Coxswain
Navigate and steer small commercial vessels.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
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5-year projection
Salary
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Typical salary
Job satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
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Typical salary
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Job satisfaction
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What's it like to be a Coxswain?
A Coxswain is responsible for navigating and steering small commercial vessels within 15 nautical miles of the coast. As the crew leader on the vessel, they’re responsible for supervising everyone aboard.
Tasks and duties
- Steer and manoeuvre small vessels.
- Plan for weather and consult authorities before embarking on a voyage.
- Supervise and give instructions to the crew.
- Communicate updates and safety information to passengers.
- Maintain logbooks.
- Transmit navigational information by telephone or marine radio.
- Moor and unmoor vessels.
- Use navigational tools and techniques.
- Maintain, troubleshoot and repair vessel issues, including pump systems, diesel engines and propulsion systems.
- Respond to and manage emergency situations.
Hi there,
Want to explore jobs picked just for you?How to become a Coxswain
To become a coxswain, you’ll need to be accredited by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
- 1.Obtain a Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) through TAFE or a registered training organisation and gain accreditation with AMSA.
- 2.Alternatively, you can also complete a Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal) traineeship. This traineeship takes approximately 6 months to complete, and is also available as a school-based traineeship for people 16 years and over.
- 3.If you have enough navigation experience, you can complete a Certificate of Competency (Coxswain) from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). This involves completion of the AMSA approved qualification and specified sea time. You will generally need to have completed year 10 to apply.
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Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Coxswain employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Coxswain reviews
4.0Aug 2019
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
vessel operator
The good things
love working on the water and being my own boss when operating a vessel
The challenges
weather,tide,responsablity of other people on board
Read more
4.0May 2021
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain)
Experience
1 – 4 years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Ferry service
The good things
Being the master of a vessel with customer safety in your hands, being able to communicate tourism aspects of the waterways
The challenges
Some particular vessels are difficult to command in adverse conditions working as a single crew member
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through seek.com.au
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