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The Coxswain Grade 3 course is the perfect entry point into commercial boating operations. Designed for those operating small vessels for business or tourism purposes, this qualification allows you to work commercially without holding a full Certificate of Competency. Delivered under supervision, it covers the essential skills and touches on safety, navigation, basic engine maintenance, and vessel handling. Whether you’re transporting guests, crew, or supplies, this restricted ticket is ideal for sheltered waters. If you’re looking to start a career on the water, the Coxswain Grade 3 Sydney course is a fast, practical pathway into the maritime industry.
You will be assessed on your ability to carry out thorough pre-departure checks, ensuring the vessel is seaworthy and systems such as oil, fuel, cooling, steering, and batteries are functional. You must demonstrate safe work practices, understand safety management systems, and communicate effectively with your crew and relevant persons ashore. Pollution prevention and appropriate fuelling procedures will also be evaluated.
You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to interpret weather forecasts, assess current sea and tide conditions, and plan your voyage and operations accordingly to maintain safety and efficiency.
Assessment includes correct use of navigational aids, compliance with collision regulations, and maintaining a proper lookout. You must understand right-of-way rules, overtaking and head-on scenarios, restricted visibility procedures, and local speed limits. You’ll also need to safely use onboard navigation equipment and understand maritime sound signals.
You’ll be tested on your ability to safely handle a vessel in various directions (ahead, astern, port, starboard), at different speeds, and in different conditions such as wind and current. You’ll perform berthing, anchoring, mooring, and emergency stop manoeuvres, with emphasis on control and judgement.
You will be required to check and correctly stow lines, handle ropes safely, and tie essential knots accurately and confidently as part of everyday seamanship.
You must identify onboard hazards, know how to contact local rescue services, and explain actions for various emergency scenarios like fire, flooding, or person overboard. Practical skills include using firefighting equipment, directing passengers during emergencies, donning lifejackets, and understanding vessel abandonment procedures.
You’ll be assessed on your ability to share voyage details with someone ashore, provide emergency contact information, and demonstrate an understanding of the operational limitations of a Coxswain Grade 3 NC licence.
The Coxswain Grade 3 course is an excellent starting point for individuals wanting to work commercially on Australian waters. This restricted qualification allows you to operate small commercial vessels—without requiring a full AMSA Certificate of Competency—under specific conditions and close to shore. It’s ideal for those working in tourism, transport, or support operations, particularly in enclosed or sheltered waters.
Delivered by experienced marine trainers, our Coxswain Grade 3 Sydney program is tailored to give you real-world skills that apply immediately on the job. You’ll gain hands-on experience in vessel handling, navigation, safety procedures, basic engine checks, and emergency response. The course also covers responsibilities under maritime law, communication protocols, and crew management in a commercial context.
This qualification is suitable for those operating unpowered or low-powered vessels under 12 metres in length and carrying passengers, equipment, or cargo. It’s particularly popular among marina staff, water taxi operators, dive crew, and eco-tourism professionals looking for a flexible and recognised credential. The Coxswain Grade 3 Sydney course is also valuable for those helping with private vessel operations or working in support roles aboard larger craft like super yachts.
Throughout the course, participants will be assessed on practical skills and safety knowledge. Topics include launching and berthing, vessel manoeuvring, lookout procedures, man-overboard recovery, anchoring, and using safety equipment and basic pre start checks of outboard or inboard engines.
The course is structured to suit both aspiring professionals and casual operators, offering flexible delivery options including weekday, weekend, and blended formats. There are no formal sea service requirements to begin training, making it highly accessible for those starting out. It is important to note that while there is no sea service required o start training 1 day of commercial sea service is required to obtain he certification.
Upon successful completion, students will receive a signed declaration and will be eligible to apply for the coxswain grade 3 if all other requirements are met.
Whether you’re launching a new marine career or upskilling for part-time commercial work, the Coxswain Grade 3 Sydney course provides a recognised, fast-tracked way to get qualified and out on the water safely and legally.
Absolutely! Below is web-friendly content for a “What Will I Be Assessed On” section, based on the official Coxswain Grade 3 Declaration document you provided. This version puts the requirements into numbered points with clear, easy-to-understand summaries for each assessment category.
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