Boat Licence Course

The fresh sea breeze, the cool spray, the need for skis or the thrill of a catch... whatever calls you out onto the water, this course will get you there.

Online Video Theory Course

Short weekend prac in Redcliffe

Small, supportive classes

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  • Cost: $150
  • Practical: 3.5 hrs
  • Online: 4 hrs
  • Book Now

Course Overview

Quite simply, this is the course you need to acquire your Queensland Recreational Marine Driver’s Licence (Boat Licence) to master a power boat with a motor of 4 HP or greater.

The boat licence course incorporates online video theory learning and an online practice quiz, followed by practical training and assessment on the boat and a final multiple choice theory assessment (50 questions)… but there’s no need to panic! We are very patient and with only a small, supportive audience, you will master each basic element in as many attempts as you need.

Course content

Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll learn in the power boat licence course:

  1. Planning your trip
  2. Understanding marine safety, legal obligations and seaworthiness
  3. Main parts of a small recreational boat
  4. Boat maintenance
  5. Safety equipment and pre launch checks
  6. GPS systems and determining position
  7. Applying COLREGS system of navigation to prevent collision at sea
  8. Weather and tides
  9. Responding to marine emergencies and incidents

In addition, the practical component on our vessel includes explanation, demonstration and assessment of the following activities:

  1. Understanding stability and trim
  2. Anchoring
  3. Slow speed manoeuvres
  4. Manoeuvres at speed
  5. Berthing and unberthing
  6. Launching and retrieving

When/How do I get my boat licence?

On successful completion of the boat licence course, you’ll receive a Statement of Competency (SoC). It’s like an offical piece of paper verifying that you have passed all the necessary theory and practical assessments, but IT’S NOT A BOAT LICENCE!

To acquire your Recreational Marine Driver Licence, you must present your SoC at a Transport and Motoring Service Centre (better known as Qld Transport Department Office) within 6 months of issue at which time you will pay further govt. charges equal to approx. $100 per licence (approx. $200 for boat and jet ski licence).

Again, your statement of competency (SoC) is not a boat licence or even a temporary licence. If you get pulled over by the Water Police with no licensed person on board and you pull out your SoC, no excuse will be good enough. You will receive a fine.

Save $50!

When you do the Boat & Jet Ski Combined Course.

Mates rates!

$10 off for 3 more ppl

Course FAQs

Do you run courses mid-week?
Yes! Check out the booking calendar to see if there is a scheduled mid-week that’s suitable to you. If you have a group of 5 or more, we can usually accomodate a private group booking at a time you choose. Otherwise, contact us.
What is the minimum age to attend this course and get your boat licence?
In Queensland, you need to be 16 year of age or over to get a Marine Driver’s Licence, however… you can attend the course and be issued a Statement of Competency once you turn 15 and a half, but you will need to wait until your 16th birthday to exchange it for a licence. Make sense?
What if I fail the course?
We get asked this a lot! Relax. You are not likely to fail this course. The practical requirements are basic and our small classes mean that there’s time for you to take as many attempts as you need to succeed. You are also able to re-attempt questions on the multiple choice test until you answer correctly and we’re there if you need further explanation.
Will the course go ahead in bad weather?
The course will go ahead if it’s safe to do so. Rain doesn’t usually impact safety (maybe enjoyment), but winds do. We keep a close eye on the Moreton Bay weather forecast  and make the call by 7am on the day, based on weather predictions. If the weather turns bad while out on the vessel and safety is at risk, the session will be cut short. In any case, we will reschedule all participants at no further cost to you.
What is your refund policy?
We offer no-questions-asked refunds for cancellations made at least 2 days (48 hours) before the course.