Marine Safety (Low Complexity Duties) Exemption38

AMSA ammended the requirements regarding holding a full Coxswain qualification by introducing the Marine Safety (Low Complexity Duties) Exemption (commonly known as Exemption 38). This is a very popular, low cost entry course to command a commercial vessel as a Coxswain.  This exemption does not require any sea time. It only requires a demonstration of competency for 3 units.  

• MARI003 Comply with regulations to ensure safe operation of a vessel up to 12 metres (or equivalent).
• MARK007 Handle a vessel up to 12 metres (or equivalent).
• MARN008 Apply seamanship skills aboard a vessel up to 12 metres (or equivalent). 

Circumstances where you may use Exemption 38

In a marina or mooring area

At any time (day or night) you may command or operate the engines of a vessel that is:

• Less than 12 metres long.
• Powered by an inboard engine up to 100 kilowatts, or powered by an outboard engine up to 250 kilowatts.

Inland waters, or within 1 nautical mile of a parent vessel

During daylight hours only, you can command or operate the engines of a vessel that is:

• Less than 12 metres long.
• Powered by an inboard engine up to 100 kilowatts, or powered by an outboard engine up to 250 kilowatts.
• If the vessel is a tender or auxiliary – within sight of and capable of communicating with the parent vessel.

In approved water ski areas

During daylight hours only, you can command or operate the engines of a vessel that is:

• Less than 12 metres long.
• Powered by an inboard or outboard engine of up to 500 kilowatts.
• Only used for towing people.

Other areas

If you are not carrying passengers, you can also work in the following places and areas during daylight hours only:

• Smooth waters, including inland waters.
• Any waters within 1 nautical mile from each point of departure and within 1 nautical mile of shore.
• Any waters of an aquaculture lease approved by a state or territory authority and any approved waters used for the daily transit to and from the aquaculture lease for operation under this exemption.
• Any waters within 250 metres of a structure fixed to the shore.
• Sheltered waters within 2 nautical miles from the coast.

In these areas, the vessel must be both of the following:

• Less than 12m long.
• Powered by an inboard engine up to 100 kilowatts, or powered by an outboard engine up to 250 kilowatts.

 To see details of where the certificate applies and the conditions of use please call us at 0412201767

What do I need to do to obtain a Coxswain Exemption 38?

This is probably one of the most common questions we receive. If you found us on the internet then you most likely have that ability to use a computer. That being the case obtaining your Coxswain Exemption 38 is an easy 3 step process.

1. Complete the Coxswain course enrolment and complete online activities and assignments based of the level of knowledge required for the Coxswain EX38. We estimate this will take about 15 hours of pre study.  (Complete the Marine Radio  if required – approx 5 hours).  This stage can be completed anywhere online. (We currently have students studying overseas)
2. Complete a final course written assessment – 1  hour allowed
3. Attend the Coxswain 1 day practical training and assessment for  Boat Handling and Seamanship activities. On successful completion receive your coxswain Exemption 38 documentation.

Our courses are designed for candidates who wish to complete the course in a reasonable time frame suited to individual work and personal situations rather than taking months of part time college attendance. 

The areas of knowledge required of a Coxswain Ex38 include:

• Vessel Survey Categories and areas of operation
• Safety Management Systems
• Manoeuvering a vessel
• Anchoring
• Fight & Extinguish Fires
• Splicing, Knots, Hitches and Seamanship Skills
• Marine Radio operation
• Basic Meteorology and Tidal knowledge
• Basic Vessel Stability
• International Collision Regulations including IALA Buoyage systems
• Environmental Regulations
• Knowledge of Marine Engines