Boat Licence, Safety & Powerboat Training in Sydney

Get Licensed and Build Confidence on the Water

Get your NSW General Boat Licence and build practical boating skills through our boat licence and marine safety courses.

Flying Fish Australia Pty Ltd (RTO No 46416) is approved by Transport for NSW to deliver training and knowledge testing for the NSW General Boat Licence and Personal Watercraft (PWC) Licence.

Our short courses suit beginners, recreational boaters, and those progressing toward professional pathways.

Training combines essential theory with hands-on instruction to help you operate a small vessel safely, legally, and with confidence.

All our courses are delivered by experienced, qualified instructors.

Approved RYA Sailing School Sydney
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Boat Licence and Boat Safety Courses

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AMSA Coxswain Grade 3

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Coxswain grade 3 is a domestic Certificate of Competency for operating in Australian waters. The certificate holder can commercially operate a vessel less than 12 metres in length for limited purposes in specified waters. It is the first rung on the ladder of the AMSA qualification scheme and represents an excellent low-cost entry point to commercial boating in Australia.

3 days

A$995.00

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NSW Boat Licence

Get your NSW Boat Licence in one fun, practical day with Flying Fish. This hands-on course includes all required theory, on-water training, and testing, delivered by expert instructors. Suitable for adults and children aged 12+, with the option to add a Jetski (PWC) Licence when you book

1 day

A$385.00

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RYA Powerboat Level 2

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course at Flying Fish is essential for professional yacht crew, watersports instructors and marine tourism operators. Train on rigid inflatable boats in Sydney Harbour and gain practical skills in boat handling, safety, and high-speed driving. The certificate is internationally recognised and commercially endorsable.

2 days

A$695.00

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AS Safety Boat Operator

This course provides the safety boat handling skills needed to support water-based activities at clubs, schools, and outdoor recreation centres.

2 days

A$695.00

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ACMA Marine Radio License (VHF, HF, GMDSS)

This one-day Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved course teaches you to use VHF (Short Range) as well as MF and HF (Long Range) radio for distress, urgency, safety, and general calls. The course includes GMDSS and DSC

1 day

A$395.00

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AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival

This two-day course meets the requirements of World Sailing (formerly ISAF), RYA and AS for crew planning to take part in offshore yacht races like the Sydney to Hobart race. The course is also highly recommended for anyone going to sea for any purpose. You'll learn essential emergency procedures and survival skills that could one day save your life. No prior experience needed.

2 days

A$795.00

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Essential Navigation and Seamanship - Online

This self-paced online course provides a beginner's introduction to the navigation theory and safety knowledge required to go boating safely at sea.

16 hours - self-paced

A$320.00

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Marine First Aid

This course has been specifically designed for those working in the marine environment and is ideal for boat owners, watersports instructors, yacht skippers, and crew. The course leads to an internationally recognised first aid qualification.

1 day

A$395.00

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Outboard Engine Maintenance

This one day course is for the Sydney boating enthusiast who wants a basic understanding of the operation and maintenance of an outboard motor. We teach you how to take simple measures to prevent mechanical breakdown at sea and to rectify defects which do not require workshop support.

1 day

A$395.00

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RYA Diesel Engines

This one-day RYA Diesel Engine course provides a practical introduction to the key systems of a marine diesel engine. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to carry out basic maintenance, prevent common causes of engine failure, and handle minor mechanical issues at sea—without needing workshop support.

1 day

A$395.00

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Hire a RIB

Hire one of our superb Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and get out and explore the stunning waterways around Sydney Harbour.

Min - 3 hours

A$495.00

NSW Boat Licence & Powerboat Qualifications

NSW Boat Licence 

Choose our one-day NSW Boat Licence course to gain the essential knowledge and skills you need to get licensed in a single, enjoyable training day.

RYA Powerboat Level 2

Join our two-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course for high-quality, small-group training. This course is perfect if you want deeper boat-handling skills, are considering an entry-level commercial qualification, or plan to go powerboating or chartering in Europe.

The RYA Powerboat Level 2 course also provides the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), recognised worldwide and often required for Superyacht yacht crew, bareboat charters, and commercial watersports roles overseas.

Commercial training

If you’re aiming to start a commercial boating career, begin with our AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 course. 

This entry-level certification is the first step in the AMSA qualification pathway and provides an accessible, cost-effective way into Australia’s commercial maritime industry.

Marine Safety and Skills Courses

Safe boating relies on strong skills, sound knowledge, and good preparation. In the marine environment, prevention is always better than cure.

Our marine safety courses focus on risk reduction, clear decision-making, and effective emergency response, helping you operate with confidence on the water.

Build practical competence with short courses in Essential Navigation, Marine First Aid, Offshore Safety and Sea Survival, and Outboard or Diesel Engine Maintenance.

If you operate a marine radio, holding a valid Marine Radio Operator’s Licence is a legal requirement.

To progress further, our Day Skipper Shorebased and Yachtmaster Shorebased courses provide a strong theoretical foundation for advanced and professional boating pathways.

Boat Licence Course Overview

See our video to get an overview of what our NSW boat licence course covers.

FAQs

To obtain an NSW General Boat Licence, you’ll complete approved practical on-water training and a knowledge test with a Transport for NSW–approved provider like Flying Fish. No prior boating experience is required.

Most courses are completed in a single day and include hands-on training on modern powerboats in real Sydney Harbour conditions.

No. To operate a personal watercraft (PWC or jet ski), you must hold a separate PWC Licence, which can be completed as an add-on or standalone course with Flying Fish.

No previous experience is required. Our courses are suitable for beginners through to experienced boaters looking to formalise their skills or progress toward commercial qualifications.

The NSW Boat Licence allows you to operate a powered vessel recreationally in NSW. RYA Powerboat Level 2 is an internationally recognised qualification focused on high-quality boat handling and is often required for overseas chartering or professional pathways.

Courses run in most weather conditions, as learning to operate safely is part of the training. If conditions are unsafe, courses may be rescheduled at no additional cost.

An NSW Boat Licence is for recreational use only. If you’re seeking commercial work, entry-level qualifications such as AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 or RYA Powerboat certifications are required.

Yes. If you operate a marine radio, you are legally required to hold a valid Marine Radio Operator’s Licence, which can be completed separately.

Yes. Private and group training is available for families, corporate groups, and customised training requirements. Contact us to discuss options.