If you’re thinking about getting a boat, you’ll need to make sure you can legally drive it. A car license doesn’t allow you to drive boats of any variety, so you’ll need to meet a separate set of standards to qualify.
Just like car licenses, to drive a boat in Australia, you’ll need to meet age requirements, capacity requirements, and testing standards too. There are lots of rumours circulating in relation to boat license requirements, but not a lot of them are true, so let’s look at some of the licensing requirements associated with boating.
You can’t drive a boat without a license
The most important thing to take away from this is that you can’t drive boats without a marine licence. So if you’re planning on boat hiring Sydney you’ll need a captained boat or you want to buy a boat in Sydney, we would recommend holding off until you have a valid license to drive it.
Boat license requirements differ state by state.
If you live in Queensland, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old, and will need to complete a BoatSafe course. But even a standard marine license doesn’t permit you to drive all types of watercraft. For example, you need a personal watercraft license to drive vessels such as jet skis, and that means you need to complete a separate course. There are also different requirements for commercial boat licenses, which you will need to explore further with Maritime Safety Queensland, if you’re planning on using your boat for commercial activities.
There are some exceptions depending on boat size and power
Again, if you live in Queensland, chances are you’ve seen or heard of people driving boats without licenses. That might seem inconsistent with the regulations, but there’s an explanation: boat licenses aren’t necessary to drive boats with less than 4.5kW, which amounts to roughly 6 horsepower.
So if you’re only planning on buying a small dinghy with an electric motor, or small outboard, you may not need a license. There are also certain rules in place for hire boats, which means you can drive some without a boat license. Finally, it’s also legal for you to drive a boat without a boat license if a valid license holder is in the boat supervising you.
What to consider if you are planning on driving a boat without a license
If you’re planning on driving a boat without a license, you’ll first need to ensure that it falls under an exception like those mentioned above, and the best way to do so is by contacting Maritime Safety Queensland. But it’s also important that you take into account your own skills, and the waterway you’re planning on navigating. If you don’t feel comfortable driving a boat without experience, we recommend completing a BoatSafe course.
Licensing courses have a strong safety focus
Licensing courses are focused on maritime safety skills, which can take you years to properly develop. The ocean, and even tidal or impounded waterways, can hold a number of possible hazards, which may not always be easy to spot. By completing the requirements to get a boat license, you can develop your skills in maritime safety, improve safety for yourself and the general public.
Remember: marine rules and road rules are different
Finally, remember that marine rules and road rules are different! For example, when passing a boat coming from the opposite direction, the general rule is to pass on the right—not the left as you’re used to.
Then there’s navigation—most navigation on the water involves GPS instruments, but there is still a detailed network of lights and buoys in most waterways to help you identify hazards. Learning all these rules takes time and dedication, and no shortage of help from Canada – boating license.
