Boat Licence & Jet Ski Licence FAQs

Do I need to purchase additional chart equipment?

No. As part of the Chart Confidence course, you are given a printable nautical chart so you can start practising straight away at no extra cost. To begin, all you need is a simple pencil compass (or a pair of dividers if you already have them). This is enough to start learning and practising the core skills immediately.

To measure direction accurately, you will need either a Portland plotter or a set of parallel rulers. These are not included in the course. We recommend a Portland plotter, as it is simpler to use and well suited to learning.

If you would like a complete setup, you can purchase a full chart and navigation kit separately, which includes a chart, Portland plotter, compass pencil, and dividers.

Optional coastal navigation books

We also offer two coastal navigation manuals for those who like a printed reference. One manual covers step-by-step navigation techniques, closely aligned with the full online navigation course, with slightly more detailed explanations and exercises. The accompanying Q&A manual works through each step with questions, answers, and clear explanations of how the answers are reached. These books are entirely optional and not required to complete the course.

Find out what else we get up to here.

What is the difference between Chart Confidence for New Skippers and the Full Navigation Course?

Chart Confidence for New Skippers is a short, focused course designed to teach the essential chart skills every skipper (and crew!) needs to know.

It concentrates on the fundamentals: plotting your position on a paper chart, understanding latitude and longitude, and measuring direction and distance accurately. These skills are taught on paper charts so they make complete sense whether you are using paper or electronic charts, and they also provide a reliable backup if electronics fail.

By learning these core skills, you are able to carry out basic dead reckoning, which is an essential safety skill if GPS or onboard equipment stops working.

The full navigation course includes everything taught in Chart Confidence for New Skippers and then goes much deeper. It covers a wider range of navigation techniques and concepts, including variation and deviation, bearings, running fixes, set and drift, leeway, estimated position, deduced reckoning, and more advanced chart work. It is designed for skippers who want a stronger, more complete understanding of navigation and who want to be confident handling a wider range of real-world situations.

To answer the most common questions directly:

• The short Chart Confidence course is included in the full navigation course.
• You do not need to purchase both courses.
• If you want the complete navigation training, the full course already includes the short course material.
• If you want to master the basics first, Chart Confidence is a practical starting point and works well on its own.

Both courses are self-paced and designed to be practical, clear, and directly applicable on the water.

Do I need to purchase additional equipment?

As part of the course, you are given a printable nautical chart so you can start practising straight away at no extra cost. All you need to get going is a simple pencil and, if you have them, a pair of dividers or a compass. No additional equipment is required, and you can begin working through the skills immediately.
Of course if you’d like a full kit, you can purchase the full chart, portland plotter, compass pencil, and dividers here. (Chart and Nav kit sold separately)

Coastal Navigation Books

We also have two coastal navigation manuals – one has step-by-step navigation techniques very similar to our full online video course, with slightly more detailed explanations and some questions to complete straight away. The accompanying Q&A manual has questions and answers on every step, with explanations on how the answers are reached.

What is the difference between Weather Confidence for Cruisers and the Full Weather Course?

Weather Confidence for Cruisers is a shorter, practical foundation course focused on core skills such as reading weather maps, understanding wind and clouds, interpreting forecasts, and using tools like the barometer and VHF reports.

The full weather course includes all of the Weather Confidence content and then goes much deeper into marine weather systems, including synoptic charts, pressure systems, fronts, cyclones, line squalls, storm surge, and regional patterns.

If you want the complete learning path, the full course already includes the short course. If you prefer to start gently, Weather Confidence is a good standalone introduction.

Don’t forget we have a selection of manuals too – including Weather for Mariners

What are your/your trainers’ qualifications?

We are a husband and wife team and we live in the Bega Valley. You can get to know more here.

Briefly
We’ve been on the high seas for 25 years prior to moving to Brogo in 2017 where we built our own house and set up SisterShip Training (Jackie also cares for 4 rescued horses and 3 rescued sheep and trail rides when she can, Noel likes cruising on his motorbike – of course we both like sailing our yacht that is based in Eden and now offer International Accredited Yacht Training: here.

You are unlikely to find more experienced trainers, teaching Boat Licencing.

  • We both completed our Master 4 Ticket (at the time it was to skipper vessels 80 metres in length
  • We are both qualified Master 5 skippers (Masters < 24 metres)
  • Noel is a Marine Surveyor
  • Jackie has completed advanced international safety training (STCW95/CoST)
  • We train commercial skippers/Deckhands
  • We’ve traversed many oceans, completed hundreds of bar crossings, puttered through the French Canals (twice), circumnavigated the planet 1.5 times, and traversed The Great Loop in America
  • We have both been training maritime for over 20 years!
  • Jackie has set a sailing record with Lisa Blair
  • Read our Google reviews for an indication how we train

In addition, we fulfil the legal requirements with Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment, valid Working with Children Checks, Police Checks, Advanced First Aid, and we are accredited by Transport NSW to deliver the NSW boat and PWC (Jet Ski) licence course.

We are required to keep our qualifications/experience up to date.

 

How do I fill in the log book?

The NSW practical boating logbook is a straightforward, self-guided checklist that you must complete in order to get your NSW general boat licence. We will provide a logbook on the day of your course or pop into any Service NSW branch to pick up a copy. The logbook is free and contains full instructions.

Logbook details:

Complete at least three trips on the water under supervision.

Complete these trips with a licenced person (they must have held their licence for three years or more)

The trips are not time based, you have 12 months after your course to complete the logbook

You can backdate these trips if another skipper verifies the trips (they take responsibility)

The logbook is a requirement, mandatory practical training may be introduced in the future

There is no practical training for the jetski/PWC licence

I have lost my certificate can you send me another?

Yes, there is an administration fee of $45 to issue another certificate. Please note: you must have passed the course (where we issued your certificate) within the last 12 months, you will need to attend the next course (just at the start) to show your ID for the new form. All forms are dated from the original date of your course/test and cannot be future dated to include another 12 months. We cannot email or mail forms to you as they are government accredited forms and certain rules are applicable.

In some circumstances if you are local, we can arrange to meet up, as the only local provider we can do this. It will have to align with our trips to town.

You may come to our local offices if your request is urgent. This must be arranged/agreed upon first.

My certificate has expired can I get another from you?

No, once the certificate (paperwork we provide) is past 12 months from the date of issue you have to sit another course/test. You can go straight to Services NSW if you wish and just sit the test with them. We are unable to extend dates.

Can I get a refund?

Yes you can if you have extenuating circumstances that you are unable to change. Not if you just change your mind. We are the only provider that does this because we are THE ONLY locally based provider and we are the best value by a long way! We are also the most experienced with over 60 years combined experience on the water, and over 80,000 nautical miles traversed!

Can I change my course date?

Yes you can. We are the only locally based Boat Licence and PWC provider, that means we can be flexible and help fit in your busy lifestyle. Please provide as much notice as possible. You will be able to join the next class where there is space (you can change your course date twice, then administration fees become applicable).

 

 

What happens after the course/What do I do after the course?

When you have successfully completed the course with us, take your paperwork including your completed log book to Services NSW within 12 months. There are no further tests required.

 

 

What happens if I fail the assessment?

You can have 2 attempts on the day at each section. The pass mark for section A is  (24/40). The pass mark in section B is 20/20. If you get too many wrong in your first attempt at either section, we’ll go over the wrong answer(s) and remind you of the correct answers to each question, before you have a second attempt.

We will support you and guide you to pass if you are committed to learning/passing on the day (turn up refreshed as there is quite a bit to take in). With our experience and knowledge most students pass on the day. If you do not pass you can have a second attempt on the day. If you are having a really bad day and fail multiple attempts, you simply come back on another day. As we are a local company there is no charge for this, providing we have the space.

 

Is the boat licence test open book?

No, the test is closed book. No notes may be used in the process.

By the time we give you the exam you will be ready to answer all the questions.

There’s no time limit to doing the test, so the best strategy is to read the entire question and all the answers carefully. We will provide examination strategy techniques with you on the day to make it even easier for you.

 

Is the boat licence test hard?

It depends on how you tackle it. If you turn up well rested and ready to learn you should not have a problem. There is a lot to learn though, so if you are tired and uninterested then it can be challenging.

There are two sections, the first set of 30 questions, you have to get 24 right to pass. The second set has 20 questions and you must get all of these right.

Our training and revision is structured to give you everything you need to pass the assessment, you have your best chance with us. All you must do is turn up refreshed and ready to learn.

What if I have literacy or language difficulties?

Let us know before the course date, and we can discuss options available to you.

We’ve supported many students who find assessments a challenge, our focus is ensuring you are safe on the water and we work together, how best it suits you, to help you reach the required level.

Where is the boat licence course held?

We will send full details of your course to you via email. We’ll attach a map link.

All our courses are in Bega Valley (unless you have a large group outside the area and we’ll come to you).

Usually, Brogo Community Hall, Bega Town, and occasionally Bermagui and Eden, please let us know what you need.

What do I bring on the day?

Bring a pen and note paper, it helps to remember the training if you make notes. There will be tea/coffee available, feel free to bring food/drink, we have a full kitchen available.

Don’t forget your ID

Both adults and children need to satisfy RMS’s Proof Of Identity (POI) requirements. See here for RMS’s Proof of Identity details. A NSW driver’s licence will be fine for those 16 & over, and for those 12-16, either an Australian Birth Certificate OR a current Passport AND a Medicare card, are the most commonly provided POI docs.

Is there any pre-reading or pre-study?

No, we provide all you need. It’s great (and helps) if you are able to read some of the Boating Handbook that Services NSW produce (for free), but you don’t have to, we go through it all step-by-step including revision.

What happens if I don’t show up the on the day?

It’s important that you let us know you’re not coming on the day, as early as you can. We may be able to offer your place to another on a wait list for the day. If we don’t hear from you early enough, you may forfeit your enrolment fees.

 

Can I pay for my boat licence course on the day?

Yes, but only if you are booking at the very last minute, say the night before or on the day. You must make sure we have space for you first.

You can pay by bank transfer or PayPal prior to the course.

Can my kids get a boat licence?

What age can you get a boat licence?

Students must be 12 years and over to do their NSW general boat licence and/or jet ski (PWC) licence. Students aged 16 and up will qualify for the full licence, from 12-16 there are a few speed restrictions which automatically fall away when they reach 16.

I’m a bit nervous I left school a long time ago and haven’t done a test for years!

We understand, no one likes it. As professional mariners we have to continually do tests/exams and keep our skills current. We take this into account. We train in a variety of ways, and also do some revision right before the assessment. Our concern is your safety, that is our focus. We work with you, meeting your needs, supporting you. That’s our job.

Meet us here.

 

Is the course suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! We are professional and experienced skippers. We began our maritime career learning the Boat Licence course, so we understand how daunting it can be. We use at least four different methods of training. We all learn differently so we ensure that everyone’s needs are met. There is no such thing as a silly question.

Are your courses accredited?

Yes, we are approved by NSW Maritime to provide practical boat training and/or knowledge testing for the NSW general boat driving licence and PWC licence (jet ski).

Are online payments secure?

You can pay by bank transfer if you prefer so you don’t have to use PayPal/credit card if don’t want to. Once you have booked you will be sent our bank details (please email the receipt to us). Or use PayPal secure payment system. PayPal monitor all transactions and guard your financial data via their advanced encryption to prevent fraud and identify theft.

If you are booking late, e.g. the day before or the morning of the course, you can pay cash, but you must ensure we have the space first.

How do I book the NSW Boat Licence or PWC Licence

Please use this link.

If you do not have internet access, please call and we’ll help you via other arrangements.

You can pay via bank transfer or PayPal. Cash on the day is acceptable for late bookings only and if we have the space available.

How do I get a NSW Boat Licence?

It’s easy. After successfully completing our course, take the paperwork we give you with your completed logbook to Services NSW. You can purchase a licence just as you would a car licence.

 

How often do you run a Boat Licencing Course?

Usually monthly. Our dates are here. However, contact us if you need a course urgently (additional fee), or if you have a group (group discount for over 4 people for a new course date). We can come to you. Being the only locally based provider we can be flexible.

If we haven’t answered your question, please email us here, or call 0458 391660