NSW Boat & PWC Licence Course Information

Australian Boating College Sydney

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General Boat Licence Course

Practical Boating
Boat Theory Study
Boat Knowledge Test

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Boat & Jet Ski Licence

Practical Boating
Boat Theory + PWC Theory Study
Boat + PWC Knowledge Test

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Jet Ski Upgrade

PWC Theory Study
PWC Knowledge Test
Must hold a NSW Boat Licence

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Boat Theory Only

Boat Theory Study
Boat Knowledge Test

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Boat Practical Only

Practical Boating Session
In one of the ABC Sydney Vessel

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Marine Radio Licence

SROCP – For VHF radios.
LROCP – For MF & HF radios.

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Australian Boating College Sydney

General Boat Licence Course

Full Day Theory, Exam & Practical

  • BOAT THEORY STUDY
  • BOAT KNOWLEDGE TEST
  • PRACTICAL TRAINING SESSION

(Price effective from December 1, 2023)

The course includes full theory sessions, NSW boat licence exam and on-water practical boat training.

After the course all you need do is present your certificate of competency to NSW maritime, pay for the boat licence and hit the water. NO LOG BOOKS; NO EXAMS AT MARITIME.

General Boat Licence FAQs

The General Boat Licence is required for anyone who would like to drive a boat in NSW waters and go faster than walking pace, but we still receive lots of questions about the finer points of a getting a Licence.

We’ve crafted and refined our full-day course for over a decade to guide you effortlessly through all the RMS requirements, and we’re proud of our 99.5% average pass rate.

Who needs to have a Boat Licence?

A Boat Licence is needed for any person who wants to drive a boat in a recreational capacity faster than 10 knots, or 18.5km/h.

This speed isn’t very fast, and even a tinny can break this barrier easily. The full Licence will let you drive any boat of any length, so long as it’s not in a commercial capacity – you can’t run a business, or drive the Manly Ferry.

If you’re hoping to drive a PWC or Jet-Ski, you can get that in a single day Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence Coursewith ABC ,  or if you already have your Boat Licence, you can get a PWC Licence Upgrade.

Practical Boating Experience

As part of the course we’ll take you out on the water, aboard one of our ABC vessels, and guide you through the different boating techniques that you need to know.

We cover Low Speed Manoeuvres (you’ll drive forward and backward), Man Over-Board drills (with Bob the trained and certified safety buoy), High Speed Manoeuvres and more.

It’s a fun experience that takes a couple hours, and as we’re a RTP, or Recognised Training Provider, this removes the need for a practical logbook from the RMS.

The boating practical is typically the favourite section of the day, it’s a ton of fun!

How long does the Full-Day Course take?

Start times will be confirmed via Email and SMS before the course.

Courses typically run from 8am until 5pm, subject to seasonal changes.

Learn the NSW Boating Rules

There is a minimum amount of knowledge required about the laws and rules that cover use of NSW waterways, and many students ask us on the phone “Where do I even start to learn?”

We might be a bit biased, but the perfect place to start is our pre-study guide that we’ve assembled through years of testing. Added to that is the free self-study quizzes on our site, so you can do a fair bit of licence studying at home.

It only takes about 45 minutes at home to read the ABC pre-study guide before your course and it primes you on all the terms you’ll need out on the water.

We’ll also use our guide as a reference in the classroom, where we teach you the rules and get them to stick through years of instructing students.

Pass the NSW Boat Licence Test

Once you’ve been primed with all the info you could need, we sit the multiple choice exam on paper in our closed-book classroom environment.

Our success rate is an incredibly high 99.5%, with two attempts included at the test on the day. If you don’t pass during the course, you can come back on any other course date and have another go – at no additional cost!

Lodge your Application at the RMS

Now you’ve completed your full-day course with ABC, just take your completed application form to any RMS or Services 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!

If you want to hone your skills or learn any advanced boating techniques, please feel free to look at our personalised custom boating lessons and get expert hands-on training today.

What about the Junior Boat Licence?

The Junior Boat Licence is now included as part of the standard Boat Licence, and the requirements for it are the same as an adult licence.

Juniors are eligible to lodge their course paperwork when they are aged between 12 and 16 years of age; however they can complete their ABC course and lodge on/after their twelfth birthday.

The RMS website states that a Boat Licence holder between 12 and 16 must not:

  • Drive at a speed greater than 20 knots
  • Drive in any race, display, regatta, exhibition or similar operation
  • Drive any vessel, other than a PWC, at a speed of 10 knots or more:
    • Without the holder of a general boat driving licence who is 16 years of age or older being present in the vessel, or
    • Between sunset and sunrise, or
    • While the vessel is towing anyone.

If you’d like to read more about the restrictions please refer to the RMS.

Do I 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.

General Boat  & PWC Licence Course

Full Day Theory, Exam & Practical

  • BOAT THEORY STUDY
  • BOAT KNOWLEDGE TEST
  • PWC THEORY STUDY
  • PWC KNOWLEDGE TEST
  • PRACTICAL TRAINING SESSION

(Price effective from December 1, 2023)

This course includes the theory, exam, and practical training as per the General Boat Licence Course as well as the PWC theory, PWC exam and PWC training.

After the course all you need do is present your certificate of competency to NSW maritime, pay for the boat licence and hit the water. NO LOG BOOKS; NO EXAMS AT MARITIME.

Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence Course FAQs

Doing this course with ABC in NSW qualifies you for a Boat & PWC Licence – which stands for Personal Water Craft, and allows you to ride a Jet Ski.

This course gets you qualified for your combined Licence in a single day, and is essential for those intending to ride, buy or rent a Jet Ski in the near future.

What are the steps to getting my Licence?

Our Course includes:

  • Demonstrate Practical Boating Experience
  • Learn all relevant Boating Rules
  • Know all relevant PWC Rules
  • Complete Two Multiple-Choice Knowledge Tests
  • Lodge your paperwork at the RMS
  • Get your combined Licence

Who needs to have a Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence?

This type of licence is needed for anyone who wants to drive any kind of boat or ride any kind of powered water craft in a recreational capacity.

It covers all the requirements that the General Boat Licence Course  does, and also adds in the extras for PWC usage.

If you already have your NSW Boat Licence and just want to add on the PWC Licence, you can do a short PWC Upgrade Course.

How do I Demonstrate Practical Experience?

It’s easy! We cover all the practical experience that you need as part of our standard Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Course.

Just come aboard one of our ABC vessels and let us take you through all the manoeuvres that the RMS need you to demonstrate.

To learn more about what it’s like on the day, check out our Practical Boating Experience page.

Practical takes about two hours out on NSW’s waterways, and replaces the need for the RMS logbook.

How do I learn the Boating Rules?

You’ll start by reading the ABC pre-study guide at home, which takes about an hour.

Then we’ll teach you the NSW Boating Rules you need to know to pass your exam as part of our hands-on training in the classroom.

We’ll use our guide and the RMS Boating Handbook as references in the classroom to make sure you know your stuff.

How do I learn the PWC Rules?

It’s very similar to the Boating Rules, in that you’ll start at home with the pre-study guide and get a good overview of the content.

Then you’ll join the other students doing the PWC course in extra theory training that will cover all the rules – knowing and obeying the rules will help you avoid a fine!

How hard are the two Knowledge Tests?

We get this question all the time, but as our 99.5% pass rate attests we’re confident that you’ll pass both the exams with us on the day.

You’ll get two attempts included at each test on the day of your course, and if you don’t pass them, you can come back on any other course date for another go – at no additional cost!

Lodge your Application at the RMS

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!

When can I start using my Boat and Jet Ski licence?

Immediately! Just make sure you have your temporary licence with you on every trip, and replace it when your plastic card arrives in the mail.

There are heavy fines if you’re caught without your PWC Licence if you’re riding a Jet Ski, so don’t forget to take it with you!

Do I need a Marine Radio Licence?

A Marine Radio Licence is necessary if your boat is fitted with a Radio, and it’s good follow up to the Full-Day General Boat Licence Course.

Don’t wait, get you Marine Radio Licence through Australian Boating College NSW!

Can a Junior get a Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence?

So long as the junior is aged between 12-16, they can lodge their application form at the RMS and receive a combined Boat & PWC Licence.

The RMS website states that a Boat & PWC Licence holder between 12 and 16 must not:

  • Drive at a speed greater than 20 knots
  • Drive in any race, display, regatta, exhibition or similar operation
  • Drive any vessel, other than a PWC, at a speed of 10 knots or more:
    • Without the holder of a general boat driving licence who is 16 years of age or older being present in the vessel, or
    • Between sunset and sunrise, or
    • While the vessel is towing anyone.
  • Drive a PWC between sunset and sunrise (this rule applies to all PWC driving licence holders)
  • Drive a PWC at a speed of 10 knots or more:
    • Without the holder of a PWC driving licence who is 16 years of age or older being present on the PWC, or
    • While the vessel is towing anyone.

If you’d like to read more about the restrictions please refer to the RMS.

Do I need to do any Practical Assessment for the PWC Licence?

No, there is no need to get out on the water on a Jet Ski as part of our course, as the RMS only requires theoretical knowledge.

If you want to hone your skills or learn any advanced boating techniques, please feel free to look at our personalised custom boating lessonsand get expert hands-on training today.

How long does the Full-Day Course take?

Start times will be confirmed via Email and SMS before the course.

Courses typically run from 8am until 5pm, subject to seasonal changes.

PWC (Jet Ski) Licence Upgrade Course

Full Day Theory, Exam & Practical

  • PWC THEORY STUDY
  • PWC KNOWLEDGE TEST
  • PRACTICAL TRAINING SESSION

(Price effective from December 1, 2023)

PWC operators are catered for as well with our all-inclusive courses. Do your PWC course at the same time as you complete your boat licence; or PWC upgrades are available for current boat licence holders.

IMPORTANT

You must hold a valid Recreational Marine Driver Licence (Power Boat Licence) otherwise you need to complete the combined Boat & Jet Ski Licence Course.

Jet Ski Licence Upgrade Course FAQs

This course is intended for students who already have a valid NSW General Boating Licence – if you need the Boat Licence you can do our combined Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence Course.

It’s a short, two-hour course that will get you qualified for your Jet Ski/PWC Licence quick.

What’s involved in Upgrading to a PWC Licence?

All the steps to upgrading your Licence are included in our course:

  • Know all relevant PWC Rules
  • Pass the Multiple-Choice PWC Knowledge Test
  • Lodge your paperwork at the RMS

When is a Jet Ski/PWC Licence Needed?

You’ll need a Jet Ski/PWC Licence to ride any vessel that you sit or stand on, while a boat licence is required for vessels you sit inside of (such as a boat).

This Licence covers PWC vessels that seat one to four riders, in a recreational capacity, at any speeds that the vessel can attain.

If you don’t need this type of Licence you can check out our standard General Boating Licence Course.

What do I need to study for the PWC Rules?

Once you’ve booked into our course we’ll email you the ABC pre-study guide, and it only takes 20 minutes to read over the PWC knowledge section. We also have PWC study quizzes available on this site.

This gives you a head start on the PWC Rules, which we’ll reinforce once you meet us at the classroom.

We’ll make sure to point out all the important rules that can help you avoid a costly fine while jetting around NSW  waterways.

Is the PWC Knowledge Test Hard?

As you’ve already done study before your course and minutes before sitting the exam, it’s very easy to pass on the day of your course.

If you don’t pass during the first two attempts at the test, you can come back on any other course date and have another go – at no additional cost!

Do I have to get wet for my PWC Licence?

No, there is no need to get out on the water on a Jet Ski as part of our course, as the RMS only requires theoretical knowledge.

If you want to get out on the water with ABC or practice any boating manoeuvres, please feel free to look at our personalised custom boating lessons to get expert hands-on training today.

Take your paperwork to the RMS

When you’ve finished your Jet Ski/PWC Licence Upgrade Course you can take the completed form to any RMS/Services NSW branch.

Just select “Maritime” on the touchscreen for a numbered ticket, give them your form when called, pay the licence fee, and get your newly upgraded Licence on the spot!

Can a Junior Upgrade to a Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence?

So long as the junior is aged between 12-16, they can lodge their application form at the RMS and receive an upgraded Boat & PWC Licence.

The RMS website states that a Boat & PWC Licence holder between 12 and 16 must not:

  • Drive a PWC between sunset and sunrise (this rule applies to all PWC driving licence holders)
  • Drive a PWC at a speed of 10 knots or more:
    • Without the holder of a PWC driving licence who is 16 years of age or older being present on the PWC, or
    • While the vessel is towing anyone.

If you’d like to read more about the restrictions please refer to the RMS.

Boat Theory Course

Theory & Exam

  • BOAT THEORY STUDY
  • BOAT KNOWLEDGE TEST

(Price effective from December 1, 2023)

Boat Practical Only

Practical Session

  • PRACTICAL BOATING EXPERIENCE

(Price effective from June 1, 2023)

Marine Radio Licence (VHF, MF & HF)

SROCP: Short-Range Marine Radio

Short-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency For VHF radios

The fee includes:

  • The Online SROCP Radio Course
  • The exam & practical assessment
  • Processing
  • Issue of the certificate

LROCP: Long-Range Marine Radio

Long-Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency For MF & HF radios

The fee includes:

  • The Online LROCP Radio Course
  • The exam & practical assessment
  • Processing
  • Issue of the certificate
Let ABC Sydney get you on the water with the right training.

ABC Sydney has three modern vessels, checked and inspected quarterly and outfitted with full safety equipment. There are too many students for just one boat!

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Australian Boating College Sydney Pty. Ltd. ABN: 51 121 862 048 is an authorised Nominated Representative of ABC Licence Training Pty Ltd. ABN: 43 080 057 923 and RTO Number: 3399 and is approved by NSW Maritime to provide practical boat training and/or knowledge testing for the NSW general boat driving licence and PWC driving licence.