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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 20 days. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability:Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 2026.
Online Application: This course is not available for online application. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: Currently not available as either an apprenticeship or traineeship.
This qualification applies to people working in the maritime industry seeking an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) certificate of competency of Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal.
Duties and Functions:
Duties and functions for which AMSA certificate of competency is required are listed in the MAR Maritime Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
This qualification is required to obtain an AMSA certificate of competency as a Coxswain Grade 1 NC as specified in Marine Order 505.
AMSA certification will require:
- achieving MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal),
- short range operator Certificate of Proficiency issued by ACMA (or higher qualification),
- qualifying sea service as specified in Marine Order 505,
- meeting the medical requirements specified in the Marine Order 505, and
- passing final assessment specified in Marine Order 505
Seafarers seeking certificates should check with AMSA.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Casuarina Remote |
| Duration | 20 Days *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Term 1: March 2, 2026 Term 2: May 5, 2026 Term 3: August 4, 2026 Term 4: October 12, 2026 *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm |
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Ferry coxswain
- Fishing tour guide
- Sea ranger
- Crew boat coxswain
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $6,559.75 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) a total of thirteen (13) core units of competency as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 493.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid (credit transfer only) | 18 |
| MARB027 | Perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems | 40 |
| MARC037 | Operate inboard and outboard motors | 35 |
| MARC038 | Operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems | 30 |
| MARF028 | Follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel | 30 |
| MARF029 | Meet work health and safety requirements | 30 |
| MARF030 | Survive at sea using survival craft | 15 |
| MARF060 | Apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment | 35 |
| MARH013 | Plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres | 50 |
| MARI003 | Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres | 40 |
| MARJ006 | Follow environmental work practices | 35 |
| MARK007 | Handle a vessel up to 12 metres | 80 |
| MARN008 | Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres | 55 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 493 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 493 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 near Coastal), it is a CDU recommendation that students have completed at least half of the applicable qualifying sea service before commencing.
Qualifying sea service for application of licence:
- 30 days with a completed and approved Task Book, i.e. 15 days for entry to course
- 150 days without a completed and approved Task Book, i.e. 75 days for entry to course
A suitable record of sea time already obtained is to be recorded in the student-s file, i.e. an approved record book or statutory declaration from vessel skipper/s.
Students must hold a current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid).
Required Resources
Students are issued with learner guides and course materials during face-to-face training.
All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student
All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the MAR Maritime Training Package
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Casuarina, Remote
Study Mode: On campus
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
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You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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