NSW Boat Licence Practical Boating Experience

On-Water Training
No Logbook Required

Boating

No Test

No Logs

Done in just 1 session!

Book Practical Boating Experience

Need the Boat Licence Test? Save time with our Boat Licence Course!

An ABC Vessel delivering the Practical Boating Experience training session

Practical Boat Licence Training You Can Trust

Our training courses are highly rated by hundreds of satisfied customers:

We’re 5-Star Rated!

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!

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.

08:03 12 Sep 24

Absolutely amazing, simply explains everything and anything you ask! Goes through everything thoroughly and makes sure you understand everything.

07:19 12 Sep 24

Very good and friendly

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.

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

05:08 26 Aug 24

Really good place to do your boat training, the teacher was so clear and helpful.100% recommend this place.

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 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 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!

Matthew Rudland

05:19 08 Aug 24

Fantastic company. Very knowledgeable and first class equipment. If you’re serious about getting your licence. These guys will get you there!

10:44 02 Jul 24

Had a great time in the process of receiving my licence. Instructor was one of the nicest people I’ve met and his teaching was thorough. Highly recommend as anyone can pass the test with ABC’s methods and there was plenty of information not necessarily in the test study guide that is essential for boating.

05:31 30 Jun 24

Everything was clearly explained and lots of fun. Ibrahim was a fantastic teacher and was lots of help, would definitely recommend.

Nathaniel Steward

03:02 24 Jun 24

Attended a 1 day general boat licence course with ABC. They are a little expensive compared to other options but Ibraham was a great teacher and gave us lots of helpful ways to remember the maritime rules and signals. Highly recommend.

06:53 15 Jun 24

The best way to get your boat license. So professional and knowledgeable teachers.

19:50 20 May 24

Great course and fantastic instructor which went through all detail on the water and classroom to help me pass the test at the end of the day.

05:34 19 May 24

Fantastic day with Ibrahim on the water and in the classroom, thoroughly knowledgeable and delivered the training in an easy to follow and enjoyable manner.The course was very well structured, flowed and was exceptionally well organised, a credit to Ibrahim and the entire team.I highly recommend them to anyone needing a boat licence or any other training they offer.

Barbara Rearden

05:27 19 May 24

Excellent way to learn what you need to safely enjoy boating in NSW instructor had so much knowledge and communicated to everyone in the class in a way we all understood. Would recommend this to anyone wanting to get a boat licence

05:24 04 May 24

Great fun today! Ibrahim was a great instructor!!

09:53 15 Apr 24

Absolutely a fantastic company to use for your licensing requirements. All the instructors were helpful, knowledgeable, and really took the time to make sure you learnt what was required. A really easy going team that make you feel comfortable so you can pass. Great work ABC.

08:55 14 Apr 24

We completed our theory and practical today with Ibrahim and it was fantastic. Ibraham was very knowledgeable and engaging and his style really helped me in learning all the theory aspects. His instructions on the boat were also very clear and I felt confident and safe throughout. Thank you for a great experience, Ibrahim!

07:10 08 Jan 24

Highly recommended - excellent way to spend a day on the water and in the classroom learning. Instructors provided quality practical advice all day. Hands on experience and everything you need to know. Great delivery style - endless tips - non-judgemental - professional approach.

Andrei Loginovskiy

01:31 29 Oct 23

Amazing experience!Our coach Ibrahim was a rock star: he delivered one of the most engaging and enjoyable learning I ever had experienced, lots of practical advices, very attentive and just a great person.You learn theory to pass tests, they share heaps of practical knowledge. Just practice alone worth the money spent.I will for sure recommend to anyone and has recommended to my friends already.

Matthew Lienert

04:49 20 Oct 23

Fantastic day when I went to ABC Australian Boating College, it was so much fun we went straight out onto the boat took turns with control of the boat and instructions and explanation was clear and concise. I am enthusiastic to getting my boat with further training and settling in on my own vessel, (extra charge of course! Hehe) You will love every minute of it receiving so much freedom enjoyment with peace and tranquillity on the water.. Adam is really passionate and helpful about anything Boating, he is a wealth of knowledge after obviously many years he has had on the water. My rating for him is AAA5 Stars!Book your boat license in with him today. It really is like ABC very easy to learn from him on the water one off the water.

Who is the Practical Boating Experience Course for?

The Practical Boating Experience is ideal for those who have already sat the Exam or would prefer to do so on their own, and who don’t want to get it all done in our one-day Boat Licence Course.

Qualifying for the NSW Boat Licence requires 2 things: an Exam result, and Evidence of Practical Boating Experience.

We’ll save you the hassle of that evidence step, doing the Boat Licence Practical requirements on one of our vessels is enough to prove you’ve got what it takes.

You’ll get a form that states you’ve got all the practical evidence in a single session, and you won’t have to do a logbook!

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Get your Practical Boating Experience
in just 3 steps!

1

Practical Boating Experience with ABC

A student learning how to drive a boat during the Practical Boating Experience Session

Do the prac, skip the logbook – show all the evidence in 1 go!
On-water training sessions depart from locations all around Sydney
3 comfortable & modern vessels, fully equipped with safety gear

2

Learn By Yourself, Exam at Service NSW

A Person attempting to learn all the Boating rules and regulations by themselves, after completing the Practical Boating Experience Session

Teach yourself all the regulations in your own time at home
Pay to sit the test at a Service NSW branch for each attempt
If you get stuck, we can book you in for our Boat Licence Theory!

3

Get your NSW Boat Licence

A person holding a Boat Licence, having successfully passed the Practical Boating Experience Session and qualifying for the NSW Boat Licence

You’re qualified for the NSW Boat Licence with our practical training!
Take Practical Evidence and test result to Service NSW & pay the fee
Get your full NSW Boat Licence, and take your boat out on the water!

Know someone in need of boating?
Give the gift of a Practical Boating Experience Session!

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1

Practical Boating Experience with ABC

What Happens During The Boat Licence Practical Session?

On the day you’ll meet one of our ABC Instructors at the practical start location, who will take you out aboard one of our three ABC vessels which will already be in the water by the wharf.

We’ll get you signed in, get you fitted with a lifejacket, and then get underway to start the training.

Before Launch: Trip Preparation & Planning

First off we’ll give you a brief introduction to the vessel, highlighting where the safety equipment is stored on the boat:

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit

Distress Flares

Emergency Beacon (EPIRB)

Waterproof Floating Torch

Sound Signalling Horn

Paddles or Oars

Backup Bailing Buckets

Then we’ll go over the fenders, electrical systems, motor, engine gauges and make sure it’s all ready for a safe departure.

Before we leave it’s also best practice to consider weather and local conditions, passenger count, and our fuel reserves.

Low-Speed Navigation

Once we leave the wharf the Practical Boating Experience is officially underway, and we get into the first part of the hands-on training.

We’ll let you start the motor and throttle up gently with some low-speed manoeuvres, going forwards and backwards and getting used to the controls of the boat.

It’s important to know how to follow the different speed restrictions and manage the wash that the boat makes – we’ll teach you how to do it properly!

An ABC Vessel at High Speed during the Practical Boating Experience Session

High-Speed Navigation & Vessel Control

The fastest way to get somewhere is to drive at full speed, and that’s what you need the Licence for!

We’ll teach you how to control the vessel while going well over 10 knots, as well as how to deal with the wash from other boats.

You’ll then perform a figure-8 at full throttle, crossing over your own wash halfway to experience how to cut across the waves safely.

Bob, the cheery and helpful safety buoy, helping with the man overboard drill during the Practical Boating Experience Session

Man Over-Board Drill

In the rare situation where a passenger falls into the water, it’s always good to know how to properly get them out again.

For this we’ve enlisted Bob, our trained and certified safety buoy, who we throw into the water and charge you with getting him back safely.

We’ll cover lines of sight, safe rescue speeds, communication with other rescuers, and finally the safe return of Bob.

Anchoring and Beaching

Boats don’t just go, they also need to stop – so we’ll show you how to operate the anchor and ensure it’s holding the boat in the proper place.

We’ll also demonstrate how to take the boat up onto the beach or riverbank, which you might need to do in an emergency (or just for a bathroom break).

Evidence of Practical Boating Experience

We cover a lot more that we haven’t mentioned here during the prac session, but it does come to an end when we return to the wharf.

Once you’ve passed successfully you’ll get a form from us that says you’ve achieved all the requirements of the practical, and best of all you won’t need a logbook!

2

Learn By Yourself, Exam at Service NSW

So I Just Learn All The Boating Rules?

If you’ve got plenty of time up your sleeves and are happy to dig through whatever resources you can find to learn from, that is totally up to you.

By Myself?

You can do it! Probably.

And if you can’t there’s always our Boat Licence Course that includes everything you need to know about boating in NSW!

Then Sit The Test?

Who doesn’t love queuing up, waiting, and a test on a computer screen! Plus you’ll get to pay per attempt!

3

Get your NSW General Boat Licence

Finish Your Application at Service NSW

Now you’ve completed the Boat Licence Practical Requirements, and passed the test in whichever method you chose, you’re qualified for the Licence!

Take your Practical Boating Evidence and test result to a Service NSW branch, ask for the Maritime department, get a ticket, then give them the various evidence, pay the fee, and get your NSW Boat Licence.

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 Licence Practical
as easy as A, B, C!

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Boating Experience – $300

Need to do the test? Get theory and test for only an extra $125 with our NSW Boat Licence Course!

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 Practical Boating Experience, and the course is designed so that beginners can successfully complete the training.

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?

There is not much to read or write during the Practical Session, though you will need to write your details such as name and address on the application form.

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 training during the session is 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 Practical Boating Experience typically goes from 7:45AM-10:30AM.

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 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.

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 Practical Boating Experience with the Australian Boating College Sydney, you’ll receive an Application for General Boat Driving Licence form that shows you’ve completed the evidence requirements of the Licence..

It can’t be used to drive a boat until you complete the Boat Driving Knowledge Test, lodge the form with test result 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 16^th 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.