Obtaining a NSW Boat or PWC Licence
 |
| If you are going to be driving a boat at 10 knots (18kms/hr) or more you need to get a boat licence. To obtain a PWC Licence you must hold a current boat driving licence |
In June 2009 the rules for obtaining a boat or PWC licence changed.
Applicants are now required to:
- Complete a safe boating and/or PWC Course.
- Undertake a practical boating session. (required for boat licence applicants only)
- Successfully undertake the General Boat Licence and/or PWC licence multiple choice knowledge test.
What is invloved?
Select a course option
-
Boat Seminar,Test & Practical Boat Handling all-in-one day - book online,select your preferred location and then click the "book this course" link. (Complies with the practical experience requirements)
RECOMMENDED
-
Two-in-One Day - Boat & PWC Seminar & Test combined - book online, select your preferred location and then click the "book this course" link.
-
PWC Seminar & Test only - book online - select your preferred location and then click the "book this course" link. (Available to general boat licence holders only)
-
Boat & PWC Seminar & Test only - book online, select your preferred location and then click the "book this course" link.
- Practical only - this course offers the same practical as in the all-in-one day course and complies with the practical experience requirements. Book online, select your preferred location and then click the "book this course" link.
An alternative option for meeting the practical boating experience requirements, is to complete the NSW Maritime Practical Logbook by recording logbook entries of on water experience by an experienced Skipper. An experienced Skipper is one who has held a boat licence for at least three years. If you select the logbook option,you are required to complete a minimum of 3 trips.
Applicants wishing to upgrade their existing boat licence to a PWC licence are not required to provide evidence of practical experience and need only comply with PWC Licence Boating Safety Course and PWC licence test requirements.
Commercial qualifications
Holders of valid NSW Certificates of Competency as master, mate or coxswain are currently excempt from the requirement to hold a PWC or General Boat Licence when boating for recreational purposes.
Eyesight standards
Where the applicant is unable to provide a current Drivers Licence, or eyesight report to confirm eye standards, an eyesight test is required. This can be completed at a NSW Maritime Centre or provide an eyesight report issued by a General Practictioner. Young adult boat and PWC licence applicants maybe required to undertake an eyesight test.
Licence tests
The licence tests must be completed in the classroom in the the presence of a NSW Martime Trainer and Assessor. College Trainer's are NSW Maritime Accredited.
- Boat licence test
The NSW Maritime boat licence test comprises 45 multiple choice questions in two sections. Section A consists of 20 questions of which all must be be answered correctly. Section B consists of 25 questions of which a minimum of 20 questions must be answered correctly. Students are allowed 30 minutes to complete the test. The test is marked pass or fail.
- PWC licence test
The PWC Licence test comprises 15 multiple choice questions of which 12 questions must be correctly answered. To obtain a General or Young Adult PWC licence you need to have first obtained your General or Young Adult Power Boat Licence.
Outcome
On successful completion of the Boat or PWC licence test students will receive a Certificate of Satisfactory Cource Completion to present to NSW Maritime, either in person or by mail. No further testing is required.
The College Certificate of Satisfactory Course Completion is NOT your licence. It is the slip that certifies your completion of any combination course, boat practical session or licence tests.
Obtaining your licence
You will need to take the Certificate of Satisfactory Course Completion, ID and two passport photos for (required for PWC Licence Applicants Only), as well as evidence, such as the College Certificate of Satisfactory Course Completion, or Practical Logbook entries of complying with practical boating experience requirements. Then present these documents at your nearest Maritime Service Centre to obtain your licence. On payment of the licence fee you will be issued with the licence.
