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NSW boat licence (General boat driving licence)

You need a NSW general boat licence to drive a recreational powerboat, including a sailing boat using its engine, at 10 knots or more on NSW waters. You can apply from age 12 after passing the knowledge test and completing the required practical experience; a PWC needs a separate PWC licence.

Guide: NSW boat licence (General boat driving licence)

NSW boat licence questions

How old do you have to be to get a boat licence in NSW?
You can apply from age 12. If you are under 16, a parent or legal guardian must attend when you apply, with identity documents for that adult.
What restrictions apply if you are aged 12 to 15?
You must not exceed 20 knots or drive in races, displays, regattas, exhibitions or similar operations, subject to aquatic-event exemptions. At 10 knots or more in a non-PWC vessel, a general boat licence holder aged at least 16 must be aboard; you must not drive between sunset and sunrise or tow a person.
What practical experience do you need?
Use the official logbook with an experienced skipper or complete an approved practical course. The logbook route requires at least 3 qualifying powered-vessel trips within 12 months before applying, with the required competencies completed and signed evidence.
What happens if you do not pass the NSW boat licence test?
You will need to take the knowledge test again. Each attempt at a Service NSW centre costs AUD 44.
Can an interstate or overseas licence holder use NSW waterways?
Carry your licence, show it on request and follow NSW rules. To keep using NSW waterways after 3 months, interstate and overseas licence holders need a NSW licence; overseas licences generally cannot be transferred.
How long does a NSW boat licence last?
Choose a 1, 3, 5 or 10-year term. You must hold a current licence whenever one is required; an expired licence may be renewed within 5 years of expiry, after which you must complete the full licence process again.

Australia · Transport for NSW

The knowledge test covers safe boating, navigation marks, vessel lights, sound signals and the other topics in the Boating Handbook. Here, you can practise COLREG rules, IALA buoyage, lights and shapes, and sound signals; study the rest of the syllabus with the official material.

Transport for NSW: get a boat licence ·

Who needs a NSW general boat licence?

This licence is for recreational powerboat drivers on NSW waters when they operate at 10 knots or more. It also applies when you use the engine of a sailing boat; sailing without an engine does not require it.

Topics tested

Free boating practice

Practice questions (with answers)

  1. Safe speed means a speed that allows:

    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. Effective collision avoidance and stopping within an appropriate distance

    Rule 6 requires a speed allowing proper and effective action to avoid collision and stopping within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

  2. Risk of collision is deemed to exist when:

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    Correct answer: A. The compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change

    Rule 7(d)(i): risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.

  3. If circumstances admit, action to avoid collision shall be:

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    Correct answer: B. Positive, made in ample time

    Rule 8(a) requires action in accordance with Part B and, if circumstances admit, positive action made in ample time with due regard to good seamanship.

  4. In a narrow channel, a vessel should keep to:

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    Correct answer: C. As near the outer limit on her starboard side as is safe and practicable

    Rule 9(a): a vessel shall keep as near to the outer limit on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.

  5. If fitted, the topmark of a special mark is:

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    Correct answer: B. A yellow X-shape (cross)

    Special marks have a yellow X-shaped (St. Andrew's cross) topmark. (if fitted).

  6. Emergency wreck marking buoys are coloured:

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    Correct answer: C. Blue and yellow vertical stripes

    equal numbers and widths of blue and yellow vertical stripes; 4 to 8 stripes in total. 1 s blue + 0.5 s darkness + 1 s yellow + 0.5 s darkness; period 3 s.

  7. Emergency wreck marking buoys are used for:

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    Correct answer: B. Marking new dangers, including newly discovered wrecks

    The emergency wreck marking buoy marks new dangers, including newly discovered wrecks. The competent authority determines further marking once the danger is removed or its information has been sufficiently promulgated.

  8. The topmark of a West Cardinal mark is:

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    Correct answer: C. Two cones point to point

    Two separate black cones with their points facing each other. The cones must remain clearly separated.

Practise more questions in the free test →

How to get a boat licence in NSW

Study the Boating Handbook and complete practical experience through the official logbook or an approved practical course. You may take the 50-question knowledge test at Service NSW or through an Authorised Training Provider before completing the practical experience. After passing, apply in person within 12 months with your practical evidence, identity and eyesight evidence, health information and payment.