AMSA Coxswain Grade 3
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Coxswain grade 3 is a domestic Certificate of Competency for operating in Australian waters. The certificate holder can commercially operate a vessel less than 12 metres in length for limited purposes in specified waters. It is the first rung on the ladder of the AMSA qualification scheme and represents an excellent low-cost entry point to commercial boating in Australia.
Description
The AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 can operate according to the following scope
- Command and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 in length 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.
- In smooth or inshore waters within one nautical mile of the shore.
- Within the EEZ if operating a tender less than one nautical mile from the parent vessel.
- Command and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 metres long with propulsion power for inboard or outboard engines of up to 500 kW when towing people in daylight hours and in waters approved for the activity by a state authority (eg waterskiing or wakeboarding)
Course programme
There are various ways of meeting the requirements for the AMSA Coxswain grade 3 certification.
The Flying Fish training pathway has been chosen because it includes plenty of practical, on-water training and also includes the RYA Powerboat Level Two certification which is recognised internationally in its own right.
The course includes the following training modules
- Day 1 and 2 - RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate
- Day 3 - Workplace approved Marine First Aid
- Day 4 - ACMA Marine Radio Operator
For full details of the course content for each training unit see the faq section below.
Equipment and instructors
The course will be taught by friendly, experienced instructors in our waterside classroom and onboard our high-speed, rigid inflatable rescue craft.
During the practical, You will spend the first day learning how to safely drive the boats and the second day developing basic pilotage skills which you will then use to execute a short passage.
We operate in small groups, according to strict teaching ratios, to ensure all participants have plenty of time, in the driver's seat, in charge of the boat.
Marine First Aid and Marine Radio Operator are classroom-based courses but we do our best to include as much practical input as we can.
Training location
Theory training is conducted in our, well-equipped, waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
For the practical part of the course, Sydney Harbour is our classroom.
The variety of conditions and busy waterways provide an outstanding training environment.
What next?
Once you have completed the course with us you will need get a certificate of medical fitness and then you can apply to AMSA to get your Coxswain grade 3 certification.