Recreational
boat licence WA

You must have a Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) to operate a boat that has an engine power greater than 4.5kW, or a Personal Water Craft (PWC / Jet Ski).

Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST)

The full course consists of theory and practical training.

Theory (approx. 2 hrs):

The theory exam is closed book and there is to be no assistance with the answers but help understanding the questions can be offered if needed.

The theory session not only contains a quick revision to assist with the exam but we also cover dealing with emergencies, how, why and when to use safety equipment and, very importantly, how to use navigation marks and a marine chart to navigate safely. We use visual teaching aids such as whiteboards, pictures, marine charts, navigation marks and we'll actually show you the safety gear to make learning easier and more interesting.

We also give away free learning tools.

Reading the workbook, trying the online quizzes and attending the theory training, you'll be more than prepared for the Theory exam which consists of 40 multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 34 out of 40. On successful completion you will move onto the practical.

Practical (approx. 2.5 hrs):

This course also allows plenty of time in the boat to practice the 10 skills required by DoT. We will demonstrate and explain all 10 skills and once you have practised these you will be assessed on all 10 skills.

Sadly, launching and retrieving a boat or jet ski is not part of the Recreational Skippers Ticket Course, yet it's where most people seem to get into trouble! Our Full Course will include this as well as explaining boat ramp etiquette.

On successful completion of the 10 skills you will be issued with your interim RST. This allows you to legally operate a recreational vessel or jet ski (PWC) immediately and is proof of competency until you receive your permanent RST through the post.

Skills Recognition

We assess your existing qualification for eligibility for an exemption from the RST assessment and send the required documentation to the Department of Transport.

Course fees must be paid prior to course commencement

You will learn and be assessed on:

Theory topics:

• Recreational boating rules and regulations
• International marine collision rules
• Buoys and other navigation aids
• Use of navigation lights on boats
• Maintenance of a vessel's structure, motor and equipment
• Required safety equipment
• Trip planning and responsibilities to passengers
• Distress signals and responding to emergencies

• Check the condition of a vessel's anchors, lines and equipment
• Conduct a safety briefing for those on board
• Start the motor safely
• Log a voyage plan
• Safely departing a berth
• Conduct a simulated man overboard operation
• Steer a steady course with the aid of a transit
• Perform a controlled stop
• Return to a berth and secure the vessel
• Log off

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

Your assessment for your Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) will consist of 2 sections; the theory and practical, both of which will take approximately an hour each to complete. You must pass the theory component of assessment before you proceed to the practical.

The theory section of the assessment consists of 40 multiple-choice questions of which you will need to get 34 correct in order to pass.

The practical component consists of 62 criteria of which you will need to get fewer than 6 wrong.

Once you pass, the assessor will issue you an interim certificate which is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Your RST card will be sent to you within that time, once your details have been received and processed by the Department of Transport.

Prior to taking the assessment, you will need to provide:

• Proof of eyesight requirement and Declaration of medical fitness
• Proof of identity
• Letter of consent (if younger than 18 years age)

The RST is valid for your lifetime, and there are no recurring or renewal fees or charges. However, a fee is payable for the re-issue of a lost/destroyed RST card.

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.