NSW Boat Licence for 12-15 year olds

NMC Image — Rules and safety tips for young boat and PWC licence holders.

NSW Boat and PWC Licence

It's exciting and fun to get behind the wheel of a boat or drive a jetski. If you are 12 to 15 years old living in NSW you can apply for a restricted General Boat Licence or PWC Licence which allows you to drive these vessels. But, it comes with responsibilities and rules to follow.

The age which young people can obtain a boat or PWC licence varies by state. Check your local state maritime website for more information.

Young Adult General Licence Rules

Safety Tips

FAQ's

Young Adult General Licence Rules

This is a restricted licence for those aged from 12 to under 16 years.

NSW RMS state that the holder of a general boat driving licence or PWC driving licence who is aged from 12 to under 16 years of age must not do any of the following:

Drive at a speed greater than 20 knots.
Drive in any race, display, regatta, exhibition or similar operation.
Drive any vessel, other than a PWC, at a speed of 10 knots or more, without the holder of a general boat driving licence who is 16 years of age or older being present on the vessel, between sunset and sunrise, or while the vessel is towing anyone.
Drive a PWC between sunset and sunrise (this rule applies to all PWC driving licence holders)
Drive a PWC at a speed of 10 knots or more, without the holder of a PWC driving licence who is 16 years of age or older being present on the PWC, or while the PWC is towing anyone.

Safety Tips

If you cant swim learn before going boating.
Be weather wise. Always check local weather conditions before departure.The internet is a good source of weather information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.
Use Common Sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also, be respectful of advisory signs, buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there to ensure your own safety. Be respectful of others on the water and avoid confrontations with other boaties who are not acting responsibly.
Leave a float plan. Always be sure to let someone else know your boating plans. This should include where you're going and how long you're going to be gone.
Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist. Following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten.
Be prepared for boating. Wear a lifejacket and appropriate clothing. Bring a hat, sunglasses, water, food and suntan lotion for your day out on the water.
Be aware of the effects of boating fatigue.This is a phenomenon caused by exposure to multiple external factors such as the sun, glare, wind and waves which can dull your senses and impair judgement affecting your ability to operate a boat. Boater's fatigue doesn't just affect the Skipper. Everyone on the boat can experience it after a few hours on the water. While boater's fatigue can't really be prevented, taking frequent breaks (anchoring or going ashore) and drinking plenty of water can help minimize the effects. Let someone else operate the boat if you're feeling too fatigued and avoid alcohol. Boater's fatigue exaggerates the effects of alcohol.
Abide by the steering rules and follow distance off rules especially in congested areas and in narrow channels.
Get professional maritime training.Training gives people the skills and information they would not be able to acquire from hands-on experience alone. People with formal training have a deeper depth of knowledge and confidence,allowing them to make better informed decisions for keeping passengers, crew and the boat safe.

FAQ's

Will my parents be asked to accompany me on the course?
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A parent or legal guardian is required to accompany you to the course and consent to the young adult obtaining the boat or PWC licence by signing the guardian declaration on the licence application provided at training venue by the College. Acceptable parent/legal guardian proof of identity may include a NSW driver licence, a passport or a birth certificate. The parent/legal guardian item must be sighted and recorded on the participants licence application form by the College trainer. On completion of the licence ID and documentation processes, which is completed at the beginning of theory sessions, parent/guardians may opt to leave the young adult in the care of the College Trainer. Parents/guardians must collect the young adult at the time designated by the trainer on the day. College trainers are required to complete police and working with children checks. All duty of care is taken by the Trainer and the College to ensure their safety and security. Guardian responsibilities for young adults are also detailed in a confirmation email sent to participants on completion of the booking/enrolment process.
Once I've completed the training what do I need to do in order to get my licence issued?
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Take the documentation the College gives to you to a Roads & Maritime Service Centre, along with your ID, pay the licence fee and then you'll be issued with a temporary paper licence over the counter which can be used until your licence card is sent to you in the mail. Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the Maritime Service Centre also providing at least one form of primary ID such as a current driver licence, passport or a birth certificate.
Will I be required to undergo an eyesight test?
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NSW Roads & Maritime may require young adult licence applicants to have an eyesight test. An eyesight test can be undertaken at a Roads & Maritime Service Centre if required.

Pre-departure checklist

AT HOME CHECK
Action	Check	Action	Check
Pre run engine, checking cooler system		Steering, engine controls and fluid check
Re-fuel boat		Fuel filter check
Trailer lights, tyre pressure and wheel bearings		Electrical (navigation lights)
Oil level check		Batteries charged and connected
Check bilge and pumps		Weather report and tides
MUST DO CHECK
Equipment/Action	Check	Equipment/Action	Check
Keys for boat, safety lanyard/kill switch		Leave a float plan with someone responsible
Bungs firmly in		Enough fuel for the trip
Mandatory safety equipment		Rubbish bags
If going offshore login with your local volunteer marine rescue		Mobile phone
SAFETY AND COMFORT
Equipment	Check	Equipment Check
GPS, charts of area and navigation equipment (pencils ruler etc)		Torch and batteries
Medical kit with seasick medications		Tow rope and extra lines
Oars		Boat hook
Suncreen, hat, sunglasses, extra clothing, warm blanket		Food and water
Spare bungs, basic tool kit,rags spare parts, belts, hose clamps, strong tape		Depth sounder
Fenders		Fire blanket and fire extinguisher
Mask and snorkel		Life buoy or flotation
Auxillary engine and fuel line ( if going offshore)

National Maritime College

NSW Boat and PWC Licence

Pre-departure checklist

AT HOME CHECK

MUST DO CHECK

SAFETY AND COMFORT