Certificate II in Maritime Operations
(Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) MAR20324
Nationally accredited
qualification
10 weeks
Online learning +
practical workshops
UQ St Lucia +
Stradbroke Island
Love the water? Take the first step towards a career in the maritime industry!
Learn the regulations and codes of practice that govern the operation of a marine vessel, as well as basic navigation, manoeuvring and berthing procedures, marine communications, and emergency response procedures.
You’ll also explore maintenance and repair procedures, as well as the importance of managing and maintaining safety equipment on board.
How you'll learn
This program is delivered over 10 weeks through a combination of online learning and 10 days of in-person practical training.
A version of this program is available for high school students.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams and reports, oral assessments and practical demonstrations.
Start date
15 September 2025
In-person practical training
- 30 September–2 October
- 27–31 October
- 18–20 November
- 26–28 November
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
As a safety consideration, it's recommended all students be physically fit to carry out all the roles and responsibilities of a coxswain on a commercial vessel under 12m within 15nm of the coastline with a propulsion power of up to 500kW for inboard engines and unlimited for outboard engines as defined in Marine Order 505.
Students should also be able to swim (any stroke) a minimum of 25 metres fully clothed.
All UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) testing
You’re required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process. This helps us identify and plan for any learning or support needs you may have before you start your training.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have recent work experience you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.
Create your USI
You must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before we can accept your enrolment.
Resources
2025 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 7 MB) (includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal and other policy information).
Full fee: $3,390
UQ staff: $3,090
In order to gain this qualification you’ll need to successfully complete the following 13 units of online learning, and in-person practical training:
| Study period 1: Shipboard Safety Skill Set (MARSS00008) + First Aid | |
|---|---|
| Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment | MARF060 |
| Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel | MARF028 |
| Meet work health and safety requirements | MARF029 |
| Survive at sea using survival craft | MARF030 |
| Provide first aid | HLTAID011 |
| In-person practical training: 3 sessions, 4 hours each day, at the Saint Lucia campus | |
| Study period 2: Coxswain Deck | |
| Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres | MARI003 |
| Follow environmental work practices | MARJ006 |
| Handle a vessel up to 12 metres | MARK007 |
| Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres | MARN008 |
| Operate inboard and outboard motors | MARC037 |
| In-person practical training: 1 session, 4 hours, at the Saint Lucia campus; 2 full days training at sea | |
| Study period 3: Coxswain Engineering | |
| Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems | MARB027 |
| Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems | MARC038 |
| In-person practical training: 1 session, 4 hours, at the Saint Lucia campus; half day training at sea | |
| Study period 4: Coxswain Navigation | |
| Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres | MARH013 |
| In-person practical training: 1 session, 5 hours, at the Saint Lucia campus; full day trip to Seaworld | |
Careers
You may find employment in the following roles:
- coxswain
- deckhand
- linesperson.
This course meets 2 of the compulsory components to become a coxswain of vessels up to 12 metres long, as required by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA):
- Course completion certificate: Once you complete all components of this course, you will receive a Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal).
- AMSA Mandated Practical Assessment (AMPA): The AMPA is conducted concurrently with the UQ Skills coursework. You will receive your AMPA document along with your course completion certificate.
You will need to include both of these documents with your application to AMSA for the following licences:
AMSA will require additional documents, including:
- Certificate of medical fitness
- A record of sea service
- First Aid Certificate equivalent to HLTAID011: Provide First Aid (included in your maritime course training)
- Radio Operator Certificate (if you do not hold a Radio Operator Certificate, contact boating.diving@uq.edu.au to arrange training).
More details on licensing requirements will be provided upon enrolling with UQ Skills.
Disclaimer
Details are correct at the time of upload and are subject to change. UQ Skills reserves the right to change programs, subjects or costs or to cancel a program based on consideration of student numbers and resource allocation. Ensure that you understand the program, subjects, associated costs and fee liability prior to signing an enrolment form.
