During the day, you will spend the morning in the classroom and the afternoon on Sydney Harbour learning to drive our rigid inflatable rescue craft.

Course content

Practical skills

• Safety and preparation (kill cord, life jackets, communications, crew position and safety)
• High-speed handling (trim, stability, driving position, crew safety, waves, quick stop)
• Low-speed handling (close quarters, standing off, wind and tide)
• Rules of the road (application of basic IRPCS whilst underway)
• Seamanship skills (anchoring, berthing, handling lines, mooring buoys)
• Emergencies (types of emergency, man overboard recovery, marine radio distress calls)

Powerboat theory

• Personal equipment (clothing, lifejackets etc)
• Parts of the boat (basic terminology)
• Onboard safety
• Types of craft  (hull types, engines, fuel) 
• Basic weather (forecasts, sea state, effect of wind and tide) 
• Buoyage, basic collision regulations (IRPCS)
• Legal responsibilities and obligations.

Equipment and instructors 

The course will be taught by qualified and experienced instructors using our rigid inflatable rescue craft.

We operate in small groups according to strict teaching ratios to ensure everyone gets plenty of time in the driver's seat. The course is continually assessed, so there is no written examination to complete. Our pass rate is close to 100%

Training location

Sydney Harbour is our playground. The variety of conditions and busy waterways provide an outstanding training environment. 

Private course

If you arrange your own small group, we can schedule a private course for you on a date that suits you, and you can save money, too.

You pay for the course in total as below  

• Bring up to 4 people - $1185 (296 / person)
• Bring up to 8 people - $2200 (275 / person)

Please get in touch with us using the private course enquiry button at the top of the page.

International Certificate of Competence 

For an internationally accredited powerboat driver's certificate, join our 2-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course.

This certification is essential for professional Yachtmasters and watersports instructors and is widely recognised as a certificate of competence in Europe. It also converts to a NSW boat licence.

Safety equipment, logbook, PFD, and foul weather clothing if required

Qualifications 

• Australian Sailing Start Powerboating Certificate
• Get your NSW General Boat Licence by taking the certificate you receive on this course, together with your photo ID and the licence fee, to an RMS office (NSW Roads and Maritime) within 1 year. 

• The course is suitable for beginners.
• If you are 16 years or over you are eligible for the NSW General Boat Licence.
• A Restricted Boat Licence is available for those aged 12 to 15.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Licence 

• If you want to drive a Jetski or other personal watercraft in New South Wales, you must obtain a PWC Licence.
• Once you have your General Boat Licence, you can upgrade to a PWC licence by taking the PWC knowledge test. We will provide further information about how to get this when you book your course.

Marine Radio Licence and First Aid

• If you operate a marine radio in NSW, you must also hold an ACMA Marine Radio Licence. 
• All boat operators are strongly advised to complete a Marine First Aid course.
• If you are involved in towing operations (eg waterskiing or wakeboarding), it is mandatory for the master to hold a first aid certification.

• Jason Crawley
• NSW Boat Licence
• 
• “ The course was magnificent! I’m now fully addicted to the life aquatic' ”
• Martin Chafei
• NSW Boat Licence
• 
• “If you do your boat license with Flying Fish, you will get so much more information and ways of remembering signs, radio communications, and knots—a much better way to get the license than reading the book and doing the hours. The Instructors were simply awesome. Highly recommend it…”
• Jeanette Kim
• NSW Boat Licence
• 
• “ The instructor was awesome! Made the lessons clear, fun, and very informative. They focus on water safety and everything you need to enjoy your time out on your boat. What are you waiting for? Get a boat licence and enjoy our beautiful harbour! ”