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.

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Latest changes

From 1 July 2025, almost all masters of a ferry-in-chains vessel are required to have this endorsement. Previously, you could operate without this endorsement under exemption 21. However, this exemption expired on 30 June 2025.

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.

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:

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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