Practical boating component added to NSW Boat Licences  



NSW Maritime have advised that new applications for a boat licence will need to display evidence of actual boating experience

All applicants for an initial general or Personal Watercraft (PWC) licence must first complete the compulsory Boating Safety Course(s) before the licence test(s) can be attempted.

FROM 1 JUNE 2009 IT WILL ALSO BE COMPULSORY TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF PRACTICAL BOATING EXPERIENCE BEFORE THE LICENCE TEST(S) CAN BE ATTEMPTED.

Applicants wishing to upgrade their existing general 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.

The NSW Maritime Boating Handbook provides essential boating information for operating a vessel for recreational purposes on NSW waters. It is strongly advised that licence applicants read the contents of the handbook prior to completing the boating safety course and practical experience requirements.
How to comply with Boating Safety Course requirements.

Boating Safety Course requirements can be met by one of the following:

   1.      Attending a Boating Safety Course conducted by NSW Maritime, the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association, Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol or Volunteer Marine Rescue Association. Click here for NSW Maritime venues and dates.
   2.      By viewing the Boating Safety Course online. Click here to view the course online.
   3.      By purchasing a DVD of the course for viewing at home. Click here to purchase a DVD.

After completing the Boating Safety Course and from 1 June 2009 practical boating experience, the applicant must satisfactorily complete the general boat licence knowledge test comprising of 40 questions (the first 15 must all be answered correctly) and for the PWC licence an additional 15 questions (minimum of 12 to be answered correctly). The applicant must pass the general licence test before the PWC test can be attempted.

An alternative to completing a Boating Safety Course for the requirement to obtain a licence and undertaking the licence test is to successfully undertake a course conducted by one of the following Recognised Training Providers (RTP). For details on these courses click on the link below:

    * ABC Licence Training Pty Ltd.
    * All Hands on Deck Maritime Training
    * Base Point North
    * Boating Licence Course
    * Defence Maritime Services
    * Maritime and Safety Training
    * NSW Boating College
    * Sea School Australia

The following Certificates from Yachting Australia are also recognised as satisfying the full requirements (including the practical component) for a general boat licence:

    * National Powerboat Training Scheme
    * National Yacht Cruising Scheme
    * National Motor Cruising Scheme

Full details on Boating Safety Course requirements and to view the NSW Maritime Safe Boating Handbook are available from NSW Maritime.

 
How to comply with practical boating experience requirements

To gain the required practical boating experience the following options are available:

    * Undertake a practical boating course with one of the above RTP, or
    * Completing a Competency Log

If the practical boating course is undertaken, the applicant will be issued a Certificate of Completion by the RTP which must be presented to NSW Maritime before a boat licence will be issued.

If the competency log option is selected, the applicant must complete a minimum of three trips in a powered vessel under power. Trip details must be recorded in the competency log and be verified by an experienced skipper (a person who has held a boat licence for a minimum of 3 years).

The completed logbook must be presented by the applicant before the licence test can be attempted.
 Updated Jan 2009





 
 

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