Before you arrive
Assessment day is structured to set you up to pass, not to catch you out. The theory preparation is done beforehand. You complete your online BoatSafe training at home before the day. On the day itself, the focus is on practical training and assessment on the water. By the time you sit any assessment, you have either completed the relevant preparation at home or practised the skill in person.
One step before your course day: the online BoatSafe theory training must be completed beforehand. It is done at home at your own pace, typically a couple of hours. When you book, we will send you everything you need including the link. Complete your online theory here.
A couple of things make the day run more smoothly if you sort them the night before:
- Check your confirmation email for the exact meeting point and arrival time.
- Pack what you need: photo ID, hat, sunscreen, a layer for the morning, water shoes or closed-toe shoes, and a drink bottle.
- Get a decent night’s sleep. A rested brain performs better on the water and in the assessment.
If you’re nervous: That’s normal. Many of our students arrive apprehensive, particularly adults who haven’t done a formal assessment of any kind in years. The day is deliberately structured to ease you in. By the time you’re being assessed, you’ll have already done everything you’re asked to demonstrate.
How the day runs
This is a typical Boat Pilot course day for a Combined Boat and Jet Ski course, which runs the longest. A standalone Boat Licence day is shorter and follows the same pattern up to Step 4.
Arrival and pre-departure briefing
Meet your instructor at Moores Road boat ramp, Redland Bay. Up to four students per session. Your instructor covers what you will do on the water, safety procedures, pre-launch boat preparation, and what to expect during training and assessment. This sets the tone: calm, organised, no rushing.
Boat practical training and assessment
Head out on the water. Your instructor demonstrates all MSQ-required manoeuvres, then each student practises with the instructor alongside them. Once training is complete, the formal assessment follows. Everything you are asked to demonstrate, you have just practised. The bay is calm and protected, which makes a real difference for first-timers.
Theory assessments
Back on land, you sit set the written RMDL and/or PWC theory assessments. These cover navigation rules, right of way, collision regulations, safety equipment, speed rules, and relevant maritime law. Because you have completed the online BoatSafe training before the day, you are not sitting these cold. Students are allowed 45 minutes for each assessment. (Additional time can be made available for students with LLND needs.
Boat results and wrap-up
Boat practical and theory results are confirmed. Students who have passed their boat assessment are presented their RMDL certificate of competency. Any questions about the boat results or next steps are a good thing to raise here. (For a boat licence only course, this is where the day ends. Statement of Competency issued.) Student attempting the PWC license will then move on to their practical training and assessment.
Jet ski practical training and assessment
One student at a time on the jet ski. Your instructor demonstrates the MSQ-required PWC manoeuvres, then you practise before the formal assessment. The individual format means dedicated, focused time rather than waiting for your turn in a group.
Statements of Competency issued
Everyone who has passed receives their Statement of Competency covering both RMDL and PWC endorsement. Take it to Transport and Main Roads to have your licence issued. Any questions about what to do next are best asked here before you head off.
More about the theory assessments
The theory component is a written multiple-choice assessment. For a combined course, there are two separate assessments: one for the boat licence and one for the jet ski licence. They are completed back on land, after the boat practical session.
Because you complete the online BoatSafe theory training at home before the day, you are not walking into the assessment cold. The topics covered in the assessment include:
- Trip Planning
- Understand the important aspects of safety equipment and
- maintenance.
- Understand the law as it relates to carrying safety equipment and
- the legal obligations of the ship’s master.
- Ensure the vessel is seaworthy and suitably equipped for a trip.
- Navigation
- Apply International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)buoyage system ‘A’ and use aids to navigation not covered by IALA.
- Use a GPS navigation system.
- Identify and apply collision and water traffic regulations relevant tothe activity area.
- Understand the impact and related laws of marine pollution.
- Weather and Tides
- Access, interpret and apply weather information
- Access and interpret and apply tidal information.
- Emergencies
- Define and report a marine incident
- Respond to a fire on board
- Understand the importance of an EPIRB
- Use appropriate emergency radio calls.
Most students find the assessment straightforward after completing the online theory. If you have questions about any topic after sitting the assessment, ask your instructor.
More about the theory assessments
The theory component is a written multiple-choice assessment. For a combined course, there are two separate assessments: one for the boat licence and one for the jet ski licence. They are completed back on land, after the boat practical session.
Because you complete the online BoatSafe theory training at home before the day, you are not walking into the assessment cold. The topics covered in the assessment include:
- Trip Planning
- Understand the important aspects of safety equipment and
- maintenance.
- Understand the law as it relates to carrying safety equipment and
- the legal obligations of the ship’s master.
- Ensure the vessel is seaworthy and suitably equipped for a trip.
- Navigation
- Apply International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)buoyage system ‘A’ and use aids to navigation not covered by IALA.
- Use a GPS navigation system.
- Identify and apply collision and water traffic regulations relevant tothe activity area.
- Understand the impact and related laws of marine pollution.
- Weather and Tides
- Access, interpret and apply weather information
- Access and interpret and apply tidal information.
- Emergencies
- Define and report a marine incident
- Respond to a fire on board
- Understand the importance of an EPIRB
- Use appropriate emergency radio calls.
Most students find the assessment straightforward after completing the online theory. If you have questions about any topic after sitting the assessment, ask your instructor.
More about the practical session
The practical training takes place on the water in Redland Bay. It’s conducted in small groups, which means more time per person at the helm. You’re not watching others for most of the morning and getting one turn.
What the water training covers:
- Engage forward, neutral and reverse gears
- safely approach a floating object
- person overboard drill
- approach a mooring buoy
- port and starboard turns
- figure of 8 manoeuvres
- approach and depart a pontoon
- emergency stop
- general navigation and control of the boat
- operate at 6knots and anchoring
- observing right of way procedures
The formal assessment follows the training directly. Your instructor cannot assist you during the formal assessment in the same way as during training, but you will not need them to. By that point you have already done everything you are being asked to demonstrate.
On calm water: Redland Bay is sheltered and generally calm, especially in the morning. You won’t be dealing with heavy chop or boat traffic during training. Learning in a calm environment makes a real difference, particularly for students who are anxious about being on the water.
If you’re a nervous student
It’s worth saying this directly: nervous students are completely normal, and they pass at the same rate as confident ones. Being nervous does not affect your ability to learn or your chances of passing. A few things that help:
- Tell your instructor. Not because it changes the curriculum, but because a good instructor adjusts their teaching style to suit you. If you want more time on a particular skill, say so.
- You’ve done harder things. The theory is not complex. The practical is not demanding. The course is designed for complete beginners.
- You have a safety net. The free re-sit policy exists precisely so that nerves or an off day aren’t a financial penalty. If you don’t pass first time, you come back at no cost.
After the day: what happens next
Once you have passed your theory and practical assessments, you receive your Statement of Competency on the day. Take it to Transport and Main Roads to have your licence issued. Your instructor will walk you through exactly what to do before you head off.
If you didn’t pass one or both components on the day, your free re-sit is arranged through Boat Pilot. Contact us to lock in a date.