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
NSW Boat Theory & Test
as easy as A, B, C!
Frequently Asked Questions
NSW Boat Licence Theory & Test Course – $260
Need to do the prac? Get out on the water for only an extra $165 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 NSW Boat Licence Course, and the course is designed so that beginners can successfully complete the training.
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?
Due to limited space available in the classroom 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?
As you won’t be getting on a boat during this course, you don’t need to be able to swim.
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 NSW Boat Licence Theory & Test Course typically goes from 11:30AM-5:00PM.
This may be earlier during Summer.
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.
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).
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).
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 Boat Licence Theory & Test Course with the Australian Boating College Sydney, you’ll receive a partially completed Application for General Boat Driving Licence form that shows you’ve fully passed the Boat Licence Knowledge Test.
It can’t be used to drive a boat until you complete a logbook, then lodge the form 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.