How to become a Coxswain
Coxswains manage the operation of small commercial marine vessels, such as fishing boats, ferries, water taxis, jet boats, yachts, catamarans and tourist craft.
Personal requirements for a Coxswain
- Willing to spend time at sea
- Able to lead and manage a crew
- Commitment to safety
- Pass an eye test and have normal colour vision
- Good health and able to pass a medical examination.
Education & Training for a Coxswain
To become a coxswain, you usually have to complete a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
To work as a coxswain you will need to obtain a Certificate of Competency from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). To be eligible, you must be at least 16 years of age, complete minimum sea service requirements, hold a current Provide First Aid Certificate and meet specific medical and eyesight standards. You must also hold a Marine Radio Operator’s VHF Certificate of Proficiency. Visit the AMSA website for more information. Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Maritime Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.
Duties & Tasks of a Coxswain
Coxswains:
- Manoeuvre and navigate small vessels
- Consult weather authorities before planning a voyage
- Give instructions to the crew
- Communicate with passengers
- Update vessel logbooks
- Assist with mooring and unmooring vessels
- Monitor condition and seaworthiness of vessels
- Transmit and receive information by marine radio or telephone
- Respond to emergency situations
- Use navigational information and techniques to conduct a safe passage
- Service propulsion systems, low-voltage electrical systems and auxiliary systems
- Operate pumping systems, and outboard and inboard diesel engines.
Tasks
- Directs the activities of the deck crew for navigational support tasks, berthing and unberthing, maintenance, cleaning and painting of superstructures, and the repair and replacement of defective deck gear and equipment.
- Ensures compliance with regulations pertaining to safety at sea and protection of the marine environment.
Working conditions for a Coxswain
Coxswains may operate vessels up to 12 metres in length in sheltered waters. Those who wish to operate larger vessels further from the coast will need to gain additional qualifications.
Employment Opportunities for a Coxswain
Coxswains usually start their careers in the maritime industry as deckhands before gaining enough experience to sit the Coxswain Certificate of Competency test. Possible employers include fishing charters, tourism operators, government organisations and offshore mining companies. With further training and experience, coxswains may work in the deck or engineering department of near coastal or blue water vessels.
Specializations
Fishing Charter Operator
A fishing charter operator manages a fishing charter business, which may include work as a coxswain.
Average age
48
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
5% female
Average full-time
54 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
74%
Employment Size
3,700
Employment by state
ACT: 0.1%
NSW: 23.7%
NT: 3.2%
QLD: 37.0%
SA: 6.0%
TAS: 4.3%
VIC: 7.4%
WA: 18.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.6%
20-24: 2.3%
25-34: 14.4%
35-44: 23.7%
45-54: 29.6%
55-59: 13.4%
60-64: 9.7%
65 and Over: 6.2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 32%
Bachelor degree: 9.3%
Certificate III/IV: 32.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.9%
Year 10 and below: 10.3%
Year 11: 3%
Year 12: 9%
