. Adam, Justin and the team at ABC were outstanding - they put the entire class of older adults, younger adults, teens and 12 year olds at ease with the content and what to expect in the exam - almost everyone I saw there passed. With the standard of the instruction and a bit of pre-reading this course is fantastic - the absolute added bonus is that there are no additional log book hours required. Do it!
nash gibbling
01:30 29 Nov 24
Pretty good got my license in a day good course
Gursimranjit singh
08:32 28 Nov 24
Outstanding Training Experience – The Best Boat Trainers!I can’t say enough about the exceptional training I received from these boat trainers. From the moment I began my lessons, it was clear that they were not only highly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about what they do. They made every aspect of boating easy to understand, breaking down even the most complex concepts into clear, manageable steps.Their patience and attention to detail ensured that I always felt confident and well-prepared at every stage of the learning process. They took the time to explain everything thoroughly, making sure I understood the reasoning behind each maneuver and safety procedure. Their teaching style is both practical and thorough, and I always felt supported, no matter how many questions I asked.What truly sets them apart is their ability to make learning enjoyable. They fostered a positive and relaxed atmosphere, which made all the difference in keeping me motivated and engaged. Their expertise, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm for boating made the entire experience memorable and fun.I am now more confident on the water, thanks to their top-tier training. If you are looking for the best boat trainers, I highly recommend them—they are the best people to learn from!
alisha raval
23:41 22 Nov 24
Adam and the team were fantastic it was a great day. Adam was kind enough to come out and teach us on our boat. I highly recommend their services.
Curt
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 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 Newman
01:19 17 Nov 24
Very thorough and helpful, I will enjoy my safe boating adventures!
Ahmad 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 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 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 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 James
04:26 13 Nov 24
Made learning fun. Super useful and practical. Thank you!
David 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 Oliveira
13:33 12 Nov 24
Had a great experience with those guys!learned everything easly with their tips!I would recommend!
Andrew Mills
05:57 12 Nov 24
Great course, good instructors and came away with more than I thought. Well recommmended
Magellan 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 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
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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.