Australia has a strong boating culture, with thousands of people enjoying its vast waterways for recreation and commercial activities. Whether you’re looking to operate a commercial vessel or simply enjoy a weekend on the water, obtaining the appropriate certification is essential.
Two of the most common boating qualifications in Australia are the Coxswain Ticket and the Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST). At first glance, they may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes.
If you’re considering getting certified, understanding the key difference between skippers ticket and coxswain ticket is crucial. This article explores the requirements, limitations, and benefits of each certification, helping you decide which one is right for you.
The Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) is the minimum certification required to operate a recreational boat with a motor greater than 6 horsepower (4.5 kW) in Western Australia. It ensures that skippers have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a vessel safely.
The RST is essential for:
✔️ Individuals operating a powerboat for leisure
✔️ People using boats for fishing, watersports, or personal travel
✔️ Anyone using a vessel with a motor above 6hp in WA
To get an RST, you must:
1️⃣ Study the RST Handbook – Covers navigation, safety rules, and emergency procedures.
2️⃣ Pass a Theory Test – A multiple-choice exam on boating safety and regulations.
3️⃣ Complete a Practical Assessment – Demonstrates your ability to launch, moor, navigate, and handle emergencies.
✅ At Sea Safe Boat School, we offer comprehensive RST courses to help you gain certification quickly and confidently.
Also read: Why Enrol in Boat Handling Training
A Coxswain Ticket is a commercial qualification that allows individuals to operate certain commercial vessels in Australian waters. It is issued by AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) and is necessary for those working in tourism, fishing, marine transport, and other commercial boating industries.
The Coxswain Ticket is required for:
✔️ Charter boat operators
✔️ Fishing industry workers
✔️ Ferry and transport vessel operators
✔️ Marine construction and support roles
There are two main levels of Coxswain certification:
🔹 Coxswain Grade 2 NC (Near Coastal):
🔹 Coxswain Grade 1 NC:
To qualify for a Coxswain Ticket, you must:
1️⃣ Complete AMSA-Approved Training – Enrol in a registered training organisation.
2️⃣ Gain Sea Time Experience – Log a required number of sea service days.
3️⃣ Pass an AMSA Assessment – Includes navigation, vessel maintenance, and emergency procedures.
4️⃣ Obtain a Medical Certificate – To ensure fitness for commercial boating operations.
| Feature | Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) | Coxswain Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Recreational boating only | Commercial vessel operations |
| Legal Requirement | Mandatory for vessels with motors >6hp | Required for commercial vessel operators |
| Age Requirement | 14+ (restrictions for under 16) | 16+ |
| Training | No formal training required | Formal training + sea time |
| Validity | Lifetime (no renewal needed) | Requires renewal + medical check-ups |
| Authority | State maritime authorities | AMSA |
💡 Which one is right for you?
🚨 Insurance Issues
🚨 Safety Risks
📌 Example Case Study: A boat operator in WA was fined heavily for running a commercial fishing vessel with only an RST. Ensuring you have the right ticket prevents such issues.
Choosing the right certification is essential for safe and legal boating.
Mike Watson, chef instructor of Sea Safe Boat School, has over 35 years of sea-going experience. Starting his maritime journey at 15 in Grimsby, England, he's sailed locations like Iceland and Greenland. Certified as a Master-5 Trainer, Mike is now dedicated to offering courses to those pursuing their recreational skippers ticket in Perth.
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