Coxswain, Deckhand, and Shipboard Safety Courses
Unlock an Exciting Maritime Career
Marine Training Academy (MTA) offers a range of nationally-recognised courses and qualifications necessary for obtaining an official licence from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to command and operate a commercial marine vessel. These courses and qualifications can lead to your commercial marine licences.
#1
Australia’s premier maritime training provider
22+
Years’ education experience
1000’s
Hours at sea with top trainers & assesors
#30683
Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
TRAIN WITh the BEST
Marine Training Academy
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) accredited provider
Industry connections
Benefit from our industry connections & maritime job network
Flexibile learning
Predominantly online plus essential practical components
Accessible
Practical assessments in locations along the East Coast of Australia
Self paced
Study online at your own pace (no need to take time off work)
Done with the suit and tie? Looking for a career change?
Why not get paid to do what you love and work on the water?
Diverse Opportunities, Exciting Career Paths
The maritime industry offers thousands of unique, challenging, fun, exotic, and well-paying career opportunities that can be pursued part-time or full-time, enabling you to turn your passion into a profitable venture. Imagine yourself in the open air, steering the course of commercial transport vessels, delighting cruise ship passengers, managing fishing charters, overseeing luxurious super yachts, leading dive boat excursions, or taking travellers on scenic tours along Australia’s beautiful coastal shores.
The commercial possibilities are endless:
- Commercial Transport and Shipping
- Port and Harbour Operations
- Cruise Ships
- Commercial Fishing
- Offshore Oil and Gas Industry
- Dive Boats
- Sightseeing Tours
- Marine Conservation and Research
- Maritime Education and Training
- Marine Tourism and Hospitality
- Naval and Military Vessels
- Aquaculture and Mariculture
- Boat and Yacht Charter Operations
- Marine Environmental Management
- Salvage and Towing Operations
- Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Everything you need to become a fully qualified skipper or deckhand and operate commercial maritime vessels safely and effectively
MAR10224 Certificate I in Maritime Operations
(GENERAL PURPOSE HAND)
The General Purpose Deckhand (GPH) qualification is the ideal entry point into commercial maritime. It prepares you for practical work on deck or in the engine room on vessels up to 80 metres, developing essential seamanship, safety awareness, and teamwork skills. GPH builds a solid foundation for employment at sea and future maritime qualifications.
Shipboard Safety Skill Set
(MARSS00008)
The Shipboard Safety Skill Set is an essential requirement for those working on commercial vessels under AMSA regulations. It develops core emergency response skills, including fire response, WHS, survival craft use, and abandonment procedures. This training supports multiple maritime certification pathways and is commonly required across deck, engineering, and command roles.
Marine Radio Operator's VHF and HF Skill Set
(MARSS00010)
This nationally accredited Marine Radio skill set provides essential safety and operational skills for work on commercial vessels across multiple marine sectors. It is also valuable for recreational boaters heading offshore, strengthening emergency readiness and safe boating practices. Whether supporting compliance or improving personal vessel safety, this training is a practical investment on the water.
Coxswain Grade 3
(MARSS00048)
The Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal qualification is a recognised entry point into commercial boating and marine employment. It builds practical skills to operate small commercial vessels in smooth and near-coastal waters, covering vessel operations, basic navigation, and onboard safety. Designed for those starting out or requiring certification, it provides a strong foundation for work on the water.
Coxswain Cert I Grade NC2
MAR10424 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 NC)
The Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal qualification enables you to command and operate commercial vessels under 12 metres in near coastal waters. It covers practical seamanship, vessel handling, safety, and compliance, supporting confident decision-making on the water. This certification is a key pathway for skippers progressing into higher-responsibility commercial roles.
Coxswain Cert II Grade NC1
MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 NC)
The Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal qualification authorises you to command commercial vessels under 12 metres in near coastal waters, with expanded engine allowances. It develops advanced seamanship, vessel handling, safety leadership, and compliance skills for confident command. This qualification supports a wide range of commercial operations and progression to higher command roles.
Master 24
MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations
The Master <24m Near Coastal qualification enables experienced operators to command commercial vessels up to 24 metres in near coastal waters. It develops advanced skills in navigation, vessel operations, safety management, and leadership. This certification supports career progression across a wide range of commercial marine sectors.
Med 3
MAR20424 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 NC)
The MAR20424 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) is a recognised entry point into engine room roles. It builds core skills in engine monitoring, routine maintenance, and compliance for vessels with inboard engines under 500 kW or unlimited outboards. This qualification supports employment across a range of commercial marine operations.
Med 2
MAR30824 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 NC)
The Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal qualification supports progression into higher-responsibility engine room roles. It builds practical skills in engine monitoring, fault-finding, servicing, safety, and compliance for a wider range of commercial vessels. This certification prepares you for real-world work across diverse marine operations.
Your certification source can open doors or close them – train with the best and get a certificate that holds weight in the maritime industry.
The Industry Leader in Online & Practical Training
MTA was the first training provider in Australia to offer this type of training online. Our commercial marine qualifications are delivered through an advanced learning platform, enabling you to complete the theoretical component online at your own pace and from your own home. This is followed by a practical, in-person component at convenient locations across Australia. Both the online and practical hands-on components offered by the academy are second to none, which is a major reason why students choose to study with us.
We have students who fly in from all over Australia to do the practical assessments
About Marine Training Academy (MTA)
Founded on delivering unparalleled training experiences, MTA’s team of dedicated instructors brings to the table a wealth of passion, skill, expertise, and hands-on experience educating students. We take pride in nurturing confident and competent mariners who are well-equipped to excel in every facet of their training.
MTA’s mission is to deliver functional, flexible and highly effective training solutions, empowering the diverse needs of individuals and employers in the marine industry.
We put integrity first, service before self, and strive for excellence in all we do.
We recognise that a commercial marine vessel requires individuals who possess loyalty, respect, selfless service, integrity, and personal courage when it comes to the safety of those in their care and MTA embraces these same core values in our duty to train and educate our students.
- Friendly staff are happy to answer any questions prior to enrolling
- Personalised support and guidance along the way
- Modern vessels and industry-standard equipment
- Access the skills and experience of our Industry Partners
- Stacks of resources to help you start and advance your maritime career
- Start online any time
COURSE GUIDE & INFORMATION KIT
DOWNLOAD GUIDE
For further details about our courses, pricing, duration, entry requirements, dates, and how to enrol, simply download the free course guide information kit.