What do I need to do?

To qualify as a Coxswain Grade 3 you will need to:

Check your eligibility

To be eligible for this certificate you must be:

• at least 16 years old on the certificate issue date
• able to speak, read and understand English
• medically fit for the duties required.

Complete medical and eyesight test

You will need to see a medical practitioner to check that you are medically fit for working at sea. They will assess you in line with our eyesight and medical requirements for domestic certificates.

Download the Certificate of medical fitness for near coastal seafarers (AMSA form 1850) and follow the instructions on the form.

If you have a current Certificate of medical fitness (AMSA form 303) you can use this instead.

If you have colour deficient vision, you will be restricted to working only in daylight hours.

Pick your training pathway

You can choose to complete a training course or use a recreational boat licence to qualify as a Coxswain Grade 3.

Complete a training course

You can complete any of the following:  

• all three of the following MAR Maritime Training Package units at a registered training organisation:  
  • MARI003 Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres  
  • MARK007 Handle a vessel up to 12 metres  
  • MARN008 Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres
• an Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling course
• an RYA Level 2 Powerboat course
• an IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master Certificate of Competence

Recreational boat licence

If you want to apply using a recreational boat licence issued by a State or Territory, you will also need to complete both:

• practical on-water tasks witnessed and signed off by an observer* using AMSA form 1882
• one day of qualifying sea service on a commercial vessel.

*Make sure your observer meets the requirements for the duties you want to qualify for. Check the AMSA form 1882 page for details.

Record your sea service on one of the following:  

• a Record of sea service form 771
• the on-board sea service record from any task book
• a letter from the vessel operator, owner, master, or chief engineer detailing your sea service  
• an approved sea service log book. 

Complete first aid training

You must also hold a: 

• first aid certificate (HLTAID011 'Provide first aid' certificate, or equivalent).

If your first aid or medical certificate expires within 90 days of submitting your application, we may request an updated certificate. 

Confirm that you qualify

To qualify as a Coxswain Grade 3, gather the required documents:

• a signed certificate of medical fitness (AMSA form 1850)
• a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 'Provide first aid' certificate, or equivalent)
• either:
  • evidence of completing the required training course, or
  • a recreational boat licence, a completed AMSA form 1882, and evidence of sea service

While you carry these documents, you can operate as a Coxswain Grade 3 without an AMSA-issued certificate. You must keep copies of these documents on board whenever you are operating.

Make sure your certificate of medical fitness and first aid certificate are always valid while operating. If you are using the recreational boat licence pathway, you must also keep that licence valid.

Optional - apply for the certificate

If you want to get a physical Coxswain Grade 3 certificate:

1. Gather the required documents:
   • a signed and current certificate of medical fitness (AMSA form 1850)
   • a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 'Provide first aid' certificate, or equivalent)
   • either evidence of completing the required training course or a recreational boat licence
   • if using a recreational boat licence: completed AMSA form 1882, and evidence of sea service
2. Complete and print the Certificate of competency application form 426.
3. Submit the form with copies of the required documents at a participating Australia Post outlet. You will also need to provide proof of your identity.