Recreational
boat licence

QLD Learner's Guide FAQ

Where can I complete a boat or jet ski licence course in Queensland?

Sea School offers Queensland recreational marine and jet ski licence courses at multiple locations, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Cairns plus surrounding regions. Courses are designed for beginners, recreational boat owners, holiday boaters and people wanting practical training to obtain their Queensland boating licence.

What is included in Queensland recreational marine licence training?

Queensland recreational marine licence training includes an online theory component covering boating rules, regulations and safety requirements, followed by a practical on-water assessment. Basic demonstration and practice are provided before the assessment. Students must complete the practical assessment within three months of finishing the online theory component. Additional boat training is also available.

What are the age requirements to get a boat or jet ski licence in Queensland?

In Queensland, you can complete a Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL) or Personal Watercraft (PWC) licence course from 15 years and 6 months of age. However, you cannot apply for your licence until you are 16 years old. Once you turn 16 and have successfully completed the required training and assessment, you can apply for your Queensland boat or jet ski licence through Queensland Transport and Main Roads.

How long does it take to get a boat or jet ski licence in Queensland?

Many Queensland boat and jet ski licence courses can be completed within a single day, depending on the training option selected. After successfully completing the approved course and receiving a statement of competency, applicants can apply for their licence through Queensland Transport and Main Roads any time within a 6 month period.

What types of boats can I operate with a Queensland recreational boat licence?

A Queensland recreational marine licence allows you to operate powered recreational vessels permitted under Queensland maritime regulations. This commonly includes motorboats used for fishing, cruising and leisure activities. Additional licensing requirements apply to personal watercraft such as jet skis and similar high-speed recreational vessels.

Can I use my boat licence for jet skis and personal watercraft in Queensland?

No. In Queensland, operating a jet ski or personal watercraft requires a specific Personal Watercraft (PWC) licence. A standard recreational marine licence alone does not automatically authorise PWC operation, although many students choose combined training to obtain both licences together.

Do I have to study before the Boat Licencing Course?

It is not a requirement to study before the course. Sea School provides a comprehensive face to face, step by step, presentation for all their boat licence and PWC licence courses.

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

What learning can I do before the course?

Maritime Safety Queensland provides a BoatSafe workbook which is a Learner's guide including a list of study questions.

Why do we need training before getting a Boat licence?

To get a Queensland marine licence you must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Complete and pass a BoatSafe course (or have a recognised interstate or overseas marine licence)

Furthermore,

• Time spent on the water will develop skills, knowledge and confidence when operating a vessel and help prevent accidents on the waterways.
• Boating offers fun, excitement, relaxation and social activity away from our busy lifestyle. Its popularity means more people with more boats, which suggest more dangers, like collision and swamping.
• Most people want to find out how to respond in an emergency. They want to protect the family, friends and assets. They choose a registered training organisation to quickly learn the rules, how to drive the boat and dock, and achieve their licence without any fuss.

Once I have received the statement of competency from Sea School, how do I apply for the licence?

You will need to go to your 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 licence fee

How do I renew my marine licence?

Once you have your Queensland marine licence you do not need to renew it as it is valid for life.

 

Also see our general recreational boat licence course FAQ