Flying Fish (RTO No. 46416) is a Transport for NSW approved provider of NSW Boat Licence training and testing.

Gain your NSW Boat Licence in one enjoyable day. This course combines all required theory training, practical boating experience and the official NSW Boat Licence Knowledge Test in a single, structured programme.

Based at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, you'll spend the morning preparing for the knowledge test before heading onto Sydney Harbour to develop practical boat handling skills aboard our purpose-built rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).

By the end of the day you'll have completed all the training and assessment required to apply for your NSW Boat Licence. You can also add the Jet Ski (PWC) knowledge test when booking.

Private courses are also available for groups. See the FAQ section below for details.

What you'll learn

Morning – Theory training and licence test

• Boating safety and legal responsibilities
• Boat handling fundamentals and boating terminology
• Navigation marks, buoyage and collision regulations (IRPCS)
• Weather awareness, tides and local boating conditions
• Official NSW Boat Licence Knowledge Test

Afternoon – Practical boat handling

• Pre-departure safety checks and vessel preparation
• Low-speed manoeuvring, docking and close-quarters handling
• Higher-speed boat handling, trim and emergency stops
• Applying the rules of the road on the water
• Anchoring, mooring and basic seamanship
• Emergency procedures, including man overboard recovery

Why choose Flying Fish?

• Transport for NSW approved training and testing provider
• Experienced, professional instructors
• Modern rigid inflatable training vessels
• Small groups with plenty of individual coaching
• Practical training on Sydney Harbour

Ready for the next step?

If you're planning to boat overseas, charter powerboats or want to develop more advanced boat handling skills, our 2-day RYA Powerboat Level 2 course is the ideal progression.

It provides extensive practical training and leads to the International Certificate of Competence (ICC), recognised for powerboat charter in many countries worldwide.

• All theory training and practical on-water instruction
• Official NSW Boat Licence Knowledge Test
• Use of our training boats and all safety equipment
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Foul-weather clothing (if required)
• Experienced instructor and small group tuition

Qualification

On successful completion, you'll receive a completed application form to present at Service NSW, together with your identification, to obtain your official NSW Boat Licence.

You can also add the Jet Ski (PWC) Licence by completing the additional knowledge test on the same day when you book your course.

The course is open to anyone aged 12 years and over.

• Ages 16+ – Eligible for a full NSW Boat Licence.
• Ages 12–15 – Eligible for a restricted NSW Boat Licence (speed restrictions apply).

ACMA Marine Radio Licence

If you operate a VHF or HF marine radio in NSW, you must hold an ACMA Marine Radio Licence.

Marine First Aid

We strongly recommend completing a Marine First Aid course. A current first aid certificate is also mandatory if you are the master of a vessel involved in towing activities such as waterskiing or wakeboarding.

Planning to work commercially?

If your goal is to work as a commercial boat operator or conduct towing operations, we recommend enrolling directly in the AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 course instead. It includes the NSW Boat Licence, RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the qualifications needed for limited commercial operations, so there's no need to complete the standard Boat Licence course first.

• 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! ”

• Booking and course information
• We recommend booking early as places are limited and courses often fill well in advance.
• The course is held at our training base at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, with practical training on Sydney Harbour using our purpose-built RIBs.
• All training materials and safety equipment are provided. Please bring valid photo ID, wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and soft-soled shoes.
• View our Terms and Conditions.
• Do I need a NSW Boat Licence?
• If you operate a recreational powerboat capable of speeds over 10 knots (approximately 18.5 km/h) on NSW waters, you must hold a NSW Boat Licence.
• This course includes the training, practical boating experience and knowledge test required to apply for your licence through Service NSW.
• How do I get my NSW Boat Licence?
• Complete this one-day course, including the theory training, practical boating experience and NSW Boat Licence Knowledge Test.
• After successfully completing the course, take your completion certificate and identification to any Service NSW centre within 12 months and pay the applicable licence fee.
• Licence options are available for 1, 3, 5 or 10 years.
• What happens if I don't pass the test?
• Most participants pass on the day.
• If you don't pass your first attempt, we'll help you identify the areas that need improvement and provide one free resit during the course.
• If you're still unsuccessful, you can either rebook the theory course with Flying Fish or complete the knowledge test later through Service NSW.
• Can I add a Jet Ski (PWC) Licence?
• Yes. You can add the PWC (Jet Ski) knowledge test as an optional extra ($120 per person) when booking your course, allowing you to obtain both licences on the same day.
• Can you run a private course for my group?
• Yes. We regularly run private NSW Boat Licence courses for families, groups of friends, yacht clubs and corporate groups.
• A private course costs $1,995 and is exclusively for your group. You can bring up to 6 participants, making it a great value option compared with booking individual places.
• To arrange a private course, please contact us using the Submit Enquiry button at the top of this page.
• How can I prepare for the course?
• We recommend reading the NSW Boating Handbook before attending. If you're also taking the PWC test, review the PWC Handbook.
• You can then test your knowledge using the official practice quiz.
• Do I need a Marine Radio Licence?
• No. A Marine Radio Licence is not required to obtain a NSW Boat Licence.
• However, if you intend to operate a VHF or HF marine radio in Australia, you are legally required to hold an ACMA Marine Radio Operator's Certificate.
• We recommend completing our ACMA Marine Radio Licence (VHF/HF) course as part of your boating education.
• Should I choose the NSW Boat Licence or AMSA Coxswain Grade 3?
• The NSW Boat Licence is designed for recreational boating only and cannot be used for commercial operations.
• If you plan to work commercially, conduct towing operations or want an internationally recognised qualification, we recommend our AMSA Coxswain Grade 3 course instead.
• The course includes the NSW Boat Licence, RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the qualifications required for limited commercial operations, so you don't need to complete the standard Boat Licence course separately.