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Boating schools in Australia
In short
Licences are a matter for the states. New South Wales requires one from 10 knots, Queensland for engines over 4.5 kW.
When a certificate is required
In New South Wales for recreational boats at 10 knots or more and for every personal watercraft, in Queensland for boats with more than 4.5 kW of engine power. The other states and territories set their own rules.
Duration and minimum age
New South Wales: practical experience through a logbook with an experienced skipper or a course with an Authorised Training Provider, then a knowledge test. Queensland: a BoatSafe course with an approved provider, and the licence is valid for life. New South Wales from 12, with restrictions until 16 such as a 20 knot limit and no driving at night. Queensland from 16.
What a course costs
New South Wales, official since 1 July 2026: knowledge test 44 AUD, licence 82 AUD for one year or 233 AUD for three years.
Who issues the certificate
The states, for example Transport for NSW and Maritime Safety Queensland, www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/maritime-licences/boat-and-pwc-licences/get-boat-or-pwc-licence
Finding a school
Where the boating schools in Australia are listed
No list of single schools, it dates within a season. We name the bodies that keep the registers.
Authority
Transport for NSW
How to get a licence in New South Wales and the Authorised Training Providers who run practical courses and knowledge tests.
www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/maritime-licences/boat-and-pwc-licences/get-boat-or-pwc-licenceAuthority
Maritime Safety Queensland
How to get a licence in Queensland and the finder for approved BoatSafe providers.
www.qld.gov.au/transport/boating/licences/recreationalSailing association
Australian Sailing
Courses at accredited Discover Sailing Centres, with place and date.
www.sailing.org.au/coursesThe certificates
What each certificate covers
NSW General Boat Licence
Recreational boats at 10 knots or more in New South Wales
NSW PWC Licence
Personal watercraft in New South Wales, always required
Queensland Recreational Marine Driver Licence
Boats with more than 4.5 kW in Queensland, valid for life
Context
How training works in Australia
Australia has no national boating licence; each state sets its own rules, and even the thresholds differ. New South Wales asks about speed and requires a licence from 10 knots. Queensland asks about engine power and requires one above 4.5 kW. Personal watercraft always need a separate licence in New South Wales.
For European visitors Queensland is the easier state: the German Sportbootführerschein, the Spanish PER and the ICC are on its list of temporarily recognised licences. In New South Wales an overseas licence serves for the first three months at most and cannot be transferred. The exception is New Zealand, whose Boatmaster certificate can be transferred to a New South Wales licence.
Recognition, charter, cover
What the certificate means outside the classroom
Recognition abroad
Queensland temporarily recognises selected overseas licences, from Germany the Sportbootführerschein, the yacht licence and the ICC, from Austria the ICC and from Spain the PER. Licences not in English need an accredited translation. In New South Wales overseas licences cannot be transferred, and after three months a New South Wales licence is required.
What the charter base asks for
The state and the charter company set the requirements. Ask before you book which licence the area calls for.
All countries at a glanceWhat matters for cover
Whether Australian waters fall within the cruising area of a policy is a question for the policy wording, not the certificate. Check before the passage.
All countries at a glanceQuestions and answers
Common questions about boating in Australia
Do I need a boating licence in Australia?
It depends on the state. New South Wales requires one from 10 knots, Queensland above 4.5 kW of engine power.
Is a European licence recognised?
Queensland temporarily recognises, among others, the German Sportbootführerschein, the Spanish PER and the ICC. In New South Wales a local licence is needed after three months.
What does a licence cost in New South Wales?
The knowledge test costs 44 AUD and the licence 82 AUD for one year or 233 AUD for three, plus the course.
Last reviewed: 08 November 2026. The authority of the country you boat in has the final word.
We insure boats whose owner or flag is in Germany, Austria or Spain.
Other countries
Do you run a boating school?
A training boat runs commercially, with a liable instructor: that needs its own arrangement.
