MAR20321

Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Get a head start on your career in the maritime industry with this entry-level course. This qualification is the minimum required skills to become a coxswain of commercial vessels up to 12m long.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane North Queensland

WAYS TO STUDY On campus TAFE at School

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 25 Aug 2025 Duration: 4 weeks and 1 day View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Concession

$895

Subsidised

$1,615

Full Fee

$4,505

TAFE at School Full Fee

$3,610

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Embark upon your maritime career with this entry-level qualification. This course will give you the entry-level skills required kick start your career in a number of roles such as coxswain grade 1, linesperson or deckhand.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the marine transport sector is expected to experience growth in the coming years. They anticipate there will be around 2,000 job openings for marine transport professionals over the next five years with around 30 per cent of these roles located in Queensland.

This course is the minimum requirement to operate and maintain auxiliary marine engine systems, plan and navigate a passage, and operate inboard and outboard motors. You'll learn a set of core competencies including survival at sea using a craft, and work health and safety requirements.

Successfully completing this course will allow you to establish a career on the seas. This qualification is a necessary component of your application to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for a certificate of completion as a coxswain grade 1 near coastal.

What can I do?

Coxswain Grade 1
Deckhand/Linesperson

Course outcome:

MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Training vessel

Our 20 metre commercially registered vessel "MV Gwendoline May" is configured to meet the practical requirements of relevant training programs in the maritime industry giving you access to real-world training.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core units listed below.

You will be given up to 16 weeks to complete all MAR20321 Certificate II in Marine Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) assessments (tutorials are available).

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE :
HLTAID011

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.
UNIT NAME
Provide First Aid

UNIT CODE
MARB027

Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE :
MARB027

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to perform basic maintenance and servicing of main propulsion units and auxiliary systems.
UNIT NAME
Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE
MARC037

Operate inboard and outboard motors

UNIT CODE :
MARC037

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate inboard and outboard motors, and to diagnose basic faults.
UNIT NAME
Operate inboard and outboard motors

UNIT CODE
MARC038

Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE :
MARC038

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to safely operate the main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems on a vessel <12 m in length.
UNIT NAME
Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems

UNIT CODE
MARF027

Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

UNIT CODE :
MARF027

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment

UNIT CODE
MARF028

Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

UNIT CODE :
MARF028

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply defined policies and procedures when carrying out fire minimisation procedures and fighting a fire on board a vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel

UNIT CODE
MARF029

Meet work health and safety requirements

UNIT CODE :
MARF029

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to follow defined work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures to ensure the safety of self, others on board and the vessel. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW in waters to the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Meet work health and safety requirements

UNIT CODE
MARF030

Survive at sea using survival craft

UNIT CODE :
MARF030

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to survive at sea using survival craft. This unit applies to people working in the maritime industry in a deck and or engine room capacity on vessels up to 80 m and with propulsion power <3000 kW within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). They could be working independently or as part of a vessel crew.
UNIT NAME
Survive at sea using survival craft

UNIT CODE
MARH013

Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARH013

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to conduct the passage of a vessel up to 12 metres within the 15nautical mile (nm) limit; it includes using the range of equipment found on a vessel to plan and safely conduct the passage.
UNIT NAME
Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres

UNIT CODE
MARI003

Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARI003

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply current Commonwealth, state and territory Acts, legislation, codes of practice and other publications pertaining to the safe operation of a vessel up to 12 m in length.
UNIT NAME
Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres

UNIT CODE
MARJ006

Follow environmental work practices

UNIT CODE :
MARJ006

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify environmental issues and to apply organisational policies and procedures to minimise environmental threats.
UNIT NAME
Follow environmental work practices

UNIT CODE
MARK007

Handle a vessel up to 12 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARK007

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to manoeuvre a vessel up to 12 metres in length. This includes the ability to berth, moor, anchor and manoeuvre a vessel during emergencies.
UNIT NAME
Handle a vessel up to 12 metres

UNIT CODE
MARN008

Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres

UNIT CODE :
MARN008

Unit description :
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to apply practical seamanship skills and techniques as part of work duties aboard a vessel up to12 m in length.
UNIT NAME
Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	25 Aug 2025	4 weeks and 1 day	Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm plus First Aid	Concession: $895 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $1,615 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $4,505 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 25 Aug 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 weeks and 1 day The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm plus First Aid The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $895 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $1,615 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $4,505 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	17 Nov 2025	4 weeks	Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm plus First Aid	Concession: $895 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $1,615 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $4,505 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 17 Nov 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 weeks The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm plus First Aid The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Concession: $895 Fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students. Learn more Subsidised: $1,615 There are a range of government funded courses available for eligible students. Learn more Full fee: $4,505 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choose your study location

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

On Campus

You'll learn face to face with a teacher in a classroom or simulated workplace environment. You may access learning materials through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Alexandra Hills	On Campus	02 Feb 2026	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,610 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Alexandra Hills On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 02 Feb 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,610 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	4 terms	Part time block training scheduled on enrolment	TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,610 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time block training scheduled on enrolment The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,610 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College	On Campus	27 Jan 2026	4 terms	Part time 1 day per week	TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,610 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. More Apply
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College On Campus Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 0% On Campus Time 100% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 4 terms The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time 1 day per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY TAFE at School Full Fee: $3,610 This is the total course fee for High School students also studying at TAFE. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

Choosing to study a TAFE at School course is a great way to get a vocational qualification while you’re still in high school. You also gain valuable credits towards your QCE, an apprenticeship, a diploma or university.
TAFE at School gives you a taste of what higher education is all about, makes you work-ready, and helps you build practical skills in an adult-learning environment. Successful completion of a TAFE at School qualification gives you direct entry into any of our diploma courses. Learn more

You must be a Year 11 or 12 student enrolled at a participating high school, in some instances Year 10 students may be considered. In addition, the duration of your TAFE at School course cannot be longer than your remaining high school studies. Speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor for more information.

Course placements are subject to availability.

QCE points: up to 4

Information is current at time of publishing, to confirm the QCE points for your course please speak to your high school guidance counsellor or careers advisor, or visit the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) website.

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Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) (MAR20321)

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Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

COURSE CODE: MAR20321

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 2 in English, 2 in Maths and 2 in Digital Technology.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Selection criteria

It is highly recommended that you:-

are aged 16 years or older by the course commencement date; and
have successfully completed Year 10 (or equivalent) with sound achievement in English and Mathematics; or
are of mature age

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network. It is also recommended that you have access to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Guidance Notes.

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes.
For Elements of Shipboard Safety this includes having access to and wearing appropriate attire including:

non synthetic/flammable clothing
safety glasses (supplied)
enclosed shoes

You will not be permitted to attend any classes without appropriate footwear.

For wet drills you also require:

clothes to get wet in (similar to work clothes, but no wet suits)
a second set of clothes (to change into)
swimmers
a towel
sunscreen
hat

For fire drills you require:

a long sleeve shirt
long pants
sunglasses
enclosed shoes

You are also required to bring your own:

Navigation instruments (Parallel Ruler, Technical Drawing Compass and Dividers - these are required for chart work)
calculator (not a mobile phone)
2B pencils
eraser
notebook
pens

Important information

The First Aid unit is not delivered during the four week course. For students requiring this unit, please contact Client Services on 1300 308 233 for course dates. A student who does not have the required First Aid unit at the completion of their course will not be eligible for their qualification. If you have already completed the First Aid unit you must provide a current academic transcript to show you have completed the required unit.

Maritime licensing requirements
Upon successful completion of MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Grade 1 Near Coastal) and meeting all Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements you may apply to AMSA for a Certificate of Competency Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal.
Please visit the AMSA website for information.

Licensing / Regulatory information
Please refer to MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

You will be required to undertake a range of physical activities such as:

swimming in a group for a minimum of 50 metres
swimming in a life jacket for a minimum of 50 metres
towing with a life jacket for a minimum of 25 metres
remaining afloat without a life jacket for at least 5 minutes.
boarding a life raft unassisted while wearing a life jacket and assisting others to board
jumping safely from a height into the water while wearing a life jacket

Greater Brisbane
Practical training and assessment will be undertaken at the TAFE Qld 'Boat Shed' facility at Reserve Esplanade, Wellington Point - Waterfront.

Transition statement

This qualification has been replaced by MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) as of 21 November 2024. A transition period applies to enable current students to complete their study. The transition period finishes on 20 November 2025. Students who have not fully completed this qualification prior to this date will be transitioned into the replacement qualification.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

Embark upon a maritime career with this entry level qualification. This course is perfect for an anyone who wants to upgrade their qualification and grow their career as marine transport professionals.

Careers

Master (Vessels up to 24 metres)
Marina Hand, Master (Inland Waters)

Next Start : 28 Jul 2025

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Embark upon an exciting career in the maritime industry. This course will provide you with the practical skills to act as a Chief Engineer on a vessel with propulsion power up to 750kW or Second Engineer on a vessel with an inboard engine with propulsion power up to 1500kW.

Careers

Second Engineer (Vessels up to 1500kW)
Chief Engineer (Vessels up to 750kW)
Chief Engineer (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Next Start : 21 Jul 2025

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal)

Take the next step in your career and enhance your expertise as a maritime seafarer. This course will equip you with specialised skills and knowledge to be a Master on vessels up to 45 metres in length.

Careers

Ship's Master
Master less than 45 metres Near Coastal, as defined by Marine Order 505

Next Start : 08 Sep 2025

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Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Training vessel

Core units

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Alexandra Hills

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Great Barrier Reef International Marine College

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

Entry requirements

Skills check

Selection criteria

Resources required

Important information

Transition statement

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

Careers

Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)

Careers

Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Master up to 45 metres Near Coastal)

Careers