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Training and knowledge required to become a Coxswain

The Coxswain Course is a compulsory course designed to teach the skills required to take command of a commercial vessel up to 12 metres in length operating up to 15 nautical miles to sea. To understand the depth of knowledge required of a Coxswain please download this document

The areas of knowledge required of a Coxswain include:

  • Manoeuvering a vessel and anchoring
  • Fight & Extinguish Fires
  • Survival at Sea
  • Splicing, Knots, Hitches and Seamanship Skills
  • Marine Radio operation
  • Meteorology
  • Vessel Stability
  • Coastal Navigation
  • Collision Regulations including Buoyage systems
  • Operate Deck Equipment (Lifting Gear and Anchor winches)
  • Environmental Regulations
  • Knowledge of Marine Engines
  • Knowledge of Start Up & Shut Down procedures
  • Knowledge of Low Voltage Electrical systems

When training has been successfully completed candidates are issued with a Nationally Recognised 'Certificate 11 in Transport & Distribution' (Coastal Maritime Operations).

The Coxswain Course is conducted in 2 parts:

  1. The Initial Enrolment - involves receiving a hard copy of the Australian Boating Manual and completing online assignments. We estimate about 30 hours of self study.
  2. The Practical Enrolment - completion of the course requires 3 days of practial 'on board' training at our training vessel. If you have NOT completed the Fire and Survival components from the Deckhand (GPH) course, as listed above, then an additional 2 days may be required.

Prior Skills & Experience

Prior to attending the final 'oral' examination with a state regulatory body such as NSW Maritime candidates will need to present evidence of boating experience. This can include recreational experience and will be assessed on an individual basis depending on where the experience was obtained and on what size of vessel. Download this document for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have prior boating experience or certificates/qualificates you may be eligible for a reduction in costs and/or training. To download an application form please Click Here

1st Aid Certificate

Prior to the issue of a Deckhand (GPH) or Coxswain Course Certificate candidates must already hold or be able to obtain a 1st Aid Certificate

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Coxswain Online Information

All Hands on Deck Maritime Training have been conducting Coxswain courses since 2004. In that time we have achieved a very successful record of candidates obtaining their Coxswain Certificate on the 1st attempt. One of the reasons for this is that we provide unlimited access to our bank of over 650 examination questions so that candidates can stay fresh with their knowledge and be well prepared for the final 'orals' exam.

We do realise, however, that not everyone can get to our courses so we have made the examination questions available online to everyone.

The questions are in 2 seperate catergories:
Category 1 includes the following:

  • Seamanship and rope handling
  • Splicing, knots and hitches
  • Vessel handling
  • Fire Fighting
  • Survival at Sea
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Meteorology
  • Tides & Currents
  • Collision and Domestic Regulations
  • Coastal Navigation and more!

Category 2 includes the following:

  • How Marine Diesel Engines work
  • Operating Diesel Engines
  • Operating Outboard Engines
  • Gearboxes and shaftings
  • Refuelling and Fuel Storage
  • Hydraulic systems & Steerage gear
  • Bilge pumping and Deck wash systems
  • DC Batteries & AC Generators
  • Slipway work and maintenance
  • Deck Machinery and more!

Both categories can be purchased together for only $99.00. It is important to remember that Coxswain positions are a dual role position (Skipper and Engineer) therefore you should possess engineering knowledge as well as seamanship knowledge.

In addition to accessing over 650 examination questions you will also receive the following:

  • Unlimited access to the examination questions
  • All Training manuals in a download format
  • Unlimited access to our Senior Trainer via email or phone with any questions you may have

Testimonials. (Copies available in our office)

Stewert - Hobart: "Just wanted to let you know I got my Coxswain's ticket renewed. I'm 52 and MAST wanted me to do some more study and I'm not a good learner in a classroom. This really helped a lot"

Michael - Port Hedland: "Just wanted to say thanks for all your help Peter. I'm on a boat in Port Hedland and really needed to get my Master V Certificate. The questions really helped me stay up to date while I was waiting to do the exam. I will definately recommend you to the other guys on the boat who are studying as well."

Andrew - Gladstone: "Thanks again Peter. It's hard getting to TAFE every week when I am working. These questions really helped me a lot and is really good value"

Click here to purchase access to over 650 exam questions on our secure payment site

Obtaining a Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency

The Marine Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency is required to operate VHF & MF/HF radios and is issued by the Office of Maritime Communications (The regulatory authority):

The level of knowledge required to pass the exam (70% pass mark required) includes the following subjects:

  • Knowledge of MF/HF and VHF marine radios
  • Identify the difference between Ship Stations, Coast Radio Stations and Limited Coast Stations
  • Understand and use the 'Phonetic Alphabet'
  • Use correct operating procedures and channels when operating a marine radio
  • Understand Distress, Urgency and Safety Communications
  • Understand Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Communications
  • Understand the use of 406 MHz EPIRBS
  • Understand the use of SART's
  • Understand Search and Rescue in Australia
  • Identify the different types of radio equipment, their application and limitations
  • Identify the components of a marine radio and the care and maintenance required with radio equipment and power sources

Click Here to Request More Marine Radio Information