NSW General Boat Licence
From $375
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Course Description
This course is the starting point for anyone wanting to safely get out on the water.
A general boat driving licence is mandatory for anyone operating a recreational vessel at speeds of 10 knots or more (approximately 18.5 km/h) on New South Wales waterways. This licence confirms that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely navigate and control a vessel at higher speeds, helping to protect everyone who shares the water.
If you’re ready to apply for a general boat licence or upgrade to a personal watercraft (PWC) licence in NSW, you’ll need to pass a knowledge test tailored to the specific licence type. The test is an essential part of ensuring all operators are well-prepared to handle their vessels responsibly.
In New South Wales, individuals aged 12 and above are eligible to apply for a boat licence. However, younger licence holders are subject to certain conditions, such as adult supervision or speed restrictions, to help them develop safe boating practices as they gain experience on the water.
To prepare for your test, take advantage of online practice quizzes designed for both general boat and PWC licences. These quizzes use questions directly sourced from the official test database, offering a realistic preview of what to expect on exam day.
Before sitting for your test, ensure you’ve reviewed the boating and/or PWC handbooks thoroughly. These guides provide essential information on safety protocols, operational rules, and navigation techniques to help you become a responsible boater.
Start practicing for your test today by clicking here: NSW Boat Licence Practice Test.
Whether you’re looking forward to a peaceful outing on the water or an adrenaline-filled adventure, obtaining your general boat driving licence is not just a requirement but a vital step in ensuring your safety and compliance with NSW boating laws.
What We Will Cover
- Boat terminology
- Mooring and docking
- Basic Navigation
- Vessel stability and overloading
- Emergency Situations
- Maritime rules and regulations
- The rules of the road
- How to anchor
- Rules around safety equipment and how to operate it
- Basic use of a marine radio
Steps To Getting Your Licence
While the format of the day may change due to weather or other circumstances we usually start the day at 9am where we will meet at the boat ramp or marina and begin with a fun practical session. We then stop for a break before starting our theory session which is followed by the knowledge test.
Upon successfully completing the general boat safety training and passing the test, you will be eligible to apply for your licence with Service NSW.
You will receive a completed application form during the course, which you will need to present at Service NSW along with the appropriate licence fee.
You have your licence.
About the Exam
- 50 multiple-choice questions.
- The first 20 questions must be answered correctly of the remaining 30 questions, you must get at least 24 correct.
- If you don’t pass on the first try, you can retake the exam immediately. A second failure allows you to re-sit the test at a later date at any of our courses or at our office, free of charge.
- If you need additional training, you’re welcome to attend any of our theory seminars at no extra cost.
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