NSW Maritime
Authority
Boat Licence Course
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Any person who drives a mechanically propelled recreational vessel on NSW waters at 10 knots or more, or a PWC at any speed, must be licensed.
General Licence:
A licence for people aged 16 years and over to drive at 10 knots or more.
General Young Adult Licence:
For those from 12 to under 16 years in age. A Young Adult Licensee must:
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be accompanied by the holder of a General Licence when travelling at 10 knots or more.
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not exceed 20 knots.
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not tow a water skier.
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not travel at 10 knots or more after sunset and before sunrise.
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not travel at 10 knots or more when towing an aqua planer.
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not participate in any race, display, regatta or exhibition without prior written consent from NSW Maritime Authority.
Personal Water Craft (PWC) Licence:
A special
licence is required to ride a PWC, regardless of speed. To obtain a PWC Licence, or to
upgrade an existing General Licence, you must complete a PWC seminar and answer additional
licence test questions.
Young Adult PWC Licence:
People under 16 years, holding a current Young Adult PWC Licence are permitted to operate a PWC and a boat below 10 knots, or below 20 knots if accompanied by the holder of a PWC Licence.
Commercial Qualifications:
Special qualifications are required to take charge of commercial vessels. If you want to obtain these qualifications, you will need a Record of Service book, which is available from the NSW Maritime Authority Commercial Vessels Section.
Holders of Certificates of Competency do not require a licence to operate a recreational vessel at 10 knots or more. However, they should carry their commercial qualifications. They also require a PWC Endorsement on their commercial qualifications if they drive a PWC.
How To Obtain a Licence:
Contact
NSW Maritime Authority or the Coastal Patrol and obtain a copy of
the NSW Safe Boating Handbook. Contact Coastal Patrol Point Clare
Base and arrange to attend a compulsory Safe Boating Course prior to examination.
General and Young Adult Licence are held monthly, the PWC Course and
Licence tests are held on demand by arrangement following the General
Licence Course.
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An applicant for a Licence must present Proof of Identity documentation before sitting the test.
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Young Adult Licence applicants must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when sitting the test. The applicant's original birth certificate, proof of age card or a current passport must be produced as proof of age.
Course Dates at Coastal Patrol's Point Clare Patrol Base (in Goodaywang Reserve at the end of Kurrawa Avenue Point Clare):
Phone 4325 7929 any day between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm to make a Course Booking.
The compulsory Safe Boating Course commences at 0900 sharp each 4th Saturday morning all year, it is recommended that you arrive no later than 0840 to complete the paper work involved. The PWC Workshop is held following the Safe Boating Course usually commencing about 1145 hours.
Boating Safety Course and PWC Course dates: Dec 20, 2008
For 2009 :- 17th January, 14th February, 7th March, 4th April, 2nd May, 30th May, 27th June, 25th July, 22nd August, 19th September, 17th October, 14th November and 12th December.
Licence Terms:
A General Boat Licence or PWC Licence is available for either twelve months or three years. There are monetary savings in selecting a three year licence. All licences are issued by the NSW Maritime Authority from a Customer Service Centre on production of a successful licence test.
Boat Licence Fees Applicable: (effective from 1 October 2008)
General Licence test fee - $28.00
General Licence Course fee - $11.00 Total $39.00
General Licence fees are:
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General Licence 1 year $42.00
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General Licence 3 years $100.00
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General Licence Concession 1 year $20.50
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General Licence Concession 3 year $49.00
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Young Adult > 6 months until birthday $20.50
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Young Adult < 6 months until birthday $10.00
PWC Upgrade (Note a General Licence must be held or the applicant must have successfully complete the General Licence test)
PWC Workshop - $11.00
Test fee - $15.00 Total $26.00
PWC Licence fees are:
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PWC Licence 1 year $140.00
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PWC Licence 3 year $276.00
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PWC Licence Concession 1 year $69.50
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PWC Licence Concession 2 year $137.00
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Young Adult > 6 months until birthday $68.00
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Young Adult < 6 months until birthday $33.00