Command vessels less than 12 metres long

Become a Coxswain in the small vessel sector, working across commercial workboats, fisheries, fishing, tourism and aquaculture.

The SM TAFE Fremantle campus offers advanced maritime training facilities and experienced industry lecturers. Training is delivered onboard three commercial vessels, giving you practical, real-world experience in vessel handling, navigation, and onboard operations. Through hands-on learning in authentic operational environments, you will develop job-ready skills aligned with current industry standards and commercial practice.

Coxswain's can gain employment in the small vessel sector in commercial workboats, fisheries, fishing, tourism and aquaculture.

This qualification is suitable for people who want to command and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 metres long with unlimited outboard engine propulsion, or inboard engines less than 500 kilowatts. 

• In inshore waters (refer to National Standard for Commercial Vessels Part B—General requirements) or designated waters (under state or territory waterway management legislation).
• As a tender or auxiliary vessel operating within 3 nautical miles of a parent vessel within the exclusive economic zone.

Gain these skills

• perform basic servicing and maintenance of main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
• operate inboard and outboard motors
• operate main propulsion unit and auxiliary systems
• apply basic survival skills in the event of vessel abandonment
• follow procedures to minimise and fight fires on board a vessel
• survive at sea using survival craft
• follow environmental work practices
• plan and navigate a passage for a vessel up to 12 metres
• apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres