Get boat or personal watercraft (PWC) licence

You need a licence to drive a vessel for recreational purposes on NSW waters if:

• you plan to drive the vessel at 10 knots (18.5 km/h) or more, or
• the vessel is a personal watercraft (PWC).

You don't need a licence for:

• driving a powerboat under 10 knots, or sailing boat using its engine under 10 knots
• sailing a sailing boat without an engine
• using paddlecraft such as canoe, kayak or surf ski, or rowing vessels such as a row boat
• using a sailboard or kiteboard.

What about commercial use

To operate a vessel for commercial purposes, you need a Certificate of competency. 

To apply for a general boat licence you need to provide evidence of practical boating experience.

You can do this by either:

• completing a Boating Licence Practical Logbook (PDF 1019.39KB) with an experienced skipper present, or
• completing an approved practical boat course with an Authorised Training Provider. They can also take you through other steps towards getting your licence.

See practical boating experience to find out how.

To upgrade to a PWC licence

To upgrade to a PWC licence you don’t need evidence of practical experience. But you do need to sit the PWC licence knowledge test (see next step).

To get a general boat licence you need to pass the boating knowledge test.

To upgrade to a PWC licence, you need to pass the PWC knowledge test.

You can get tested at a service centre, or through an Authorised Training Provider.

See boating knowledge test for practice tests and to find out more.

Before you submit your application, make sure you have ready:

• proof of identity (see note below* if you’re under 16)
• eyesight test or report results (you may be tested at a service centre when you apply)
• information on any medical condition or physical disability that could affect your driving (see Your health)
• evidence of practical boating experience
• evidence of qualifications (if you did training and testing at an Authorised Training Provider)
• payment for the test fee (if you haven’t already sat your test)
• payment of the licence fee
• two passport-acceptable photos if you're applying for a PWC licence
• Application for a PWC licence form if you're applying for a PWC licence
• Application for General Boat Driving Licence (available from a service centre or training provider).

*If you're under 16 you must have a parent or legal guardian present when you're applying. They'll also need to show their proof of identity.

To submit your documentation you can visit or book an appointment at a service centre.

Once we grant your licence, you can access it immediately via your Service NSW account and app. You can also use a temporary paper licence until your new card arrives in the post.

Make sure you carry your licence when you’re:

• driving the vessel at 10 knots (approximately 18.5 km/h) or more, or
• driving a personal watercraft (PWC).

See Offences for information on penalties for driving a vessel without a licence. As a vessel owner, you need to be able to identify who is driving your vessel at all times.

As a licence holder you need to:

• present your licence on request to an authorised officer, such as a Transport for NSW Boating Safety Officer or NSW Police Officer
• notify Transport for NSW of any changes to personal details or address
• stay up to date with the latest boating rules and advice.

If you only carry a digital licence make sure your device remains charged and accessible.

For more about rules you must follow when out on the water:

• download the Boating Handbook
• or see this website Safety and rules and Using waterways.

If you’re age 12, 13, 14 or 15, there are some restrictions on your boat driving licence or PWC driving licence.

Licence holders under age 16 years must not drive a PWC or vessel:

• at a speed greater than 20 knots (approximately 37km/hour), or
• in any race, display, regatta, exhibition or similar operation, or
• between sunset and sunrise, or
• while the vessel is towing anyone.

If driving a vessel other than a PWC at a speed of 10 knots or more:

• you must have someone with a General Boat Driving or PWC licence who is 16 years of age or older present in the vessel
• you must not drive at these speeds between sunset and sunrise
• you must not tow anyone.

If driving a PWC at a speed of 10 knots or more:

• you must have someone with a PWC licence who is 16 years of age or older present on the PWC
• you must not drive at these speeds while towing anyone.

Exceptions may apply if you have an aquatic event licence or you are participating in an approved PWC Hire and Drive tour operation.