Certificate III in Maritime Operations | Coxswain Grade 2
Work on the water — not beside it. Operate vessels commercially and build a career that takes you places.
Already considering transport, outdoor work, or a career that's active and varied?
Maritime operations puts all of that on the water. Instead of driving a vehicle on roads, you're navigating a vessel across bays, rivers, and coastal waters. The same principles — safety, responsibility, route planning, passenger care — apply, but the workplace is Port Phillip Bay on a clear morning. It's also a structured, licensed profession with clear progression from Coxswain right up to Master.
What is Maritime Operations?
Maritime Operations qualifications train you to operate vessels commercially — from small harbour craft up to vessels 24 metres in length. Qualified operators work on ferries, water taxis, charter boats, research vessels, patrol craft, and tourist operations across Victoria's coast and waterways.
What will you actually do?
- Operate commercial vessels safely in coastal and near-coastal waters
- Navigate using charts, GPS, and electronic navigation systems
- Manage passenger safety and emergency procedures onboard
- Maintain logbooks and meet AMSA regulatory requirements
- Work across a wide range of vessels and operations — no two days are the same
- Progress from Coxswain Grade 2 through to Master Class 5 as you gain experience
Why choose this trade?
- Work outdoors, on the water, every single day
- Structured licence progression — clear pathway from Coxswain to Master Class 5 and beyond
- Roles in tourism, environmental monitoring, government, and private charter sectors
- Victoria's coast, Port Phillip Bay, and inland waterways create strong local demand
- Maritime licences are recognised internationally
What Can You Earn?
APPROXIMATE EARNINGS BY EXPERIENCE LEVEL
| Level | Approx. Weekly Pay | Approx. Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Coxswain (entry) | ~$900–$1,100/week | ~$47,000–$57,000 |
| Experienced operator | ~$1,100–$1,400/week | ~$57,000–$73,000 |
Qualified: $55,000 – $85,000+ per year
Source: Jora & SEEK 2025–26. Average salary for Vessel Master roles in Australia is approximately $87,500/year. Senior masters on specialist operations can earn above $95,000.
Two Entry Pathways
START HERE — Coxswain Grade 2
The Coxswain Grade 2 licence qualifies you to operate smaller commercial vessels and is the typical first step.
| Qualification: | Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal) |
| Provider: | TAFE Gippsland |
Not sure yet? Come to an Immersion Day first.
Get a real behind-the-scenes look at the industry before you commit to anything. Meet the tradespeople, see the work up close, and find out if this is the right path for you.
NEXT LEVEL — Master up to 24 Metres
Once you have your Coxswain licence and experience, the Certificate III opens the door to larger commercial operations.
| Qualification: | Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24m Near Coastal — Master Class 5) |
| Provider: | TAFE Gippsland |
Is this trade for me?
- You love being on the water and want it to be your actual workplace
- You're comfortable outdoors in all weather conditions
- You have strong situational awareness and take safety seriously
- You want genuine variety — no two days are identical on the water
For parents: Maritime qualifications are government-regulated and nationally recognised by AMSA. Structured licence system with clear career progression and steady demand across Victoria's waterways.
Thinking about a career in Maritime Operations?
We'll help you understand your options, find the right employer, and get connected with the right training provider — at no cost to you.
Contact Boating Careers — we'll put you in touch
Already decided? Go straight to the course details:
View courses at TAFE Gippsland →A 2-day taste of life as a marine technician
Hands-on training at the Mercury Marine facility, delivered by OEDA in partnership with Australia's leading outboard brands. Perfect for students considering a trade or weighing up their next step.