NSW Boat Licence Theory & Test
Comprehensive Learning
Boat Test Included
Learning
Testing
No Prac
Done in just 4 hours!
Don’t have help with the logbook? Do it all in our full Boat Licence Course!
Complete the NSW Boat Licence Theory & Test in just 4 steps!
1
Classroom
Session
2
Official Boating
Knowledge Test
3
Find and Fill in
a Boat Logbook
4
Get your NSW
Boat Licence
Plan to help someone fill out their logbook?
Give the gift of a Boat Licence Theory & Test Course!
Boat Licence Theory, No Prac Included
If you have a mate with a boat who meets the Practical Logbook requirements, you’ll still need to know enough to beat the Boating Test.
We make it easy for you, with our ABC Pre-Study Guide and a course designed to get you qualified fast!
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.
Boating Terms, Vessel Registration, Safety Equipment
We start at the most obvious point of learning – covering basic boating terms such as port, starboard, hull, keel, plane and stern.
There are also pitfalls that most people don’t consider out on the water, that can land you with a big fine if you’re caught!
Ensuring you have the proper knowledge of safety equipment also means you’ll be prepared when in control of your own vessel.
Charts, Coastal Bars, Channel Marks, Tides
Modern vessels carry GPS units that in most cases reduce the need for charts, but in equipment failure or on vessels without GPS, it’s essential to know how to properly read a Hydrographic Chart.
It’s also important to know what the colourful markers mean in the waterways, as it could be the difference between safety and damage to vessel or passenger.
Most people won’t ever cross a Coastal Bar, but it’s one of the riskier obstacles on the water and not the faint of heart – we’ll teach you how to approach them.
Trip Planning, Emergency Response, Launching and Mooring
It sounds straightforward, but ensuring you’ve got everything shipshape is important with any trip out on the water.
You’ll be better prepared to respond to emergencies, and have everything you need when leaving and returning from your trip.
Collision Regulations, Meaning of Vessel Lights, Anchoring
Collisions and other incidents are a real problem out on the water, and Transport for NSW publishes the three most common fatal boating incident types in their “Boating incidents in NSW” report.
These fatal incidents are capsizing, falling overboard, and injuries sustained while towing.
We’ll teach you how to avoid these in full sun or at night, by observing the red, green and white vessel lights and by anchoring safely out of the way.
Wild Weather & Warnings
Checking the weather before taking a boat out is crucial for ensuring safety on the water.
Sudden changes in weather can lead to dangerous conditions, such as high winds and rough seas, which can be hazardous for even experienced boaties.
We’ll show you how to stay informed about the weather forecast with the latest smartphone apps, help you to make better decisions, avoid potential risks, and enjoy a safer boating experience.
In-Person Presentation
You’ll learn about all these topics in our classroom, learning the waterway rules with the aid of safety equipment demos, videos, animations, and images.
We make learning fun, useful, and effective!
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.
Where do I find the Boating Logbook?
You can find a copy of the NSW Boat Driving Licence Practical Logbook at a Service NSW branch near you.
How do I fill it in?
Just ask your parents, siblings, neighbours, acquaintances and friends if they’ll take you out on their boat for multiple trips and checklists.
Don’t forget though – they must have had a NSW Boat Licence for more than 3 years
Do I have to complete the logbook?
Yes! Or if you would prefer, we can do the Boat Licence Prac in just 1 session!
Lodge Your Form at Service NSW
Now you’ve completed your NSW Boat Licence Theory & Test with ABC (and filled out the logbook), just take both of those 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 also ride a Jetski? Complete the full combined course, or just add it on as an upgrade
Personalised Boating Lessons
Loved our training and want more? Get advanced tips and tricks for the use of your own boat
Marine Radio Licence
A Marine Radio Licence is needed if your boat is fitted with a Radio, and it’s great for safety