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QLD boatsafe licence to drive a motor boat

QLD Boat Licence Course info

Sea School International is approved by Queensland Transport to conduct Maritime Safety Queensland's Boatsafe Licence course.

Course Information

Types of licence

You must have a Recreational Marine licence to operate a boat that has an engine power greater than 4.5kW.

To operate a personal watercraft (PWC / Jet Ski), you must have a Recreational Marine licence and a Personal Watercraft licence.

Courses

Boat Licencing

This course is our most popular because all steps are covered on the same day! It includes the Practical Boating Course, the Boating Knowledge Course and the Boating Knowledge Test.

Boat and PWC Licencing

This course is made up of the Boat Licencing Course and the PWC Knowledge Test to obtain both Boat and PWC licence.

PWC (Jet Ski) Upgrade - must hold boat licence to complete

Complete a compulsory knowledge test.
*applicants must complete a boating knowledge test first or, hold a general boat licence

Course Costs

Course fees must be paid prior to course commencement

Bundaberg, Magnetic Island, Cairns

Sea School course type Fees
Boat Licencing Course $400
PWC Licencing Course $400
Boat and PWC Licencing Course $600

Sunshine Coast

Sea School course type Fees
Boat Licencing Course $400
PWC Licencing Course $400
Boat and PWC Licencing Course $700

Gold Coast / Tweed Heads

Sea School course type Fees
Boat Licencing Course $450
PWC (Jet Ski) Upgrade - must hold boat licence to complete$400
Boat and PWC Licencing Course $750

Note that these fees are for a QLD Boat licence at our Tweed Heads location. For a NSW licence please see the NSW course costs for Tweed Heads

What you will learn

  • Essential boating information
  • Licence and registration
  • Know the rules and regulations
  • Safety equipment
  • Sound signals and navigation lights
  • Plan your voyage and get back safely
  • Give way and distance off
  • Navigation marks and signs
  • Speed zones and night safety
  • Person overboard and hypothermia
  • Manoeuvre and handle a boat
  • Wind, current, waves and boat wash
  • Anchoring and safe operations
  • What to do in an emergency
  • Raise alarms and distress signals
  • Situation awareness and vessel traffic
  • Water ski and jet ski rules
  • Smart tips for safer boating

Locations

Gold Coast / Tweed Heads By appointment Peter Comerford
(07)­ 5524 3683 or 0423­ 000 093
info@tweedseasports.com
 
Sunshine Coast By appointment Paul Dalton
1300 666 416
paul@seaschool.com.au
 
Bundaberg By appointment Luke Truant
0423 015 490
luke@seaschool.com.au
 
Magnetic Island By appointment Contact
1300 666 416
enquiry@seaschool.com.au
 
Cairns By appointment Contact
1300 666 416
enquiry@seaschool.com.au

Boat and PWC licence courses and practical boating lessons are also held at various locations throughout NSW and WA.

What to Bring

Identification

You will need to bring your Australian Drivers Licence (or other acceptable proof of Identification).

 
Clothing:

Clothing should be casual clothing suitable for the practical boating components.

Shoes should be deck shoes, joggers, sandshoes or work boots (no open-toe shoes such as thongs).

Boating and PWC Knowledge Tests

These tests are NOT available online. All theory and practical tests must be completed face-to-face within the presence of an accredited Maritime Trainer and Assessor.

There are 50 multiple choice questions
  • 20 - the first 20 must ALL be answered correctly
  • 30 - the next 30 questions must ALL be answered correctly for Queensland tests

The PWC licence knowledge test cannot be attempted until the General Licence knowledge test has been successfully completed or the applicant holds a current boat licence.

  • 15 - PWC multiple choice questions of which 12 must be answered correctly

Literacy

Language and learning difficulties are not catered for. You must be able to read English to attempt the relevant knowledge tests. If you have reading and writing difficulties contact Maritime Safety Queensland.

What learning can I do before the course?

Our trainers will cover all the rules and regulations, information about boating safety and everything you need to know to pass your Boating Knowledge Test.

You do however need to complete a medical fitness disclosure statement and give it to your trainer prior to course commencement.

Maritime Safety Queensland provides a Boatsafe workbook which is a Learner's guide including a list of study questions and also a recreational boating and fishing rules and regulations booklet.

Applying for a boat or PWC (Jet Ski) licence

You need to be at least 16 years old and complete and pass a Boatsafe course (which is the Queensland courses we offer). This includes both the knowledge test and a practical course.

Once you have passed the course with Sea School the trainer will give you a statement of competency for you to lodge to apply for your licence.

To apply for a licence go to the nearest transport and motoring customer service centre that provides marine licensing services (call to confirm prior) and bring with you:

  • The statement of competency (this is only valid for 6 months from the date of issue)
  • Marine licence application
  • Proof of identity
  • Sufficient money to pay the fees

QLD State licensing fees

Similar to a driver’s licence, you will also have to pay a state government fee to Maritime Safety Queensland to obtain your QLD Boat Licence or PWC licence. This is a one-off fee.

Maritime Safety Queensland Licence Fees, as of 1 July 2024
Recreational Marine Driver Licence$123.85
Personal Watercraft Licence $123.85

Terms and Conditions

Signing your enrolment form acknowledges your understanding of your rights, obligations and acceptance of Sea School’s terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Sea School course costs, timetable, course content, policies and procedures are subject to change without notice.

You are required to read the detailed terms and conditions information on our website.

Complaint Management Procedure

Sea School International is committed to providing an effective, efficient, timely, fair and confidential complaints and appeals handling procedure for all students.

Please view our Complaint management procedure and Complaints form for further information on how to lodge your complaint.

Make an Enquiry

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Please use the information on our contact page to phone or email us directly.

Just wanted to thank you and your staff at Sea School. I have over 20 years experience in the teaching profession and work closely with Macquarie Uni & UTS and I can certainly say that your methods of teaching coxswain ticket were spot on.

Craig Mitchell, Managing Director, Sydney Harbour Bookings

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