NSW Boat Licence Course
All-Inclusive Training
No Logbook Required
Boating
Learning
Testing
Done in just 1 day!
Holiday Boating Season begins in…
Want a combined NSW Boat & Jetski Licence?
Book both and save!
Should I Do The NSW Boat Licence Course?
No
Boat
Licence
Adult
Licence Holder
Drive A Boat Of Any Length
Motor Size 6hp Or More
Slow Speed Below 10 Knots
Fast Speed Above 10 Knots
Tow A Person Above 10 Knots
Covered By Boat Insurance
Be Confident On The Water
Drive At Full Speed
*Most Boat Insurers require the Driver to be Fully Licenced for claim eligibility
Get your NSW Boat Licence
in just 4 easy steps!
1
Practical Boating
Experience
2
Classroom
Session
3
Official Boating
Knowledge Test
4
Get your NSW
Boat Licence
Know an aspiring skipper?
Give the gift of a Boat Licence Course!
Boat Licence Course; No Logbook
Your day starts aboard one of our comfortable, modern vessels, where we’ll cover everything you need to know for the Licence in this on-water training session.
It’s a fun experience that takes a couple hours, and as we’re a ATP (Authorised Training Provider), this means you won’t have to fill out a practical logbook from Service NSW.
The boating practical is typically the favourite section of the day, it’s a ton of fun!
Trip Prep
Learn the best practice in safe departure, and follow the pre-start checks before you set off.
Taking your family or friends out on the boat? We’ll help you know the correct type of lifejacket to put on them!
Navigation
See how it all works in person – we’ll point out the difference between channel marks and submerged danger marks.
Can’t tell your port from your starboard? Let us show you!
Boat Handling
Low Speed Manoeuvres
You’ll drive forward and backward
Man Over-Board Drills
With “Bob”, the trained and certified safety buoy
High Speed Manoeuvres
Full throttle forwards and figure eights
Anchoring, Beaching, & Berthing
We demonstrate how to do it right
Gold Standard Boat Licence Theory
With so many confusing rules and regulations it can feel like you’ve been sent up the creek!
Let us guide you through it all with pre-study, and a thorough classroom session.
ABC Pre-Study Guide & Practice Test
Start at home or on the go with our boating guide, which gets you a solid foundation of knowledge.
It only takes about 45 minutes to read before your course, and it primes you on all the words you’ll need to know like port, starboard, draft, and more.
Then there’s 15 minutes of a Practice Boat Test, written to be just like the real one.
In-Person Presentation
Join us in the classroom to learn the waterway rules with the aid of safety equipment demos, videos, animations, and images.
We make learning fun, useful, and effective!
Upstream, Downstream, and Channel Marks
Drive on the correct side of the river
Lifejackets and Boating Safety
When to wear them and what else to bring
Avoiding Collisions With Other Boats
Right of way and which way to turn
Distances Off Objects
Boats? People? Whales? Learn them all
Sit The NSW Boat Licence Test with ABC
Once you’ve been primed with all the boating info you could need, it’s time for the NSW Boat Test.
You’ll sit the multiple choice exam on a touchscreen tablet in our closed-book classroom environment, with our supportive trainers nearby.
50 Questions, 2 Sections
Section A has 20 questions, and a passing mark is an exacting 20/20. That’s right – no incorrect answers allowed!
Section B has 30 questions, and is a little more lenient at 24/30 – but the questions are more complex.
The ABC “Fair Go” Policy
We truly believe in the quality of our training (and our incredibly high pass rate), but even the best student can need a helping hand on an off day.
No worries though – you’re covered by the Australian Boating College Fair Go Policy:
We’ll give you 2 attempts at the NSW Boat Licence Test on the day of your course.
If you don’t pass, you can come back another day for 2 more tries at no extra cost.
Lodge Your Form at Service NSW
Now you’ve completed your full-day course with ABC, just take your completed Boat Licence Application Form to any Service NSW branch, no appointments needed.
Simply enter the branch, select “Maritime” on the touchscreen for a numbered ticket, give them your form when called, pay the licence fee, and get your licence on the spot.
Get Out On The Water
You’re now qualified and equipped to take your vessel out on the water, congratulations!
Next Steps in Your Boating Journey:
If you want to hone your boating skills or learn any advanced boating techniques, check out our other training courses:
Jetski/PWC Licence
Want to ride a Jetski? Complete the full combined course, or add it on as an upgrade later
Personalised Boating Lessons
Loved our training? Get advanced tips and learn to use your own boat in a 1-on-1 session
Marine Radio Licence
A Marine Radio Licence is needed if your boat is fitted with a Radio, and it’s great for safety
NSW Boat Licences
as easy as A, B, C!
Frequently Asked Questions
NSW Boat Licence Course – $425
Save $135!
Includes 2 Courses:
Practical Boating Experience – $300
NSW Boat Licence Theory & Test – $260
Total if purchased separately – $560
Licence processing fees are charged separately, and can be seen on the NSW Government fees page.
Are there any pre-requisites? Do I need to have boating experience first?
There are no pre-requisites for the NSW Boat Licence Course, and the course is designed so that beginners can successfully complete the training.
It is recommended to complete the pre-study guide and practice test before the day – both are included in the enrolment confirmation email.
Do I have to pay before the course? Can I pay on the day?
Due to limited space available on our boats we take payment in full at the time of booking.
We do not accept cash payments.
What if I have a hard time with reading or learning?
If you have trouble with Learning, Literature and Numeracy, please let us know before your course so we can best plan to help you.
We are happy to discuss and always strive to support everyone where possible.
Which language is used during the Course? Can it be translated?
All Course material is provided in English, and all training content is also delivered in English.
There is no opportunity to have a translated version, or to bring an interpreter with you to the course.
Please get in touch with us if you’d like to know more about your options for other languages.
Do I need to know how to swim? What happens if I fall in?
You don’t need to be able to swim, or be a strong swimmer, to attend the course.
We’ll ask all passengers to wear a comfortable inflatable lifejacket upon boarding, which will keep you afloat if it touches the water.
We’ve never had anyone test that for us; but we do get the lifejackets serviced regularly just in case.
Do I also need to do a Boating Safety Course?
The Boating Safety Course was a requirement for getting a boat licence, however as of 1 July 2016 this is no longer necessary.
You’ll get everything you need to qualify for your licence with our standard NSW Boat Licence Course.
What time does the course start?
The NSW Boat Licence Course typically goes from 7:45AM-5:00PM.
We meet at 7:45AM for an 8:00AM departure on the water, which may be earlier during Summer.
We’ll let you know of any changes by email and SMS before the course starts.
What is the typical course schedule like?
Practical First (Most Courses)
7:45AM – Meet at practical location
8:00AM – Depart for on-water training
10:30AM – Practical session ends
11:30AM – Classroom session begins
3:30PM – Boat Test begins
5:00PM – Course to end by 5PM
What happens if it’s raining or the weather is bad?
We make every effort to go ahead in all weather conditions including rain, so make sure you bring a raincoat.
A towel and a change of clothes is also a good idea to keep in your car.
What clothes do I wear?
Consider the forecast and dress for the time of day you’ll be out – it can be cool in the early morning, and gets hot quick in Summer.
Some venues have a dress code where thongs, singlets, offensive graphic printed shirts, and hats are not allowed indoors. Dress as you would for an RSL Club and you’ll be fine.
Wear comfortable regular clothes, and closed-toe shoes such as runners or joggers (not thongs or sandals).
What do I need to bring with me?
All Students
Bring your ID (such as a NSW Drivers Licence, Passport, Medicare Card).
On The Boat
Wear closed-toed shoes such as runners or joggers. All safety equipment is provided, so don’t bring your own lifejacket.
In The Classroom
Bring a pen & notepad if you’d like to take notes (the Exam is closed book and you won’t be able to refer to them during the Test).
Are lunch and food included?
We don’t include food during the course, but most Venues will have food and drink for sale. You are welcome to pack a lunch or to purchase if available.
Where do I find the venue address and information?
This will be included in the confirmation email upon enrolment, and can also be seen on our venues page.
How do I get between the Practical and Theory locations?
There is plenty of parking at every location for your car.
Transport is not provided by us between locations on the day – our trainers are too busy looking after the boats and can’t provide a lift.
Some students ask for a ride from others, or take a taxi/Uber between locations.
What will I get when I complete the Course?
When you finish the NSW Boat Licence Course with the Australian Boating College Sydney, you’ll receive a completed Application for General Boat Driving Licence form that shows you’re fully qualified.
It can’t be used to drive a boat until you lodge the form at Service NSW and pay the Licence fee.
How long do I have to lodge my form?
The Boat Licence Form is valid for 12 months only, and due to our training agreement cannot be extended or re-dated for any reason.
I’ve lost my form and it’s been less than a year, can I get it replaced?
If it has been less than 12 months since your course we can remake your paperwork by sighting your ID again.
This involves a fee – please get in touch with us for details.
Do I need to take a boating certificate to the RTA, or RMS, or Service NSW?
Certificates used to be issued and were required as proof of course completion, however as of 2016 they are no longer needed – you will only require the finished application form to successfully apply at the RTA/RMS/Service NSW Branch.
How long is the NSW Boat Licence valid for?
The NSW Boat Licence form you receive at the end of the course can be redeemed at Service NSW for 1, 3, 5, or 10 years.
Within 6 weeks of expiry you will get a notice to renew the Licence.
If it has expired you have up to 5 years to renew the Licence.
After 5 years you will need to fully requalify – it would be like you never had one.
How much is the NSW Boat Licence fee?
Licence processing fees are charged separately, and a list of prices can be seen on the NSW Government Fees Page.
What are the limitations of the NSW Boat Licence?
There are no limitations on the size, power, or speed of vessel that you can drive with the Boat Licence.
However, you cannot operate a vessel for any commercial purpose – you can’t sell tours, take guests for an on-sea holiday, or drive the Manly Ferry.
There are also limitations on Licence holders aged 12, 13, 14, and 15, detailed in the “Kids and Juniors Under 18” section further down the page.
My NSW Car Driving Licence is suspended, what now?
A suspended Car Licence will not prevent you from qualifying for and receiving a Boat Licence, as they are separate Licences.
If you redeem your paperwork and decide to combine both Licences into one, and then later have one affected by a suspension, they will issue you a replacement card for the unaffected half.
Read more about this on the NSW Government’s Combined driver and boat licence page.
Is the NSW Boat Licence recognised internationally?
Some countries do recognise the Boat Licence for the purposes of driving or hiring a boat, however it is not universally accepted and many countries require other qualifications.
We recommend contacting the charter company and confirming the type of qualification that they need as your first port of call.
What is the minimum age for the course?
You must be 12 years or older to apply for the Licence at Service NSW, but you can complete the course from 11 years – make sure you set a calendar reminder to lodge your form as it is only valid for 12 months.
Does an adult need to be there on the day?
Yes, an adult needs to be present to accompany a minor at most of our Venues – RSL Clubs, Golf Clubs, and Yacht Clubs all require under 18s to be with an adult while inside.
An adult may also be needed for transportation between locations, which is not provided on the day.
How do I get a Junior Boat Licence?
The Junior Boat Licence is now included as part of the standard NSW General Boat Driving Licence, and the requirements for it are the same as an adult licence.
What are the Under 16 restrictions on the Licence?
Boat Licence
The NSW Government website states that for a Boat Licence holder between 12 and 16:
Low Speed
Daytime
Under 10 knots
No Adult Required
You can drive a boat under 10 knots alone without another boat licence holder, during daylight hours for personal use
Medium Speed
Daytime
10-20 knots
Adult Is Required
You must have a person aged 16 or over with a valid Boat or PWC licence present in the boat to drive a speed of 10 knots or more, during daylight hours
High Speed
Night
Above 20 knots
No Races, No Towing
You must not drive a vessel/boat:
- at a speed greater than 20 knots (approximately 37km/hour), or
- in any race, display, regatta, exhibition or similar operation, or
- between sunset and sunrise, or
- while the vessel is towing anyone.
When do the restrictions end?
These restrictions lift automatically on the 16th birthday, and it becomes an unrestricted adult Licence.
If you’d like to know more about the restrictions please refer to the NSW Government page on Boat Licences.