NSW Boat Licence

Get your NSW Boat Licence in one fun day with Flying Fish. This excellent course equips you with the essential practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to obtain your NSW Boat Licence. Led by an expert instructor, the training is delivered in a fun, hands-on format, ensuring an engaging and informative experience. Open to adults and children aged 12 and above. Add your Jetski (PWC) Licence as an optional extra!

Description

The Flying Fish NSW Boat Licence Course in Sydney includes everything you need to get your licence: theory, practical training, and the official licence test.

We start the day with theory training in the classroom. In the afternoon, we move on to hands-on boat training on Sydney Harbour, utilising our purpose-built RIBs.

You'll finish the day by completing the official NSW General Boat Licence Knowledge Test — a multiple-choice assessment required by NSW Maritime to issue your boat licence.

If you also need a Jet Ski licence, you can add the PWC test as an optional extra when you book.

Course programme

Powerboat theory (morning session)

  • Personal safety equipment (clothing, lifejackets, kill cord use)
  • Parts of the boat (basic terminology and layout)
  • Onboard safety and emergency preparedness
  • Types of craft (hull design, engines, and fuel types)
  • Basic weather awareness (forecasts, tides, sea state, and wind effects)
  • Navigation marks and buoyage
  • Collision regulations (IRPCS) and legal boating responsibilities

Practical skills (afternoon session)

  • Safety and departure checks (communications, kill cord, lifejackets)
  • Low-speed handling (close quarters, wind and tide, docking)
  • High-speed handling (trim, stability, wave handling, quick stops)
  • Rules of the road in action (practical application of IRPCS)
  • Seamanship skills (anchoring, mooring buoys, berthing, line handling)
  • Emergency procedures (man overboard recovery, distress calls using a marine radio)

Equipment and instructors

The course is taught by qualified and experienced instructors using our rigid inflatable rescue craft.

We operate in small groups, adhering to strict teaching ratios, so everyone gets plenty of time in the driver’s seat.

Training location

Our training base at Middle Harbour Yacht Club is excellent, making the course easy and accessible.

Sydney Harbour is our playground. The variety of conditions and busy waterways provide an outstanding training environment.

Private course

If you have your own group, we can organise a private NSW Boat Licence course on a date that suits you — and you’ll save money too!

Groups of 4 to 10 people – $350 per person (full payment required at booking).

To arrange your private course, click the Private Course Enquiry button at the top of the page.

RYA Powerboat Level 2 – International Certificate of Competence

For an internationally approved powerboat driver's certificate, join our 2-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course.

This certification is essential for professional Yachtmasters and watersports instructors and is widely recognised as a certificate of competence in Europe.

What's included

  • Safety equipment
  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
  • Foul-weather clothing (if required)

Qualifications

  • Once you successfully complete the NSW General Boat Licence Course, you’ll be issued a completed application form. Take this form along with your photo ID and the relevant licence fee to Service NSW to receive your full licence. 
  • Optional: Add your Jetski (PWC) Licence on the same day by completing the additional knowledge test.

Before you start

The course is open to anyone aged 12 and up. It's perfect for complete beginners as well as experienced boaties who need to get their licence.

  • If you’re 16 or older, you’re eligible for the NSW General Boat Licence.
  • If you’re aged 12 to 15, you can apply for a Restricted Boat Licence.

What next?

Marine Radio Licence and First Aid

  • If you operate a marine radio in NSW, you must hold an ACMA Marine Radio Licence.
  • All boat operators are strongly advised to complete a Marine First Aid course. If you are involved in towing operations (e.g. waterskiing or wakeboarding), it is mandatory for the master to hold a first aid certification.

AMSA Coxswain Grade 3

If you’re planning to tow or work commercially, we recommend doing the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 course instead of the standard boat licence course. It includes the RYA Powerboat Level 2, recognised internationally, and allows limited commercial operation. You also won’t need to complete the general boat licence separately.

Testimonials

  • Jason Crawley
    • NSW Boat Licence
    • “ The course was magnificent! I’m now fully addicted to the life aquatic' ”
  • Martin Chafei
    • NSW Boat Licence
    • “If you do your boat license with Flying Fish, you will get so much more information and ways of remembering signs, radio communications, and knots—a much better way to get the license than reading the book and doing the hours. The Instructors were simply awesome. Highly recommend it…”
  • Jeanette Kim
    • NSW Boat Licence
    • “ The instructor was awesome! Made the lessons clear, fun, and very informative. They focus on water safety and everything you need to enjoy your time out on your boat. What are you waiting for? Get a boat licence and enjoy our beautiful harbour! ”

Faq

  • Booking and course information
    • We recommend booking early, as spaces are limited and courses fill quickly.
    • You can view our full Terms and Conditions online.
    • The course is held at our training base in Sydney, with practical sessions on Sydney Harbour using our purpose-built RIBs.
    • All training materials and safety equipment are provided. Please bring a valid photo ID, wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, and soft-soled shoes.
  • Do I need a NSW Boat Licence?
    • If you want to operate a power-driven vessel for recreational purposes on NSW waters, you must have a boat licence once the vessel exceeds 10 knots (about 18.5 km/h).
    • This course provides the training and testing you need to apply for your licence through Service NSW.
  • What are the steps to get a NSW Boat Licence?
    • 1. Complete an approved boating safety course (like this one).
    • 2. Pass the NSW Boating Knowledge Test, included in your course.
    • 3. Log a minimum of 3 hours of practical boating experience (completed during the course).
    • 4. Visit any Service NSW centre within 12 months, with your certificate and ID, and pay the licence fee.
    • Licence duration options include 1, 3, 5, or 10 years.
  • Can I get a Jet Ski (PWC) licence as well?
    • Yes. You can add the PWC (Jet Ski) licence test as an optional extra when you book. This allows you to operate a personal watercraft in NSW legally.
  • How can I prepare for the course?
    • Before joining the course, review the NSW Boating Handbook and the PWC Handbook if you're taking the PWC test. These guides provide essential safety, navigation, and legal information.
    • Once you're familiar with the content, try the official practice quiz to test your knowledge.
  • What if I don’t pass the test or need extra help?
    • The course includes study resources and practice questions to help you prepare with confidence.
    • If you don’t pass the test on the day, we’ll offer support and a free resit at a convenient time.
  • Do I need a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate for the NSW Boat Licence course?
    • No, a Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate is not required to complete the NSW Boat Licence course or to obtain your general boat licence. However, if you plan to operate a VHF or HF marine radio in Australia, you are legally required to hold an ACMA-approved marine radio certificate.
    • As using a marine radio is a standard part of safe boating, we strongly recommend completing our ACMA Marine Radio Licence (VHF/HF) course during or after your boat licence training.
  • Can I use the Boat Licence commercially?
    • No. The NSW Boat Licence is for recreational use only. It is not valid for operating a vessel for hire or commercial activities.
    • If you need a licence for commercial or professional use, we recommend the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 qualification instead.
  • What is the RYA Powerboat Level 2?
    • The RYA Powerboat Level 2 is an internationally recognised certificate that covers boat handling, navigation, safety, and seamanship in powerboats up to 10 metres.
    • This certificate is included in our Coxswain Grade 3 course and can also be used for commercial endorsements or to hire boats overseas.
  • Would it be better to do the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 course?
    • If you plan to tow, work commercially, or require a boat licence for professional use, we recommend the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 course instead.
    • Our Coxswain Grade 3 course includes the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate (internationally recognised) and meets commercial licensing requirements. You won’t need to complete a separate boat licence course.

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