NSW Jetski PWC Licence Upgrade Course
Add-On For Boat Licence
Get Fully Qualified
Jetski
Learning
Testing
Done in just 2 hours!
Don’t have a valid NSW Boat Licence?
See our Combined Boat & Jetski Licence page!
Jetski Licence Training You Can Trust
Our training courses are highly rated by hundreds of satisfied customers:
We’re 5-Star Rated!
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 can’t say enough about the exceptional training I received from these boat trainers. From the moment I began my lessons, it was clear that they were not only highly knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about what they do. They made every aspect of boating easy to understand, breaking down even the most complex concepts into clear, manageable steps.
Their patience and attention to detail ensured that I always felt confident and well-prepared at every stage of the learning process. They took the time to explain everything thoroughly, making sure I understood the reasoning behind each maneuver and safety procedure. Their teaching style is both practical and thorough, and I always felt supported, no matter how many questions I asked.
What truly sets them apart is their ability to make learning enjoyable. They fostered a positive and relaxed atmosphere, which made all the difference in keeping me motivated and engaged. Their expertise, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm for boating made the entire experience memorable and fun.
I am now more confident on the water, thanks to their top-tier training. If you are looking for the best boat trainers, I highly recommend them—they are the best people to learn from!
Upgrade to the NSW Jetski Licence in just 3 easy steps!
1
Personal WaterCraft Classroom Session
2
PWC Licence Knowledge Test
3
Get your NSW Jetski Licence
Know a thrill seeker with a Boat Licence?
Give them the gift of a Jetski Licence Upgrade!
Jetski Licence Theory Training at Home
Before you join us on the day you’ll start learning at home or on the go with our custom Jetski guide, which simplifies all the basics you need to know.
The guide takes only 15 minutes to read before your course, and covers refuelling, capsizing, and safe re-boarding of a PWC.
Then there’s 10 minutes to complete the NSW Jetski Practice Test at least once, so you won’t have any surprises on the day.
In-Person Presentation
Your Jetski Licence Upgrade Course begins in the afternoon, once our Boat Licence students have finished – these are some topics we cover:
Operation of a Jetski/PWC
It’s a fun and unique kind of vessel to ride on, so we put extra focus on:
Jetski/PWC Steering
Learn how the jet of water affects handling and how it’s different to driving a boat
Lifejacket wear on a PWC
Not sure what type of lifejacket to wear while riding? We’ll make it easy to remember
PWC Restricted and Prohibited Zones
Don’t get caught by the Marine Area Command, we’ll share places you can ride with no restrictions
Will I get to drive a Jetski on the day?
The NSW PWC Licence only requires that you pass the multiple choice test, so we focus on learning the Jetski rules.
This means we won’t be getting you out on a Jetski on the day, but you’ll be ready to ride by yourself soon!
Sit The Jetski Test With ABC
Once you’ve learned all the content, it’s time to sit and pass the NSW Jetski Licence Test.
You’ll sit the multiple choice exams on a touchscreen tablet in our closed-book classroom environment, with our supportive trainers nearby.
15 Questions, 1 Section
The PWC Test has 15 questions, and all of them are about PWC-specific subjects – you must get at least 12/15 to pass.
As you’ve done the study right before sitting the exam, it’s very easy to pass on the day of your course.
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 PWC 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.
Boat Licence, Add On Jetski
Your short upgrade course is finished, and we’ll give you a Personal WaterCraft Driving Licence form that shows you’re fully qualified for the Jetski Licence.
Simply take it to Service NSW, 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 Jetski out on the water, congratulations!
Next Steps in Your Boat & Jetski Journey:
If you want to hone your boating skills or learn any advanced boating techniques, check out our other training courses:
Personalised Boating Lessons
Loved our training and want more? Get advanced tips and tricks for the use of your own boat
Marine Radio Licence
We recommend the Marine Radio Licence Course if your boat is fitted with a VHF Radio
Coxswain Grade 3 Near Coastal
Thinking of a career in the Marine Industry? Read more about commercial qualifications here
NSW Jetski Licences
as easy as A, B, C!
Frequently Asked Questions
NSW Jetski Licence Upgrade Course – $200
Don’t have a Boat Licence? Do both and save!
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 is one pre-requisite for the NSW Jetski Licence Upgrade Course, and that is that you must hold a valid NSW General Boat Driving Licence before you attend.
If you do not hold the Boat Licence already then we suggest looking at our combined Boat and Jetski course, as it includes both Licences.
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?
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?
We won’t be going near the water during the Jetski Licence Upgrade – you won’t need to know how to swim.
What time does the course start?
The NSW Jetski Licence Upgrade Course typically goes from 3:00PM-5:00PM.
This may may be earlier during Summer or if we run the classroom first.
We’ll let you know of any changes by email and SMS before the course starts.
What clothes do I wear?
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.
What do I need to bring with me?
All Students
Bring your ID (such as a NSW Drivers Licence, Passport, Medicare Card).
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).
For The PWC Licence
The PWC Licence requires two passport-acceptable photos, which are roughly the size of your thumb.
These will be used on the application form on the day and must show your face clearly – visit the Australian Passport Office Photo Guidelines for examples.
You can get these done at an Australia Post, a Chemist, a Camera Shop, or an Officeworks.
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.
What will I get when I complete the Course?
When you finish the NSW Jetski Licence Upgrade Course with the Australian Boating College Sydney, you’ll receive one form that shows you’re fully qualified:
The forms can’t be used to drive a jetski until you lodge them at Service NSW and pay the Licence fee.
How long do I have to lodge my form?
The NSW PWC Licence Forms are 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.
How long is the NSW Boat & Jetski Licence valid for?
The NSW PWC 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.
I don’t want a Boat Licence, can I only get the PWC Jetski Licence?
Unfortunately it is not possible to qualify for the PWC Licence by itself, and you must also hold (or be qualified to hold) the Boat Licence to get it.
How much is the NSW Boat & PWC 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 & PWC Licence?
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.
PWC Licence
There are no limitations on this Licence, other than those that apply to kids, or specific rules around PWC restricted areas.
My NSW Car Driving Licence is suspended, what now?
A suspended Car Licence will not prevent you from qualifying for and receiving a Boat & PWC 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 & PWC Licence recognised internationally?
Some countries do recognise the Boat & PWC Licence for the purposes of driving or hiring a boat or jetski, 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.
How do I get a Junior Boat & PWC Licence?
The Junior Boat & PWC Licence is now included as part of the standard combined NSW Boat & PWC 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.
PWC Licence
PWC Licence holders between 12 and 16:
Low Speed
Daytime
Under 10 knots
No Adult Required
You can drive a PWC under 10 knots without another 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 PWC licence present on the back of the vessel 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 PWC:
- 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.