Get Educated

Whether you are new to boating or already have some experience, we recommend you undertake safe boating education or training. A course, such as those offered by Coastguard Boating Education, will ensure that you have that essential boating knowledge to ensure your safety, as well as compliance with all maritime rules and associated legislation.

Your fun increases as you gain more knowledge. Even if you are an experienced boatie who has been around boats for many years, there are always some small gaps that a boating course will fill, aside from the things that are so easy to forget.

Your boat does not need to be surveyed or inspected and you do not need any “official” qualification or licence to operate a pleasure boat. However, the skipper is responsible for safety and for complying with all the rules and ignorance is not accepted as an excuse. It’s also an offence if you operate or maintain your boat in a way that causes any unnecessary danger.

To avoid making a mistake, there are many training and education opportunities available to recreational boaties, including courses that can be studied by correspondence. You should aim for a combination of theory and practical training if possible