Do I need a boat licence in Queensland?

When a licence is required

In Queensland you need a recreational marine licence to operate a recreational boat with an engine power of more than 4.5 kilowatts (about 6 horsepower). The regulation is written in kilowatts, so treat the horsepower figure as a rough conversion. That captures almost every tinny, runabout, half-cabin and cruiser on the water, so if your boat is more than a small electric or low-powered outboard, you need to be licensed.

The licence is yours for life once it is issued. There is no renewal exam.

Age and what you can operate

You must be at least 16 to hold a recreational marine licence in Queensland. You can drive a boat with more than 4.5 kilowatts without holding one, at any age, as long as a person with a valid marine licence is supervising you in the boat. Note that towing a skier or a tube always requires a licensed person, whoever is at the helm.

The same licence covers you for boats of any size in recreational use, which is why getting it early is worth it: one day now, a lifetime of boating later.

How the one-day course works

Our BoatSafe course runs the online theory before your practical day, so the day itself is hands-on. You cover the rules of the water, navigation marks, safety equipment, and right of way, then take the boat out on sheltered Sunshine Coast water at Caloundra, Maroochydore or Noosa to put it into practice.

Most people complete the assessment that day and walk away with the BoatSafe certificate they need to apply for a licence. Beginners are welcome, equipment is provided, and trainers are patient with first-timers.

Boat and jet ski together

If you also want to ride a jet ski, you need a separate personal watercraft (PWC) licence on top of the boat licence. The good news is you can do both in a single day with our Boat and Jet Ski Combo, which covers both licences in one course and is the most popular option for families.