Testimonials

“Since completing my radio operator, Elements of Shipboard Safety and Coxswain training at the Australian Maritime and Fisheries Academy in 2017, my commercial diving career has taken off. I believe the training has helped to open me up to more opportunities.

My first role since completing the training saw me take on a new job in Townsville, Queensland working for a large marine construction company as a dive support vessel master and diver. This role saw me in command of vessels up to 12m (my Coxswain ticket) and deckhand of offshore utility tug boats up to 35m. I was working up and down the East Coast of Australia as far north as Bamago and south as Gladstone, up and down the Great Barrier Reef and out to the Rowley Shoals out of Broome WA.

Recently I have taken a new role working for another large marine company in a FIFO role in Groote Island NT as a vessel master and diver. This job involves operating and maintaining a 10m support vessel and moving crocodile protection cages as part of a large scale wharf inspection, repair and maintenance campaign.

If you are prepared to travel, there are many opportunities that this training (Coxswain Grade 1) can open up for you.”

Damian, November 2020

“Currently living in South Australia, I saw a business for sale in North Queensland that required a Coxswain. “I decided to complete my Coxswain here in in Port Adelaide because they are great people and very helpful.”

James, November 2022

Doing the Pathway Course was a start of getting me into the crayfishing industry with my dad. I will next be doing my Master <24 to be able to run our boat.

Cameron, November 2022

“Doing the course will help me to one day run the family Crayfishing boat after I get my Master <24.”

Jack, November 2022

Maritime Industry Pathway course (Coxswain Grade 1)

“I enjoyed the course, it was a great experience. Learning how to put out fires on a boat was awesome but the whole course was amazing.”

“The best part of the course was participating in the practicals and learning which extinguishers to use for different fires. We also learnt how to use a flare and life raft.”

“One of the best aspects was the flexibility of the learning” The practicals are really good, this course was great, it was all a great experience.”

“The water training was great, I can’t think of any improvements needed.”

“The way they train you is the best part because you learn so many things. I loved the mix of practicals and theory.”

Connor Smith (MED3 and MED2)

“I had the luxury of having Ian Marks as my trainer, Ian’s style of teaching and his prior experience was very clear and easy to understand.

Ian is patient and goes out of his way to help students that may be struggling. His non-judgemental approach was great as it encouraged students to ask questions which benefitted the whole class.

Ian’s passion for the job is reflected through his teaching, he has had extensive history working with engines and his knowledge is first class. I would recommend the AFA to anyone in this industry as finding a facility like this to train in is a long distance away (Tasmania).

I look forward to returning to the Academy for further study. I am very happy I chose Port Adelaide for study due to the sensational workshop practicals and also having an instructor that really wants to help you.”

Barry Whellum (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)

Hello Team,

I attended and completed the master 24 course held 14th March till 31st March 2023.The course was run by John and his team of Kevin, Andrew, and Luke. The training was delivered in a very professional, understanding, and courteous way. I liked the flexibility of the training with John and his team keeping all of us on the same page with our learnings. They did one on one coaching to help with anyone who needed extra help and were accessible at anytime of the day.

The course itself was well balanced with a variety of classroom and practical to keep it interesting.John and Kevin are very knowledgeable, and with the delivery of the information, made it understandable for everyone. The simulator was a great learning tool with Andrew coaching us all on its ability, was very lifelike. 

Overall, I had a great 3 weeks with my classmates, and learnt a considerable amount from John and his team, in which this will help me in the future.

Interested in learning more?

Visit our contact us page and get in touch with AMFA so we can help you!