NSW Boat Licence Practical Boating Experience
On-Water Training
No Logbook Required
Boating
No Test
No Logs
Done in just 1 session!
Need the Boat Licence Test? Save time with our Boat Licence Course!
Get your Practical Boating Experience
in just 3 steps!
1
Practical Boating
Experience with ABC
2
Learn By Yourself, Exam at Service NSW
3
Get your NSW Boat Licence
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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:
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!
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.
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!
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!
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 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.