If you’re looking to a buy a boat in New South Wales, you’ll want to understand the ins and outs of boat licencing in the area. We’ll explore the top NSW boat licence questions as we endeavour to answer them.
NSW Boat Licence FAQ
How to get a boat licence in NSW?
- Study the boating safety manual
- Take the boating safety course – This can be done online at NSW Maritime (cost $11) or attend a seminar near you. Bookings are essential. An alternative to the NSW Maritime seminars is to take a Boating Safety Course conducted by a NSW Maritime accredited provider.
- Take the licensing exam – Once you have completed the course, head to your nearest RTA or Maritime Centre to sit the exam (40 multiple choice) – cost $28 for a boat licence and $43 for a PWC licence. Once you have successfully completed the exam you will be presented with a “certificate of attainment”. This is NOT your licence. It is just the slip that certifies your completion of the theory and exam.
- Get your licence – You will need to take the Certificate of Attainment along with photo ID to your nearest Maritime authority to get your licence. Cost is $42 for one year or $100 for three years). Young adult (under 16yrs) and concession (pension) licences are also available.
NOTE: Practical experience is now legally required to obtain a boating licence. A practical boating course should be undertaken, or you can complete a competency logbook.
For more information, please refer to the NSW Government website for more information.
How much is a boat licence NSW?
Boat licence fees will depend on the type of boat licence you want and the period of time you’d like to have one. As an example, a one-year boat licence in NSW for those aged 16 and over will cost $65 annually.
For a complete breakdown of fees, please go to the government website here.
When do you need a boat licence in NSW?
You need a boat licence in NSW if you plan to drive a vessel going 10 knots of more, or if the boat is a Personal Watercraft (PWC).
What size boat can I drive without a licence NSW?
You can operate any boat in NSW without a licence as long as it doesn’t surpass 10 knots, or it’s a sailboat with no engine, or other small watercraft such as a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board.
Can I use my QLD boat licence in NSW?
If you are just visiting NSW, you can use your QLD boat licence. However, if you are moving to NSW or plan to be in the area and using a watercraft for more than three months, you will need to transfer to a NSW licence.
Can I use my Victorian boat licence in NSW?
Similar to the above, you will need to transfer or get a new licence to operate your boat in NSW after a period of three months.
Do you need a boat licence for a houseboat in NSW?
Most houseboats will only be able to go a maximum of 10 knots at a stretch, so in this case, you won’t require a boat licence to operate a houseboat in NSW. Even if it isn’t mandatory, it’s still a prudent idea to take a course or obtain your licence regardless so you are comfortable operating the houseboat.
How old to get a boat licence NSW?
In NSW, you can get a boat licence as early as 12 years old. Upon completion of the boat licence NSW test, you can apply for your boating licence at 12 years old, which is a junior boating licence for 12 – 16 years old with a few restrictions.
How to renew boat licence NSW?
When you purchase your boat licence NSW, you’ll have the option to purchase them for one year, three years, five years, or 10 years at a time. Depending on which option you choose, renewing your boat licence NSW is easily completed online.
What size motor for boat licence NSW?
While not strictly mandated based on the size of the motor or the boat you will be operating, you will need to pass a NSW boat licence test to obtain your NSW boating licence for any vessel that can go faster than 10 knots. Boats that exceed this speed, will legally require a boating licence in NSW to operate their vessel.
Is my boat licence current NSW?
It’s important to keep note of when your boat licence is due to expire so you can renew it as soon as possible. Depending on the option you choose, you can renew your boat licence in NSW every one, three, five, or 10 years. Obtaining your boat licence in NSW is easy to do by booking online and can even be purchased for a period of up to 10 years. Whether you need a boat licence or a PWC licence in NSW, once completed, you can head out on the water safely and confidently.