How to get your Ex38 Certificate of Competency!
I completed my Ex38 COC awhile back and it was an easy and straightforward process. I completed my course through Marine Training Services in Geelong. Cost $500.
Click here:- Commercial and Recreational Marine Courses | Marine Training Services
The online written component took me around 2 hours to complete. I was then booked in for the practical component. Here is a quick outline of what was required:
- We did the practical boat handling component first but that was due to inclement weather closing in.
The boat handling comprised of using their boat to:-
(i) Complete a Figure 8 – self explanatory
(ii) Man overboard drill
– throw a buoy overboard and you are required to complete a turn keeping the buoy(person overboard) in sight
– come along side the buoy and pick it up
(iii) Approach and anchored morning
– approach an anchored mooring
– approach from down wind
– go show and bring the bow along side the mooring
(iv) Deploy an Anchor
– set up to reply anchor
– Face into wind
– deploy anchor
– drift away an confirm anchor is secure by looking for fixed land objects etc
– It is recommended to use a scope of 7:1 ratio i.e for every foot of water depth you should use 7 feet of rope
(v) Dock Boat simulating by having a boat in front and to the rear of your boat.
– approach slowly
– use transverse thrust to bring the stern around and park. Not dissimilar to Farrell parking a vehicle
The person testing will explain each assessment and will also demonstrate it. It was a relaxed training environment and was easy enough to complete. It is beneficial of course if you have boating experience but you get as many goes as needed to pass each task.
The second part of the day was a multiple choice exam. There were 34 questions (from memory).
The assessor will spend 40 minutes or so revising your work book. Pass mark is 70%.
It is advisable to read over your work book prior to attending the day. All questions are derived from this work book. Pay particular notice to the flags and the lights on the boat.
(vi) The last assessment was some tying some knots.
- reef knot
- Bow line
- Round turn 2 half hitches
- Clove hitch
Get on Google and learn to tie them. Not hard and the assessor was very helpful.
You will sign the Medical Declaration on the day and you should have already had your Form AMSA 542 – near Coastal EyeSight Test Certificate completed by your doctor or Optometrist.
I did my eyesight test at SpecSavers and it cost me $74. Some people have been able to get it for free through Medicare but once I gave them the form they wanted me to pay for it.
If you are taking passengers you will also need a current First Aid Certificate – HLTAID011. You can do this online and then do a CPR practical session which takes around 2 hours.
Radio Licence issued by ACMA. This will be required only if the AMSA state you are required to have a radio onboard.
This can be completed online including the practical component.
Cost = $288
There are changes coming for the Ex38 qualification. As of 1st January, 2023 the Ex38 qualification will be phased out and replaced with Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal CoC.
- changes will be to have a 1st Aid Certificate
- Must have a certificate of medical fitness from a doctor
- Can carry no more than 6 persons including master and crew. (Ex02 DCV – only allows 4 pax anyway)
- You don’t need to do a full Ex38 qualification
Check the AMSA website here.
This seems to be making it a little easier and gives some more flexibility!
Any questions get in contact:- info@matesboat.com.au