Man riding a Jet Ski or PWC, having completed the NSW Jetski Licence Upgrade Course

NSW Jetski PWC Licence Upgrade Course

Add-On For Boat Licence
Get Fully Qualified

A Jetski in front of a blue arrow pointing upwards, indicating the PWC Upgrade Course

Jetski

White silhouette of an instructor teaching students in the classroom

Learning

White silhouette of a touchscreen tablet, showing the NSW Personal WaterCraft Test / PWC Test

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!

CurtCurt
01:42 19 Nov 24
Did my boat license and jet ski course. Was very informative and enjoyable. My teacher Todd had good energy and was a pleasure to learn from 🙌
Antony VatnerAntony Vatner
23:12 18 Nov 24
As a boat person of 30 years I found the course amazingly helpful.I forgot to renew my licence so had to start all over again.The course went at a good pace for all and made the day interesting and fun. The instructors were great and absolutely supportive to all. We had 15 year olds and 40 year olds in same class and it worked.This course is exactly what you need for safe boating on sydney harbour or elsewhere.I think it should be mandatory every 5 years for anyone who has a vessel.
Jenny NewmanJenny Newman
01:19 17 Nov 24
Very thorough and helpful, I will enjoy my safe boating adventures!
Ahmad NabilssiAhmad Nabilssi
11:03 15 Nov 24
I cannot recommend ABC enough for their professionalism and genuine care for your success in the course. The team goes above and beyond to ensure you have the support and resources needed to excel. Truly a fantastic experience.
Adrian TateAdrian Tate
04:35 15 Nov 24
Exceptional course, it's easy to follow and understand. The tips they gave made the test much easier
Natalia GubarevaNatalia Gubareva
02:14 15 Nov 24
The instructor was very firendly and thorough! It was a lovely day to spend on a water and learn. I felt much more confident in passing the boating test and taking the boat on the water.
Marcus GouldMarcus Gould
01:05 15 Nov 24
Really well organised, starting early at Tunks Park boat ramp. Our boat was super clean, our instructor was really experienced, good fun and explained everything so it was easy to understand. I can highly recommend ABC if you are ready to take your boating & PWC licence course.
Chris JamesChris James
04:26 13 Nov 24
Made learning fun. Super useful and practical. Thank you!
David MaxwellDavid Maxwell
21:56 12 Nov 24
Was a great day out and would definitely recommend to anyone that wants to enjoy boating and understand the rules of the water. Thank you!
Renato OliveiraRenato Oliveira
13:33 12 Nov 24
Had a great experience with those guys!learned everything easly with their tips!I would recommend!
Andrew MillsAndrew Mills
05:57 12 Nov 24
Great course, good instructors and came away with more than I thought. Well recommmended
Magellan PadillaMagellan Padilla
05:53 12 Nov 24
Adam, thank you. You are an amazing instructor. Would highly recommend you to any of my friends. Keep it up ABC team.
olivar odeesholivar odeesh
05:15 12 Nov 24
Very happy with Steve and his professional service that he provided to usThe first time driving a boat I couldn't have asked for a better experience steve was absolutely amazing and professional at his work enjoyed and learned everything from that day big thanks to Steve again and I highly recommend this company to anyone that is looking to get their boat license
Matt VandenberghMatt Vandenbergh
04:17 12 Nov 24
What great training - The staff were all so friendly, accommodating and knowledgably - They taught in a way that was clear and easy to understand and made everything so manageable - I Could not recommend these courses high enough Great value - money well spend I would say.
Paul JonesPaul Jones
04:08 12 Nov 24
Completed boat and PWC course last weekend. Very impressed with ABC. They were professional and keenly focused on helping student to learn and be safe. Very happy to recommend them.
Anthony NeilsonAnthony Neilson
07:35 09 Nov 24
Great one day course for both boat and PwC. The course is entertaining and educational at same time. They teach you everything you need to know and you do the test and get all your paperwork to take to services nsw . Highly recommend
rdc insydrdc insyd
03:05 09 Nov 24
Excellent course and trainer. Very practical and informative. Highly recommended.
DoctorarmanzDoctorarmanz
07:39 28 Oct 24
I did my boat and PWC training with them nearly 10 years ago and yesterday my son got both his licenses, the guys are professional and caring, I was initially referred to them and I’ll definitely keep sending business.Keep up the great job!
Sami HannaSami Hanna
04:32 26 Oct 24
Great experience and awesome fun instructors. Enjoyed learning with these guys
Peter TennerPeter Tenner
06:11 15 Oct 24
Great experience and learning curve.Everything was very straightforward and explained in detail.I loved the training boat.Thank you
Greg MowbrayGreg Mowbray
05:42 11 Oct 24
Fantastic course and instructor! Couldn’t fault any aspect of the Boat Licence course, from the practical on water session to the detailed theory session. Natalie did a fantastic job. Best training I have experienced!
Allan YoungAllan Young
05:20 29 Sep 24
Can’t recommend highly enough. So informative and helpful passing the exam, but more importantly giving confidence in understanding boating rules and regulations.
Chelsea AnneChelsea Anne
08:03 12 Sep 24
Absolutely amazing, simply explains everything and anything you ask! Goes through everything thoroughly and makes sure you understand everything.
Jacky WongJacky Wong
07:19 12 Sep 24
Very good and friendly
Leo LiuLeo Liu
00:19 08 Sep 24
I am writing to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for the outstanding performance of the coach in today's General Boating Course. In particular, I believe the coach named Steven (if I heard it correctly) did an exceptional job.During the on-board practice, Steven effectively broke the ice and enlivened the atmosphere. He managed to be humorous and engaging while still covering all the training contents. I must admit that these two hours were extremely enjoyable.In the subsequent courses and tests, Steven demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and patience. His expertise and calm demeanor made the learning process smooth and effective.I am truly impressed by Steven's abilities and dedication. His efforts have made this boating course a memorable and valuable experience.Thank you once again for having such an excellent coach on your team.
john Vujohn Vu
06:08 28 Aug 24
Amazing experience! Our instructor Paul was thorough, patient and he really took the time to make sure everyone learnt what was required every step of the way. One of the nicest blokes you'll ever meet.Awesome Job ABC
faber mazofaber mazo
05:08 26 Aug 24
Really good place to do your boat training, the teacher was so clear and helpful.100% recommend this place.
Sarah KSarah K
08:08 25 Aug 24
Highly recommend going with ABC boating for any boat/PWC training/licenses. Very thorough, professional, patient and our instructor Paul adapted to everyone’s skill level and needs whilst making learning fun, enjoyable and making the learning process easy and simple.
Andrew FitzgeraldAndrew Fitzgerald
10:02 18 Aug 24
I did the general boat license course with ABC today, John our instructor was fantastic, very patient and continuously offered guidance throughout the day to make sure everybody understood the ins & outs. He offered up more information than you need to just pass the course and in doing so, makes sure you start out with a decent amount of skills & understanding of the water to make your first outings on a boat safe and enjoyable. 10/10, will recommend ABC to anyone looking to get their license. Thanks again John & ABC Sydney!
Salwa BenmaaroufSalwa Benmaarouf
02:02 11 Aug 24
As a first-time boat driver, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Paul was absolutely amazing, he took the time to explain everything clearly and shared extra valuable insights beyond the standard guidebook. A big thank you to the entire team for making the booking process so smooth and efficient. I highly recommend these guys for anyone looking to get their boat licence!
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Who is the Jetski Licence Upgrade Course for?

If you’ve got plans to ride a Jet Ski on a holiday, drive a mate’s Sea-Doo, or buy one for yourself, you’ll need a Jetski Licence, also known as a PWC Licence.

The NSW Personal WaterCraft Licence (PWC) is needed to ride any of this class of vessel that you sit, stand, or lie on – at any speed.

You must hold a valid NSW General Boat Driving Licence to be eligible for the PWC Licence, and if that applies to you then our Jetski Licence Upgrade Course is a great time-saver!

We’ll go over all the rules so you can avoid a costly fine while jetting around Sydney, then sit the test with you in the afternoon.

Upgrade to the NSW Jetski Licence in just 3 easy steps!

1

Personal WaterCraft Classroom Session

An Instructor teaching students in the classroom as part of the Jetski Licence Upgrade Course
  • Learn all about Jetskis in NSW and how to operate them safely
  • Frequently updated training presentation with new content
  • Demonstrations, videos, PWC Exclusion Zone Charts and more

2

PWC Licence Knowledge Test

A Person sitting the Test or Exam on a touchscreen Tablet during the Jetski Licence Upgrade Course
  • Sit the official Jetski Licence Test with ABC during the course
  • If you don’t pass your first go, come back on another day
  • There isn’t any additional cost for further test attempts

3

Get your NSW Jetski Licence

A person holding a Boat & PWC Licence, having successfully passed the NSW Boat & Jetski Licence Course
  • You’re qualified for the NSW Jetski Licence once you pass!
  • Take your completed forms to Service NSW & pay the fee
  • Get your full NSW PWC Licence, and get out for a ride!

Know a thrill seeker with a Boat Licence?
Give them the gift of a Jetski Licence Upgrade!

1

Classroom Session: Personal WaterCraft

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:

Learn the essential PWC safety equipment

Stay out of surf or swimming areas

Avoid behaviours that’ll get you in hot water

Become a responsible PWC rider!

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!

2

NSW PWC Licence Knowledge Test

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.

3

Upgrade To The NSW PWC Licence

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:

Application for a Personal Watercraft Driving Licence

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.