The AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 is an entry-level commercial maritime qualification for operating small vessels in Australian waters.

Subject to the conditions of the certificate, a Coxswain Grade 3 can:

• Command and operate a vessel less than 12 metres in length with outboard propulsion of less than 250 kW, or inboard propulsion of less than 100 kW.
• Carry no more than six people, including the master and crew.
• Carry passengers during daylight hours.
• Operate in smooth or inshore waters within one nautical mile of the shore.
• Operate a tender within the EEZ, provided it remains within one nautical mile of its parent vessel.
• Command a vessel less than 12 metres with propulsion of up to 500 kW when towing people in daylight hours in waters approved for the activity by a state authority, such as waterskiing or wakeboarding.

Course programme

There are several pathways to the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate of Competency. The Flying Fish pathway is designed to provide a comprehensive and efficient route to certification, with a strong emphasis on practical boat handling and real-world skills.

Training combines essential boating knowledge, Marine First Aid and RYA Powerboat Level 2, with extensive practical training on Sydney Harbour.

See What's included below for full details of the training package.

Equipment and instructors

Your training is delivered by friendly, experienced instructors, with small group sizes giving everyone plenty of practical time at the helm.

Our aim is not simply to complete the required training, but to develop the practical skills and confidence to operate a small powerboat safely and effectively.

Training location

Shore-based training takes place in our waterside classroom at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Mosman.

For practical training, Sydney Harbour becomes your classroom. Its varied conditions, busy waterways and navigational challenges provide an outstanding environment for developing practical boat-handling and pilotage skills.

Your Coxswain Grade 3 training package includes:

• Essential Boating Skills & Knowledge – self-paced online training covering essential seamanship, navigation, safety and boating knowledge. You can start as soon as you book and complete it in your own time, ideally before your practical training.
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 – two days of training combining classroom sessions with extensive practical boat handling and navigation on Sydney Harbour.
• Marine First Aid – online pre-course learning followed by a practical, face-to-face training day.
• Boats and safety equipment – all vessels and safety equipment required for your practical training are provided.
• Course materials and certification – all required training materials and certificates for the courses you complete are included.

The Essential Boating Skills & Knowledge course is recommended but not compulsory. Experienced boaters who already have the required level of knowledge may choose to omit this component for a small reduction in the course fee.

This course is open to anyone aged 16 or over and is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced boaters seeking an entry-level commercial qualification.

No previous boating experience is required.

To be eligible for the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency, you will also need to:

• Be able to speak, understand and read English to the standard required for safe vessel operations.
• Be medically fit to perform the duties of a Coxswain Grade 3, including meeting the required eyesight standard.

These requirements relate to the AMSA certificate rather than your eligibility to start the Flying Fish training programme.

Once you have completed your training, the final step is to meet the AMSA medical requirements and apply directly to AMSA for your Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.

You may also like to continue developing your practical safety skills with further marine training, including Marine Radio, Offshore Safety & Sea Survival and other specialist safety courses.

Explore our full range of marine safety, radio and maintenance courses.

• How do I get my AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 certificate after completing the training?
• Once you have completed the required training, you apply directly to AMSA for your Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency.
• You will need to provide the required training certificates and meet AMSA's medical, eyesight and other application requirements.
• For current requirements and application details, visit the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal information page.
• Is the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 recognised internationally?
• The AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 is an Australian commercial maritime qualification and does not automatically provide equivalent commercial certification overseas.
• However, your training package includes the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate, which is widely recognised in the UK, Europe and the international superyacht industry and is a benchmark qualification for practical powerboat driving.
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 can also be used to apply for an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) for powerboats up to 10 metres, subject to RYA eligibility requirements.
• This makes RYA Powerboat Level 2 a particularly useful international qualification to gain as part of your Coxswain Grade 3 training package.
• Do I need a Marine Radio Operator's Certificate?
• A Marine Radio Operator's Certificate is not required to obtain the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 Certificate of Competency.
• However, if you are working as a skipper and need to operate a marine radio, you will need to hold the appropriate radio operator qualification.
• We therefore recommend completing a marine radio course if you do not already hold a suitable certificate. Flying Fish offers an ACMA Marine Radio Operator course covering VHF and HF marine radio operation.
• What happens if I need additional practical training?
• Our instructors will provide guidance and feedback throughout your practical training.
• If you need additional practice or training before successfully completing an assessment, we can arrange this with you.
• What should I bring to the practical training?
• Please bring valid photo ID, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and soft-soled, non-marking footwear.
• We provide the boats and all required training and safety equipment.
• Where can I find the booking terms and conditions?
• You can view our Terms and Conditions before booking.