Australian Boating College Sydney
We’re a local Aussie business run and owned by Adam Smith, who has been part of the ABC family since 2007.
If you’re looking for a NSW Boat Licence or Boat & PWC/Jetski Licences, ABC Sydney can get them done for you in a quick and professional manner.
Here are some key facts about ABC Sydney:
That’s 2,500 students a year!
No additional fees for further attempts!
Our training presentation and on-water section can’t be beat!
Each are passionate about passing on their skills!
We work together to help you out!
We’re endorsed by the Australian Government!
TfNSW-Maritime trusts us to do your practical boating experience!
There are too many students for just one!
5-Star Service and Ratings
How We Work
At the Australian Boating College in Sydney, we are serious about our service!
Whether you’re a first-time boater with no boating skill, or you have concerns about being back in a classroom years after graduation, ABC Sydney will always provide a top-notch experience, tailored for every individual.
We’ve delivered training for amputees, people with learning disabilities, young children, and some very brave eighty-year-olds.
Quality is at the forefront of all our training, and we absolutely want your Licence course to be so good, that you make it our next five-star review!
If you have any questions, get in touch on our Contact page.
ABC made the process so easy! Passing the 65 questions for boat+PWC licence was like 2x2 after the course. When I came to Service NSW today they were truly surprised that I had all the papers, photos and filled forms ready in one folder. They actually asked me where I did the course, so they could suggest using it to others. Didn't need to do anything - just to spend a nice and well planned day with ABC. Highly recommended!
If you are looking to get your boat license the best place to go to is ABC boating course. I did my my boating course yesterday and the instructors listened to you and taught you very well about boating. I set of at 9 in the morning we first learned how to properly anchor and then we did slow turning paterns like turning in a 8 shape while in forward and reverse. After that we did man over board drills were you drive the boat and the instructor throws out a floating thing and calls man overboard then you have to successfully come up beside the thing in the water and the instructor will pick it up. Now we get to the faster stuff you will be driving the boat at about 20 to 25 knots so about 40 to 55 kph. Then the classroom they will sit you down there are 3 section that each go for about an hour with breaks in between. They will teach you everything you need to know for the test. Now the test they will give you a 2 codes and a ipad the first code is for the first attempt and the second is for the second attempt if you need it. during the test there 50 questions broken up in the 2 sections section A and section B in section A there in 30 questions and in B there is 20 in section A you can get 6 wrong and in section B you can get none wrong. if you need help during the test you can ask one of the instructors to give you a hint. Overall had a great time and definitely recommend.
Did my PWC licence with ABC boating School, Sydney, at Hawkesbury and overall had a really fab experience. The instructors PAUL and ADAM were friendly, patient and explained things well. There is definitely a lot to take in on the navigation and rules side, but they break it down in a way that makes sense.
Honestly, I think once you’re out on the water, getting experience is the best way to really lock it all in. The practical side helped a lot and I felt comfortable by the end of it. Everything was organised and ran smoothly.
Would recommend ABC Boat School if you’re thinking of getting your licence.
Last but needs to be the first- A BIG shout-out to JUSTIN in the backend office — hands down, a smooth operator. Absolute legend keeping things moving, behind the scenes.
Thanks ADAM for the last-minute tips and the recommendations on good spots for first-timers in NSW — really helpful. 👍
Honestly, I think once you’re out on the water, getting experience is the best way to really lock it all in. The practical side helped a lot and I felt comfortable by the end of it. Everything was organised and ran smoothly.
Would recommend ABC Boat School if you’re thinking of getting your licence.
Last but needs to be the first- A BIG shout-out to JUSTIN in the backend office — hands down, a smooth operator. Absolute legend keeping things moving, behind the scenes.
Thanks ADAM for the last-minute tips and the recommendations on good spots for first-timers in NSW — really helpful. 👍
I found the boating course a very positive experience. Throughout my career I have undertaken a lot of training programs and found this one to be of a high standard, providing key learnings particularly around safety.
Ron was a very clear communication, had a friendly and open approach but did not compromise on the standard required from the applicants.
Overall I would highly recommend to any perspective applicant. Apart from that the 2.5 hr practical on s beautiful Sydney morning on the water was a bonus.
Ron was a very clear communication, had a friendly and open approach but did not compromise on the standard required from the applicants.
Overall I would highly recommend to any perspective applicant. Apart from that the 2.5 hr practical on s beautiful Sydney morning on the water was a bonus.
Highly recommended these guys if you’re not sure which way to go to get your boat license! It was such a fun stress free day to do everything in one day without the hassle of needing to fill out a logbook.
They teach you everything you need to know which just makes you feel so much more confident being on the water you’re not left unsure! They really explained everything in detail and the classroom theory was so in depth that by the time you do the test it’s a breeze!
Cannot recommend these guys enough they’re brilliant!⭐️
They teach you everything you need to know which just makes you feel so much more confident being on the water you’re not left unsure! They really explained everything in detail and the classroom theory was so in depth that by the time you do the test it’s a breeze!
Cannot recommend these guys enough they’re brilliant!⭐️
The instructors were not only incredibly informative but also managed to make the entire day fun and engaging. They explained everything clearly, answered all questions with patience, and ensured everyone felt confident before moving on to the next step.
The balance between practical training and theory was spot-on, and their real-world tips were super helpful. You can tell they genuinely care about safety and making sure you leave the course feeling prepared.
Highly recommend this course to anyone looking to get their license. It was professional, enjoyable, and a great day overall!
The balance between practical training and theory was spot-on, and their real-world tips were super helpful. You can tell they genuinely care about safety and making sure you leave the course feeling prepared.
Highly recommend this course to anyone looking to get their license. It was professional, enjoyable, and a great day overall!
My 12 year old son just completed the boat licence course. He had Todd as his instructor for the practical and theory.
He had a great time on the boat and really enjoyed the learning component. He was so good with my son and put me at ease.
He found it really enjoyable, had a great day, learned a lot and ended up most importantly passing the test.
Would highly recommend to anyone interested. The booking process was so easy and communication was fantastic.
He had a great time on the boat and really enjoyed the learning component. He was so good with my son and put me at ease.
He found it really enjoyable, had a great day, learned a lot and ended up most importantly passing the test.
Would highly recommend to anyone interested. The booking process was so easy and communication was fantastic.
In the classroom the instructor was very knowledgeable and made the sessions entertaining and informative. On the water the boat was of high standard and the learning was fun. Thanks for making this an overall great experience.
Very well run training! My son is only 12 and struggles with anxiety. Adam was aware of this and made every effort to cater for his needs and was very supportive. I already have a boat drivers license but I did the course as well and learnt so much that I really feel much more confident on the water knowing my passengers and me are safer with all the knowledge needed to respond in the right way if a situation arose. I’ve now signed up for the VHF radio course. Thanks 🙏 Andy
The training was one of the best I've been to. The instructor delivered the course content in a clear, calm, and friendly manner. Well paced course keeping it informative and engaging with the instructor being supportive from start to end. Highly recommend anyone thinking of getting their boat licence to go with ABC. 5 stars.
Communication was clear and timely. Training material was well presented for pre-reading as well as during the in person session. Start and finish time was on time. Facilities both, the boat and the classroom was perfect. Adam is very knowledgeable, affable, clear and patient both on and off the water. Would highly recommend ABC for their courses. ABC came recommended to me by a previous student and both my husband and I were not disappointed. Sign up if you are thinking about it.
Adam Smith was absolutely phenomenal. An absolutely brilliant boat driving instructor. Took complex boating terms and explained them in a way that was clear, simple, and easy to remember. Everyone in our group — over 10 people — passed thanks to his guidance. Highly recommend!
Very well delivered course. Instructor was great, calm and clear with instructions and direction. Would recommend anyone who wants their license to use ABC.
Absolutely unreal course with unreal instructors. Adam was super professional and explained everything that was needed and then some. Answered any and all questions we had, even if they weren’t directly related to the course. Will be back for a 1 on 1 and Radio course.
Thanks very much for a very well presented and clear manual and instructions and subsequent face to face lecture with Pete my instructor and examiner. We finished the course with practical boat handling at Gosford Brisbane waters. I highly recommend ABC Sydney for a boat licence (skipper's Licence). Once again thank you.
An engaging instructor who provides comprehensive training in practical knowledge, demonstrating a deep understanding of effective training methods. Highly proficient in practical assessments.👍
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I had a fantastic experience with Australian Boating College Sydney while completing my Boat Licence Course at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Newport. The setting in the courtyard was great, but what really made the day exceptional was our instructor, Phil.
Phil’s knowledge, patience, and clear way of explaining everything made both the theory and practical components easy to understand. He kept the session engaging and ensured everyone felt confident before moving on to the practical assessment. Out on the water, he was just as professional, providing great guidance while making sure we were comfortable and safe.
If you’re looking to get your boat licence, I highly recommend ABC Sydney—especially with Phil as your instructor!
I had a fantastic experience with Australian Boating College Sydney while completing my Boat Licence Course at the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Newport. The setting in the courtyard was great, but what really made the day exceptional was our instructor, Phil.
Phil’s knowledge, patience, and clear way of explaining everything made both the theory and practical components easy to understand. He kept the session engaging and ensured everyone felt confident before moving on to the practical assessment. Out on the water, he was just as professional, providing great guidance while making sure we were comfortable and safe.
If you’re looking to get your boat licence, I highly recommend ABC Sydney—especially with Phil as your instructor!
Great place to get your boating license started. Great and helpful instructors, hands on boating in a good boat, very clear and informative theory, all topped up with some good humor. Highly recommend. And I am off to Service NSW for my license
I completed the NSW Boat Licence program today and it was invaluable in helping me fully understand all the requirements for safe boating The practical part of the course was amazing and really helped build my skills. The instructor Phil was a true expert and answered and discussed all aspects in simple practical language that helped cement the requirements in my knowledge. I give this experience 10/10!
Great day with ABC getting my boat and PWC licence all in a day. The practical component was a lot of fun and great a confidence building while also preparing us for the knowledge in the afternoon. It was a big day but worth it. Thank you to the whole team!
Just finished and had an amazing experience with ABC Boating. The course was incredibly well-structured and informative, combining practical experience on the boat with navigation training, all in one day. I was able to complete both my PWC and boat licences, which was super convenient. The price is very reasonable, especially considering the focus on safety and the expert knowledge shared throughout the session. After the practical, we went through the theory in a straightforward and easy to follow manner, ensuring we fully understood the content. Big shoutout to the team at ABC Boating for their professionalism and dedication. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to get their licences or improve their boating skills. Fantastic job. Thank you Todd and Adam
The practical part of the course was a great learning experience and fun with Steve. The theory part was efficient and effective. Steve and Adam are highly knowledgeable and helpful with a friendly and professional manner. Thank you
Steve & Todd great instructors, they show amazing enthusiasm to your learning and have a want for you to pass
My 14 year old daughter and I did the course today and Todd and Phil were excellent. We had Todd for the practical part and he was great at teaching us how the boat works and safety on the harbour. He pointed out things we should now and emphasised things that are always on the test to help us pass. The theory part of the day also helped to reinforce the knowledge we had learnt all to help us pass the test which we both did. Thank you! I would definitely recommend ABC Boating, they were great and made it a fun day!
Learned a lot also had fun, especially thankful to both coatches paid extra patience and support to English as 2nd language learner. Recommend to all.
What a fantastic course! A jam packed day of learning started with the practical experience exercises which I was very nervous about. Adam was really clear and encouraging and gave me the confidence to complete the assigned tasks. The classroom segment conducted by Todd was thorough and really reinforced the critical concepts. Very pleased to have passed with full marks - I don’t think I could have achieved this without the very structured training provided. Thanks to both Adam and Todd for an excellent day and for helping with other boat related queries.
Meet the ABC Sydney Team
We’re a small crew aboard the ABC Sydney ship, and have a handful of the highest quality trainers to help you get your Boat or Jet Ski Licence with the minimum of fuss.
Feel free to ask us questions during your training – if it’s boat related, we probably know about it!
Adam Smith
Owner Operator
John Naughton
Senior Instructor
Steve Ellis
Senior Instructor
Phil Dunn
Instructor
Justin Robinson
Digital Strategist
Our RTO
Australian Boating College Sydney Pty.Ltd. ABN: 51 121 862 048 is an authorised Nominated Representative of ABC Licence Training Pty.Ltd. ABN: 43 080 057 923 and RTO Number: 3399 and is approved by NSW Maritime to provide practical boat training and/or knowledge testing for the NSW general boat driving licence and PWC driving licence.