Getting Your Boat and Jetski licence QLD- The Ultimate Guide

If you’re looking to hit the water in Queensland, whether for boating or jet skiing, you’ll need to get licensed first. Fortunately, Queensland has one of the most straightforward and affordable marine licensing processes in Australia. Unlike New South Wales, where a combined boat and JetSki licence costs over $3,000 for just 10 years, in Queensland, you’ll pay a one-time fee of $240 to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)—and that’s it. No renewals, no ongoing fees—your licence lasts a lifetime!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to getting your Boat and Jetski licence QLD, including the requirements, what to expect during training, and what happens after you pass.

iLicence - Caloundra

Why Queensland Has the Most Rigorous Marine Licensing Process in Australia

Queensland has one of the strictest licensing systems in the country, but for a good reason. With thousands of kilometres of coastline, major waterways, and a over 270,000 registered boats and jet skis travelling on the waters, safety has to be a top priority. In some other states, you can get a marine licence by simply passing an online test, Queensland requires both theory and practical assessments. The process is designed to make sure every licence holder is fully prepared, whether they’re a complete beginner or someone with years of experience on the water.

Interestingly, despite the far cheaper licence costs for us QLDERs, Maritime NSW have more than double the registered watercraft in their enforcement teams than in QLD, with over 92 boats in NSW Maritime against our 49 boats in Maritime Safety QLD. Read more about these stats HERE.

Who Can Get a Boat & JetSki Licence in Queensland?

To qualify for a boat or JetSki licence in Queensland, you must:

✔️ Be at least 15.5 years old to complete the course

✔️ Be at least 16 years old to submit your Statement of Attainment (SOA) to TMR and officially receive your licence

✔️ Complete a BoatSafe training course with a registered provider (BTP - BoatSafe Training Provider)

✔️ Pass a theory test and practical assessment

Do You Need Prior Experience?

Absolutely not! No prior boating or jet skiing experience is required. In fact, it’s common to see complete beginners in our boat licence courses- some of which have never ever been on a boat or Jetski. The training is designed to teach you everything you need to know, from basic safety to practical skills. You’ll feel quite confident on the water by the end of the course.

Step 1: Complete the Online Training (Theory Component)

Before attending the practical session, most BoatSafe Training Providers (BTPs) will require you to complete an online training course prior to the practical. This provides a foundation of knowledge to help you understand boating and JetSki laws, navigation, and safety procedures before heading out on the water. The online course usually takes between 2-4 hours to complete.

The online component covers:

✅ General boating and JetSki safety rules

✅ Boat and Jetski Parts and Components

✅ Navigational markers and rules of the road

✅ Queensland marine laws and regulations

✅ Basic maintenance and emergency procedures

By completing this at home at your own pace, before your practical session, you’ll be better prepared for the practical training day.

Step 2: Attend the Practical Training & Theory Test

The Theory Test

On the day of your practical training, you’ll need to sit a multiple-choice theory test:

✔ Boat Licence: 50 questions

✔ JetSki Licence: 40 questions (if you’re doing both, you only complete 20 of the JetSki questions)

✅ 100% pass mark required – but don’t stress! Most trainers will run a quick revision session before the test and allow clarification on any tricky or misleading questions.

The Practical Component

Once you pass your theory test, it’s time to get out on the water! The practical session includes:

🚤 Boat Licence:

• Pre-start safety checks and safety equipment brief

• How to dock and launch

• Navigating through markers and buoys

• Several drills that one would expect to carry out in real life, including; Man overboard drill, pulling up alongside an object, fixed mooring drill, emergency stop procedures and driving confidently in figure of 8s.

🛑 JetSki Licence:

• Pre-start safety checks and safety equipment brief

• Controlled take-off and manoeuvring

• Several drills that one would expect to carry out in real life, including; Man overboard drill, pulling up alongside an object, fixed mooring drill, emergency stop procedures, object avoidance and driving confidently in figure of 8s.

Your trainer will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel confident and in control before signing off on your assessment.

Step 3: Receiving Your Statement of Attainment (SOA)

Once you successfully complete both the theory and practical assessments, you’ll receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA). This is the official document that proves you’ve passed the course.

If you’re already 16 or older, you can take your SOA to your nearest TMR office and pay the one-time $240 fee to have your boat and jetSki licence added to your driver’s licence ($120 each)

If you’re under 16, you’ll need to wait until your 16th birthday before heading to TMR to get your licence.

The SOA is valid for 6 months upon issue, so there is no need to rush in right away. If however, the 6 months passes, you will be required to redo the entire course again, including payment, online training and booking another practical. Most people head in as soon as possible. 

Note: The SOA papers do not stand in for the licence. It is no a temporary licence in any fashion and until taken into TMR, has no inherent licence value.

🚀 And that’s it! Once it’s added to your licence, you’re good to go—no renewals.

What are the average costs to get your Boat and Jetski licence?

The costs tend to depend on your location. Where there are abundant trainers; the Gold Coast for example, the costs tend to be cheaper- as low as $385 for both licences. However, as you move further inland and the number of trainers and locations wane, the cost increases- as high as $800 for both licences.

It's worth calling this out. Not all BTPs deliver the same quality of training, uphold the same standards of equipment, afford you patience while you learn, or operate in modern watercraft. Whilst it's true that you will receive the same licence at the end of the day; regardless of whom you choose as your BTP, experiences vary greatly. Please do your research. Check their google reviews and social media pages to see what other's are saying. There are plenty of reputable BTPs across QLD, but you must do your due dilligence to find them.

iLicence Caloundra - Teaching Students

As one of the highest rated boat and Jetski trainers in QLD, we really care about our students and we believe that that is reflected in our work. At iLicence Caloundra, we do not charge any re-test fees, ever. If you are deemed unsuccessful, we will book you in for another session and get you over the line. Suffice to say, we’ve passed over 3,500 students and only had to fail a handful of students the first time. All of which came back and passed later.

Final Thoughts: Why Queensland is the Best Place to Get Your Licence

✔ Very Reasonable Licence Fees – Just $240 for a lifetime licence vs. $3,000+ in NSW

✔ Lengthy, but beginner-friendly training – No experience needed, just a willingness to learn

✔ Simple process – Online theory, practical session, pass the test, and you’re licensed for life!

If you’re thinking about getting your boat and JetSki licence, there’s never been a better time. At iLicence Caloundra, we pride ourselves on our workmanship and ability to make the training day informative, friendly and fun. In carrying out the Approved Boatsafe Program, we’ll ensure you’re not only legally licensed, but also truly prepared for safe and responsible boating.

Ready to Get Started?

Head over to the booking calendar on our website HERE, and book your course today!