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Ferry-in-chains endorsement

Apply for an endorsement that allows you to command and operate the engines of a vehicular ferry-in-chains attached to the shore by cable.

On this page:

What this endorsement allows you to do

With an endorsement you can operate any ferry-in-chains vessel without restrictions on:

  • vessel size
  • passenger allowances
  • hours of operation. 

Vessel certification and relevant medical conditions of your certificate of competency will still apply.  

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a ferry-in-chains endorsement, you must:

You do not need to have this endorsement if you hold a Master <45m near coastal (NC) or a Master <100m near NC certificate of competency.

How to apply

The application process varies depending on whether you hold a current certificate of competency. 

I do not have a current certificate of competency

You can add the ferry-in-chains endorsement application at the same time as your application for a new:

If you hold a current boat licence, the simplest option is to apply for a Coxswain grade 3 NC and apply for the endorsement at the same time.  

How to apply for Coxswain grade 3 with ferry-in-chains endorsement

1. 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.
2. Meet medical and eyesight requirements
  1. Download the:
  1. Give the standards and the form to your medical practitioner to fill out.
  2. Submit the completed form with your application.
3. Provide a first aid certificate

You must hold a current HLTAID011 'Provide first aid' certificate', or equivalent.

Submit a copy of this certificate with your application.

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

4. Provide your recreational boat licence or do a training course
Applying using a recreational boat licence 

If you hold a recreational boat licence, issued by a state or territory, you do not need to complete any additional training.

Submit a copy of your recreational boat licence with your application.

Applying using other training 

You can complete any one of the following:  

  • Australian Sailing Powerboat Handling course  
  • RYA Level 2 Powerboat course  
  • IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master Certificate of Competence
  • The following units from the MAR Maritime Training Package 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.  

Submit your course completion certificate or statement of attainment with your application. 

5. Provide evidence of sea service

If you are applying using a recreational boat licence, issued by a state or territory, you will need to show:  

  • evidence of 20 days qualifying sea service working on a ferry-in-chains vessel in a deck, or deck and engineering, capacity
  • a Coxswain grade 3 NC Declaration AMSA form 1882 to show you have completed the practical on-water tasks. The tasks must be observed by someone with a Coxswain Grade 2 CoC or higher so you are eligible for the Coxswain grade 3 CoC card and the endorsement.

If you are applying using other training courses, you will need to show: 

  • evidence of 20 days qualifying sea service working on a ferry-in-chains vessel in a deck, or deck and engineering, capacity. 

You need to submit at least one of the following as proof of qualifying sea service:  

Submit proof of sea service with your application.

6. Complete the application form and submit
Gather the required documents
  • Proof of identity
  • Current certificate of medical fitness (AMSA form 1850)
  • Current HLTAID011 'Provide first aid' certificate (or equivalent)
  • Recreational boat licence or training course completion certificate
  • Evidence of sea service
Complete the AMSA 426 application form
  • Under 'Certificate of competency type' select Coxswain Grade 3 NC
  • When asked 'What would you like to do?' select ‘Apply for this certificate for the first time'.  
  • Under 'Endorsement/Removal' options, tick the box Endorsement to command and operate the engines of a vehicular ferry-in-chains attached to the shore by cable
Submit your application at Australia Post

Take your ID, your completed application form and copies of the required documents to a participating Australia Post outlet. You will also need to pay an application fee. 

I have a certificate of competency

To find out how to add a ferry-in-chains endorsement to your current certificate, select the ‘Endorsements and restrictions’ section relevant to your current certificate, and follow the steps to apply:

Note: You don't need to apply for this endorsement if you hold a Master <45m NC or a Master <100m NC certificate.

If you need help completing or submitting your application for a national law certificate, or if you can't get to an Australia Post outlet, please contact us. 

What is a ferry-in-chains?

A ferry-in-chains is also known as a cable ferry. It is a ferry guided and/or propelled across a river or large body of water by cables connected to both shores. 

Last updated: 30 June 2025

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