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Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

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

MAR20324

Your experience navigating coastal waters and maintaining small vessel systems is a form of expertise that deserves formal recognition. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to provide a pathway for this maritime qualification. Register your interest to stay informed as we work to bring this recognition pathway to our community.

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About This Qualification

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 andpassing final assessment specified in Marine Order 505. Seafarers seeking certification should check with AMSA.

Qualification Code

MAR20324

Training Package

MAR — Maritime Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate II

Total Units

13 (13 core + 0 elective)

Entry Requirements

No

RPL It Status: Available

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Coxswain Grade 1Commanding and operating a commercial vessel up to 12 metres in length in near coastal waters.
Charter Boat SkipperLeading small-scale tourism or recreational fishing expeditions while ensuring vessel and passenger safety.
Commercial Fishing Vessel OperatorManaging the navigation, engine operations, and seamanship tasks of a small commercial fishing boat.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

This qualification is a core requirement for obtaining an AMSA Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal Certificate of Competency (CoC). Please note that holding the qualification is only one component of the AMSA licensing process.

NationalAustralian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds MAR20324 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review✅
Evidence gathering guidance✅
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Ready to get recognised?

Start with a free skills review to see if your experience aligns with this qualification.

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Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

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A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

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Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

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Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

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If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

⚓

Work History & Roles

  • ✓Comprehensive resume detailing maritime employment
  • ✓Verified sea service logs or AMSA record of service
  • ✓Position descriptions for deckhand or coxswain roles
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Vessel Handling & Navigation

  • ✓Passage plans developed for vessels up to 12 metres
  • ✓Records of vessel handling, including berthing and unberthing
  • ✓Evidence of using nautical charts and navigation instruments
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Engineering & Maintenance

  • ✓Service logs for inboard and outboard propulsion units
  • ✓Maintenance schedules for auxiliary systems
  • ✓Records of basic engine troubleshooting and repairs
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Safety & Survival

  • ✓Participation records for fire-fighting drills on board
  • ✓Documentation of survival craft operations
  • ✓Safety Management System (SMS) compliance records
📜

Compliance & Training

  • ✓Current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate
  • ✓Marine radio operator's certificate (ACMA)
  • ✓Records of environmental work practices and waste management
❓

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

Talk to us

This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

Is this qualification currently available through RPL It?▾
We are currently in the process of establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for the MAR20324 qualification. While we cannot facilitate an application today, registering your interest ensures you are the first to know when the pathway becomes available.
Why should I register my interest?▾
Registering allows us to gauge demand and accelerate the onboarding of RTO partners for this specific maritime qualification. It also ensures you receive updates on evidence requirements and availability directly from our consultants.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?▾
Yes. A qualification achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning is issued by a Registered Training Organisation and carries the same national weight as one earned through classroom study. The only difference is the method of assessment.
What additional requirements does AMSA have for the Coxswain Grade 1 CoC?▾
In addition to this qualification, AMSA typically requires a valid radio operator's certificate, documented qualifying sea service, a medical fitness disclosure, and the successful completion of a final AMSA mandate assessment.
Can my existing sea service logs be used as evidence?▾
Absolutely. Sea service logs are a primary form of evidence for maritime recognition. They demonstrate the practical application of your skills in real-world coastal environments and are essential for mapping your experience to the required units of competency.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?▾
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?▾
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?▾
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?▾
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?▾
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?▾
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

Related Qualifications

Other qualifications in the Maritime Training Package.

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma of Marine Engineering (Class 1)

MAR60120

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma of Maritime Operations (Master Unlimited)

MAR60220

Certificate I

Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal)

MAR10424

Certificate I

Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)

MAR10224

Certificate II

Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Linesperson)

MAR20121

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