
Courses for beginners
There are 4 courses available in Cairns Queensland for beginner learners with no prior experience or qualifications.
Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.



Follow Vessel Security Procedures (Security Awareness Training)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Survive at Sea in the Event of Vessel Abandonment and Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Safety Training Certification Skill Set
- There are no mandated entry requirements.

Courses for experienced learners
There are no courses available in Cairns Queensland for experienced learners with prior experience or qualifications.
Key questions
How can I become a coxswain?
To become a coxswain in Cairns, you may want to consider completing the Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal). This qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in this industry.
Are there training providers in Cairns?
You can train to become a coxswain by completing a qualification with TAFE NSW or TAFE Queensland. Find a course provider near you. Once you make an enquiry, a course advisor will get in touch to discuss your study options and course fees.
What study modes are available?
There are several campuses within the Cairns area that provide coxswain training. The nearest campus is located right in the center of Cairns. You can also study a coxswain course through online, traineeship learning. Find a course provider that best suits your study needs.
Related occupations
Explore related occupations in the coxswain sector.
General Purpose Hand
A General Purpose Hand performs various duties on a marine vessel, assisting passengers, managing cargo, cleaning, and conducting safety checks.
Second Engineer
A Second Engineer repairs and maintains equipment on a vessel, handling mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems while ensuring smooth operations.
Chief Cook
A Chief Cook prepares meals on a vessel, ensuring ingredient availability, hygiene, and special dietary needs while managing tasks efficiently.
Sea Captain
A Sea Captain navigates and manages a vessel, ensuring safety and leadership while transporting passengers or cargo and communicating with the crew.
Chief Engineer
A Chief Engineer oversees machinery maintenance, designs equipment, supervises teams, and requires strong analytical and leadership skills.
Marine Mechanic
A Marine Mechanic repairs boats and maritime equipment, specialising in engines and systems while demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Marine Engineer
A Marine Engineer maintains and repairs shipping equipment, working on various vessel systems and ensuring effective operation through servicing and problem-solving.
Boat Builder
A Boat Builder constructs and repairs maritime vessels, customising designs to client specifications and specialising in areas like interiors or masts.
Shipwright
A Shipwright builds and repairs ships, requiring strong technical skills, attention to detail, and teamwork to meet customer needs.
Assistant Shipwright
An Assistant Shipwright aids in constructing and maintaining vessels, following instructions and working in teams while ensuring attention to detail.
Engineer Watchkeeper
An Engineer Watchkeeper ensures the effective operation and maintenance of ship machinery, requiring technical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication.
Marine Surveyor
A Marine Surveyor inspects vessels for safety compliance, prepares reports, and conducts scheduled checks, requiring attention to detail, organisation, and strong communication skills.
Master Mariner
A Master Mariner is responsible for navigating and operating a large ship, ensuring the safety of crew and passengers while complying with regulations and communicating effectively with authorities.
Watchkeeper Deck Officer
A Watchkeeper Deck Officer oversees navigation, supervises cargo loading, liaises with the captain, manages equipment, and communicates with crew and passengers.
Deckhand
A Deckhand performs cleaning, maintenance, cargo handling, mooring, and safety patrols on a ship, requiring physical fitness, teamwork, and strict adherence to safety procedures.
Ship Mate
A Ship Mate assists with navigation, supervises crew, manages cargo, and ensures safety aboard vessels, requiring strong awareness and problem-solving skills.
Ship Master
A Ship Master oversees vessel operations, navigation, crew coordination, and regulation compliance, requiring strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Naval Architect
A Naval Architect designs ships and marine vessels, developing innovative solutions, meeting client needs, and adapting skills for varied projects.
More about coxswain courses in Cairns
For those interested in maritime careers, enrolling in Coxswain courses in Cairns is an essential step. These courses provide the necessary knowledge and skills to operate boats safely and efficiently, preparing students for a range of exciting roles within the marine industry. Cairns, with its extensive ocean access and vibrant marine culture, serves as an ideal location for training aspiring coxswains. The program focuses on practical learning, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience that is invaluable in the real world.
One of the leading training providers offering Coxswain courses in the Cairns area is TAFE Queensland. Known for its high-quality training and recognition within the industry, TAFE Queensland equips students with essential skills in navigation, seamanship, and vessel operations. By choosing TAFE Queensland, you will be learning from experienced instructors, providing a solid foundation for your future maritime career.
In addition to Coxswain training, the Cairns area presents various related job opportunities for those who complete their studies. Graduates may choose to explore roles such as a General Purpose Hand, where they assist with various tasks aboard vessels, or advance to a position as a Second Engineer, managing engine room operations. For those interested in culinary roles, the position of Chief Cook is also available, providing opportunities to work aboard ships, yachts, or ferries.
With thriving marine tourism and the commercial fishing industry in Cairns, positions such as Sea Captain and Chief Engineer are also within reach for those who further their education. Additionally, individuals may consider specialized roles like Marine Mechanic, Marine Engineer, or even Boat Builder or Shipwright for those interested in the craftsmanship and repair side of the marine industry.
Embarking on a career in the maritime field can be truly rewarding, especially in a picturesque location like Cairns. By enrolling in one of the available Coxswain courses in Cairns, you can take the first step towards a fulfilling career on the water. With leading training providers such as TAFE Queensland and a wealth of job opportunities in various maritime roles, your future in the marine industry awaits.
Further reading


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14th September 2021