- Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking your course. Can’t find what you’re after? Call us directly and we’ll sort you out.
Pricing
Assessment Day
Free Re-sit
Combined Course
Age & ID
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- Booking & Pricing
How much does the course cost?
Pricing depends on the course you choose. Boat Licence: $300. Jet Ski Licence (if you already hold a boat licence): $265. Combined Boat and Jet Ski: $475. These prices cover your online theory training and your practical training and assessment with Boat Pilot. Transport and Main Roads will charge a separate government fee when you apply for your licence. That fee is not included in our price. No hidden extras.
How do I book?
The easiest way is online through the Book page on this site. You can pick a date, choose your course type (Boat Licence, Jet Ski Licence, or Combined), and pay a deposit to secure your spot. If you prefer, call us on 0407 754 614. and we can book you in over the phone.
Is there a deposit, and is it refundable?
A deposit is required to hold your place. If your plans change, get in touch as soon as possible and we will do our best to reschedule you to another available date. Our full refund and cancellation terms are available in the Refund Policy linked in the footer.
Can I book for just one person, or do I need to be part of a group?
Absolutely, solo bookings are welcome. We keep class sizes small (maximum 4 students) so you get proper attention on the water regardless of whether you’re coming alone or with friends. Some providers won’t run a course for one or two people. We will.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes. Gift vouchers are available by phone. Call us on 0400 000 000 and we’ll arrange one for you. Online voucher purchasing will be available in the near future.
Do you run courses on weekends?
Yes. We run courses on weekends as well as selected weekdays. Check the availability calendar on the Book page to see upcoming dates. If you have a group that needs a specific date, contact us to discuss options.
- The Day Itself
What time does the course start and finish?
The Combined session runs from approximately 7:00am to 3:00pm. Boat Licence only sessions take approximately five hours. Jet ski only session timing is confirmed when you book, as it runs after any boat sessions scheduled that day. Your specific schedule is confirmed in your booking confirmation.
Where do I go on the day?
We meet at Moores Road boat ramp, Redland Bay. Full meeting point details and directions are included in your booking confirmation email. If you’re unsure, call us the day before and we’ll talk you through it.
What should I bring?
Bring your government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, or student ID), suitable clothing for a day on the water (hat, sunscreen, and a light jacket in cooler months), lunch and a drink bottle, and closed-toe shoes or water shoes. Life jackets and all safety equipment are provided.
What if the weather is bad?
Queenslander weather is generally on our side, but safety always comes first. If conditions are unsuitable for a safe practical session, we will contact you as early as possible to reschedule. You won’t lose your deposit.
How many students are in each session?
We run a maximum of 4 students per course day. Keeping numbers small means more time on the water per person and a much better learning experience than the large group courses some providers run. Have a bigger group? Give us a call to discuss options.
Is there anything I should do to prepare?
Yes. The most important preparation is completing your online BoatSafe theory training before your practical day. We send you the link when you book. It takes a couple of hours and can be done from home at your own pace. Arriving with that completed means your full practical day is spent on the water. A quick read of Queensland’s boating rules is always helpful, but not required.
- Theory & Practical
Do I need to complete the online theory training before I attend?
Yes. Before your practical day, you need to complete your online BoatSafe theory training. It covers the navigation rules, safety requirements, and regulations you’ll be assessed on. It’s done at home at your own pace and typically takes a couple of hours. The fee is included in your course total. We send you the link when you confirm your booking. Complete your online theory here.
How does the theory assessment work?
The theory component is a written multiple-choice assessment set by Maritime Safety Queensland. It covers navigation rules, right of way, safety equipment, and collision regulations. Your instructor teaches the content first, so by the time you sit the assessment you’ll have been through everything it covers.
What does the practical assessment involve?
The practical takes place on the water in Redland Bay. You’ll demonstrate basic boat handling, manoeuvring, and safety procedures under assessment conditions. Your instructor will have already walked you through everything during the training component of the day, so by the time you’re assessed you’ll have done it all before.
Is the water at Redland Bay good for learning?
Yes, it’s one of the reasons we operate here. The bay is protected, calm, and relatively uncrowded. That makes it a much better environment for learning to handle a vessel than open ocean or a busy harbour. Nervous students in particular find it reassuring to learn somewhere calm rather than in heavy chop.
Do I drive the boat on my own, or is the instructor always with me?
Your instructor is always on board or nearby throughout the practical training. You won’t be sent off on your own. During the formal assessment there are specific requirements around what the assessor can and can’t assist with, but you’ll have had plenty of supervised practice before that point.
- If You Don't Pass
What happens if I don't pass first time?
You come back and try again, at no extra cost. Our free re-sit policy means if you don’t pass your theory or practical assessment on the day, you can book a re-sit session without paying again. We don’t think it’s fair to charge someone twice for the same qualification, and it removes the pressure of feeling like you only have one shot.
How common is it to need a re-sit?
Most students pass on the day. The theory and practical content is well within reach of anyone who pays attention during the course. We’ve structured the day so you have time to absorb the material before you’re assessed. The free re-sit policy is there as a safety net, not something you’re likely to need.
Is there a time limit on when I can use the free re-sit?
Re-sit conditions are outlined in full in our Terms and Conditions (linked in the footer). Generally we ask that re-sits are booked within a reasonable period of your original course date. Call us and we’ll find a suitable time.
What if I pass the theory but not the practical, or vice versa?
The assessments are separate components. If you pass one and not the other, you only need to re-sit the component you didn’t pass. You won’t need to repeat anything you’ve already passed.
- Age, ID & Eligibility
How old do I need to be to get a boat licence?
You must be at least 16 years old to sit the Recreational Marine Driver’s Licence (RMDL) assessment. There is no upper age limit. We regularly have students ranging from 16 to well into their 60s, and the course is designed to work for all of them.
Can a teenager come on their own, or does a parent need to be present?
Students aged 16 and over can attend independently. A parent or guardian doesn’t need to be present on the day. If a parent wants to come along and observe, that’s fine too. Just let us know when booking.
What ID do I need to bring?
You’ll need a current, government-issued photo ID. A driver’s licence, passport, or student ID all work. If you’re unsure whether your ID will be accepted, call ahead and we’ll confirm.
Do I need any prior experience to do the course?
No prior boating experience is needed at all. The course is designed for complete beginners. If you’ve never set foot on a boat, that’s fine. We start from the basics and work through everything you need to know to pass and to be a safe operator.
I already have a boat licence. Can I just do the jet ski (PWC) course?
Yes. If you already hold a current RMDL (boat licence), you only need to complete the PWC (Personal Watercraft) endorsement. We run a shorter course for existing licence holders that focuses on the PWC-specific theory and practical requirements. Contact us to discuss your options.
Does a Queensland boat licence allow me to operate a vessel interstate?
Queensland’s Recreational Marine Driver’s Licence is recognised in most other Australian states for recreational vessels, but specific rules vary by state. Check with the relevant maritime authority in the state you’re visiting before you head out on the water.
- Combined Boat + Jet Ski Course
Why do most students choose the combined course?
Because it’s the most efficient way to get both qualifications. You complete everything in a single day, lower your total cost compared to booking separately, and get it all done in one booking. Most of our students choose the combined course for exactly those reasons.
Does the combined course take all day?
Yes. The combined session runs approximately 7:00am to 3:00pm. It’s a full day’s commitment, but you come away with two licences and never have to do it again.
Is the combined course harder than doing them separately?
No. The content covered is the same either way. When you do both in the same session, the material flows naturally, covering boat and jet ski rules in sequence on one day is often clearer than covering them weeks apart. The practical assessments are run in sequence on the day, which is efficient rather than harder.
Does the free re-sit policy apply to the combined course?
Yes, the same free re-sit policy applies. If you don’t pass either component on the day, you can book a re-sit at no extra charge. We cover this in detail on the Combined Course page.