Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence Course in Sydney NSW

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 three 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 Sydney's waterways, and replaces the need for the RMS logbook.

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 lessons and get expert hands-on training today.

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 extremely high 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

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!

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?

You won't have a Jet Ski/PWC fitted with one, but if you own a boat fitted with a Radio you'll need a Marine Radio Licence - you can get that through ABC Sydney too!

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.

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.

How much does the Boat & PWC Licence Training cost?

(Effective from December 1, 2023)

Full Day Boat & PWC - 1 Student	$535.00 each
Full Day Boat & PWC - 2 Students	$525.00 each
Full Day Boat & PWC - 3 Students	$515.00 each
Full Day Boat & PWC - 4 Students	$505.00 each
Full Day Boat & PWC - 5 or more Students	$495.00 each

Licence processing fees are charged separately, and can be seen on the fees page over at the Roads & Maritime Services.