NSW Boat Licence Course Sydney

Get Your NSW Boat Licence in One Day, Without the Logbook Runaround

Confused by the logbook, worried about the test or unsure where to start? BoatWise makes the NSW licence process simple.

Everything in one supportive day. Learn the theory, complete the official knowledge test and get approved practical training on Sydney Harbour.

No three-trip practical logbook. No separate testing appointments. Finish your course with the completion evidence you need to apply at Service NSW.

Small groups in Mosman Bay. Clear instruction and real on-water practice so you leave ready to apply and more confident at the helm.

Mosman Bay • From $430 incl. GST • Maximum 12 students

Group savings available
NSW Boat Licence Course
$430.00
(incl. GST)
Complete theory, testing and practical training in one day.Delivered with Maritime Training School · Approved NSW Maritime training and testing provider
Vessel:
Brig Eagle 645
Students:
Maximum 12 students
Location:
Mosman Bay Sea Scouts
5 Centenary Drive, Mosman NSW 2088
Runtime:
Starting at 9:00 am
Dates:
Multiple course dates available each week
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Terry Mugford
July 30, 2026

The training was relaxed, easy to follow, and gave me the confidence to handle both simple and more complex manoeuvres on the water. Tristan explained everything clearly, was patient, and made sure I understood each skill before moving on. By the end of each session, I felt confident with docking, reversing, manoeuvring in tight spaces, and safely handling the boat in a range of different situations. From start to finish, the experience was outstanding. Tristan displayed absolute professionalism throughout and took the time to ensure I left with the skills and confidence to operate a boat safely. I couldn't recommend Tristan and the entire Boat Wise team highly enough.

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Dean Stevenson
July 28, 2026

Tristan is an excellent patient teacher, his boating advice really helped us gain confidence for when you really need it.

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Sedat Y
July 25, 2026

Tristan is a very experienced skipper who clearly loves what he does. He’s patient, easy to learn from, and happy to go the extra mile to help. I really enjoyed my time on the water with him and learned a lot. Highly recommend if you’re looking to build confidence and improve your boating skills.

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alison newell
July 23, 2026

Ive had the privilege of spending many days on the water with Tristain over the past year, and I couldn’t recommend him highly enough. Tristain is an exceptional boating instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has a calm, patient teaching style that builds confidence, and he takes the time to explain not just how to do things, but why. Every trip was a valuable learning experience, covering practical boating skills, safety, navigation and seamanship in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. His passion for boating is obvious, and he genuinely wants those on board to develop their skills and confidence. Whether you’re new to boating or looking to build on your experience, Tristain’s professionalism, encouragement and expertise make him an outstanding mentor. Thank you, Tristain, for sharing your knowledge and making every day on the water such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I would highly recommend your training to anyone wanting to become a safer and more confident boater.

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mohammed yousuf
July 22, 2026

I just completed a four-hour training session with Captain Tristian and already feel confident enough to drive the boat on my own. He was friendly, patient and very practical, taking enough time to explain everything in detail, including all the boat controls. His experience and guidance were excellent. Highly recommended!

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Bernard Haylen
July 22, 2026

Tristian has been a marvellous and very patient boating tutor. It's been very enjoyable working with him. My boating skills and confidence have improved enormously. He has been very helpful in ensuring warranty issues and improvements on my boat are completed. Highly recommend.

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Harry Price
July 22, 2026

Tristian has been great at inspiring confidence in driving my boat. He is knowledgable, encouraging, and has the perfect temperament to help you stay calm and in control in a situation which would otherwise be quite stressful.

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roy palic
July 21, 2026

I upgraded to a 9m boat from a 5m one. Tristan was able to give myself and my partner the ability to dock, take up a mooring single handed and to anchor effectively. His patience humour and ability to explain things clearly made all the difference.

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Ayoub Junior
July 19, 2026

I had an excellent experience with Tristan. He was professional extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire course. He explained everything clearly and made sure I understood everything before moving further. His calm and encouraging approach gave me the confidence to operate a boat safely and responsibly. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to get their boat licence. If you’re after an instructor who genuinely cares about his students success and safety, you won’t find anyone better. Thank you for making the learning experience enjoyable and helping me pass with confidence! Thank you once again Mohamed

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Andrew Skyring
July 19, 2026

My wife & I had a fabulous 4 hour introductory boat skills course with skipper Dave. Seamlessly arranged through Tristian and Boat Wise. We learnt skills in confidently docking our boat, cardinal markers, safe waterway rules and assessing environmental factors. Will definitely be booking more courses and continue to gain confidence on the water.

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Mohamad Alameddine
July 18, 2026

Absolutely essential service if you want to learn how to efficiently and SAFELY operate your new boat. I can’t thank Tristan enough for the help and support that he has provided my family and I. With Tristan’s cleare concise and no nonsense approach, he has helped my confident skyrocket when operating my boat, especially when it comes to docking. Tristan’s knowledge on the water truly is priceless, and the best part about Tristan, is that he’s offering his experience and skills for anyone who truly wants to operate safely and efficiently on the water. 10 star service, highly recommended!

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Marcelle Carr
July 11, 2026

I would highly recommend doing the day Boat course with Tristian. His knowledge and experience on the water was invaluable and as I am a newly licensed boat owner it gave me the confidence I needed.

Logo for Maritime Training School featuring a stylized compass and wave design next to the school name in blue capital letters.
Approved NSW Maritime training and testing provider. Silver Spirit Cruises Pty Ltd T/A Maritime Training School · RTO 91487.

From Learner to Licence-Ready in Four Clear Steps

Complete the theory, official knowledge test and practical on-water training in one supportive day.
Delivered with Maritime Training School · NSW Maritime-approved · RTO 91487
How it works:
Theory Training

Learn the essentials in our waterfront classroom:

  • Rules of the water and right-of-way
  • Buoyage systems and navigation signs
  • Safety equipment and emergency procedures
  • Boat types, fuel systems and legal requirements
Official Knowledge Test
  • Complete the official 50-question knowledge test
  • Friendly instructor support throughout
  • Results confirmed on the day
Practical Sydney Harbour Training
  • Manoeuvring at low and high speeds
  • Docking, anchoring and safe berthing
  • Handling wind, swell and changing conditions
  • Emergency drills and crew safety

NO PRACTICAL LOGBOOK REQUIRED

Receive Your Completion Paperwork

Once you have successfully completed the course, we’ll provide the paperwork you need to submit to Service NSW with the government licence fee.

COURSE COMPLETE. NO FURTHER TESTING.

Optional Upgrade - Add Your Jet Ski (PWC) Licence

Want to get licensed to ride a jet ski too?

Add PWC to your booking and sit the additional 15-question exam after your boat course for an extra $120.

No practical session required for PWC. Please bring two passport photos for your application.

Book in with Jet Ski (PWC) Licence
Smiling jet ski rider wearing a life jacket on Sydney Harbour

Practical Info

Training Location

Mosman Bay Sea Scouts


5 Centenary Drive, Mosman NSW 2088

Start your day in our waterfront Mosman Bay classroom before heading onto Sydney Harbour for practical, real world boat training.

Who Is This Course For?

  • First time boaters getting started on the water

  • New boat owners needing their NSW Boat Licence
  • Teens aged 12+ beginning their boating journey

  • Anyone wanting to avoid a practical logbook or further testing

True Confidence Starts Here

“BoatWise helped me go from nervous around marinas and swell to genuinely calm and confident at the helm. Getting my licence was just the beginning.”

Sophie M, BoatWise graduate

Sophie M, BoatWise graduate

Ready to Get Your NSW Boat Licence?

Book a one-day NSW Boat Licence course in Mosman Bay with theory, the official knowledge test and practical Sydney Harbour training included. No practical logbook. No further testing.

From $430 incl. GST • Mosman Bay • Maximum 12 students
Ask a Licence Question
Course FAQS

Boat Licence FAQs

You need a NSW general boat licence to drive a recreational powered vessel at 10 knots, which is 18.5 km/h, or faster. A PWC, commonly called a Jet Ski, requires a PWC licence at any speed. A licence is generally not required for a powered vessel operated below 10 knots or for unpowered craft.
You can apply for a NSW general boat licence from age 12. Special restrictions apply to licence holders under 16, including restrictions on speed, night driving, towing and operating a PWC without an eligible accompanying licence holder.
Your one-day course includes theory training, preparation for the official knowledge test, the 50-question test and approved on-water practical training on Sydney Harbour. After successful completion, you receive the evidence needed to apply for your licence at Service NSW.
Yes. The NSW general boat licence knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions. BoatWise prepares you throughout the day and our instructors support you through the process, with the test completed as part of your course.
No. BoatWise provides an approved on-water practical course through an Authorised Training Provider, so you do not need to complete a separate practical logbook. The alternative NSW pathway is a minimum of three trips in a powered vessel with an experienced skipper recorded in the official logbook.
You must apply for your licence within 12 months of completing your practical experience and passing the knowledge test. Apply before either piece of evidence expires so you do not need to repeat a requirement.
Take your proof of identity, course and practical completion evidence, and any required eyesight or medical information. You will also pay the applicable NSW Government licence fee. PWC applicants must provide two passport-acceptable photos.
After successfully completing the BoatWise course, take your approved paperwork to a Service NSW centre and pay the government licence fee. Service NSW issues your licence after accepting the application. You can also access a digital licence through the Service NSW app once it is available in your account.
The BoatWise course fee of $430 including GST is separate from the NSW Government licence fee. From 1 July 2026, adult general boat licence fees are $82 for 1 year, $233 for 3 years, $372 for 5 years and $720 for 10 years. Concession and under-16 rates are lower, and government fees may change.
Yes. You must hold or obtain a general boat licence first, then pass the additional 15-question PWC knowledge test. No extra practical experience is required, but you will need two passport-acceptable photos. BoatWise offers the PWC upgrade with this course for an additional $120.
The course is held at Mosman Bay Sea Scouts, 5 Centenary Drive, Mosman NSW 2088. Theory takes place in our waterfront classroom, followed by practical boat training on Sydney Harbour. Multiple course dates are available each week.
Safety and Preparation
Life jackets, communication, and crew positioning for safe boating
High-Speed Handling
Manage trim, stability, and wave conditions for a smoother ride
Low-Speed Handling
Manoeuvre in tight spaces, control drift, and handle wind & tide
Rules of the Water
Understand right-of-way, navigation signs, and how to manage busy waterways
Boating Skills
Anchor like a pro, berth confidently, and secure your vessel with proper mooring techniques
Emergency Situations
Respond quickly to distress calls, recover a person overboard, and use a marine radio effectively
Personal Equipment
Know what to wear, the importance of safety gear, and how to prepare for any trip
Parts of the Boat
Learn key terminology and understand how your vessel operates
Types of Craft
Get to know different hull types, engines, and fuel systems
Basic Weather and Tides
Read forecasts, understand sea conditions, and plan trips safely
Buoyage and Collision Regulations
Navigate confidently while following international boating rules
Onboard Safety and Legal Responsibilities
Understand everything required to skipper safely and legally

Reserve your spot

Spots are limited on the day, so book in quick to secure a spot.
We can't wait to see you out on the water!
Still need help? Give us a call

Still need help? Give us a call

Need Help?

If you're unsure or need a question answered about our courses or packages, please feel free to call us on 0481 877 912 leave a message below and we'll get back to you.
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