Training Courses
Learning with Marine Rescue NSW means learning from people who operate on the water every day, in all conditions. Our volunteer skippers bring extensive real‑world experience, deep local knowledge and an uncompromising commitment to safety.
Getting your Boat Driving Licence
Anyone aged 12 or over, who drives a boat at a speed of 10 knots or more must have a boat licence.
Marine Rescue NSW is an approved training provider of the knowledge testing component for the NSW Boat Driving Licence. Our trainers will cover everything you need to know to help build your confidence in local navigation, boating safety and the marine environment.
To obtain a general boat driving licence, you must:
- Participate in the 3 hour 15 minutes knowledge component of the course
- Pass the online test
- Populate a Practical Log Book of boating experience
You can then submit all documentation and a licence application to your local Services NSW service centre, for approval and issuing of a licence.
For more information on obtaining a NSW Boat Drivers licence visit Maritime – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW
Join our Boating Driving Licence Theory Course and Online Test
Location: Courses are held at our base located in Rowland Reserve in Bayview.Â
Duration: Approx 5hrs, including test
Fees: $165 for adults over 16 and $145 for young adults 12-15 (100% of your course fee goes directly to the running of our Broken Bay unit.)
Discounts: Family/group discounts are available for 3 or more people on the same booking. Contact us for pricing. Â
Before you attend
You must bring your Driving Licence on the day – if you do not have a Driving Licence, or if you are registering for a child 12-16 please contact us so we can confirm what other ID is acceptable to Transport for NSW.
We strongly suggest you should thoroughly study the NSW Maritime Boating Handbook AND attempt the practice questions before attending the course. This will greatly improve your understanding of the course and aid with successful completion of the exam.
Link to Boating Handbook
Take the boating knowledge practice quiz | Service NSW
The handbook is also available as a download, or can be picked up at any Services NSW centre.
