Licensing - Personal watercraft licence
In Queensland, to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) or jet ski you must hold a PWC licence. You must hold a current and valid marine licence, before being able to get a PWC licence.
Valid marine licences include:
- Recreational marine driver licence.
- Recreational ship master's licence.
- Speed boat driver's licence.
- Current commercial marine licences as master - for example coxswain.
- Current boating licences issued in other states (excludes junior licences).
Training courses
To obtain a PWC licence you must successfully complete a BoatSafe training course.
- BoatSafe approved training providers* (PDF, 45kb)
After you have successfully completed an approved BoatSafe training course, present the statement of competency (a copy will not be accepted), a completed licence application form* (PDF, 105kb), the licence application fee of A$35.85 and acceptable evidence of identity in person at a Queensland Transport customer service centre. If your original statement of competency is lost, you must get a replacement from your training provider.
The Ride Smart book contains information to assist you to prepare for the PWC licence training and assessment. Download the Ride Smart brochure* (PDF, 636kb) or Ride Smart brochure - text only version.* (PDF, 285kb)
Interstate personal watercraft licences
If you move from interstate, you will be required to obtain a PWC licence unless you hold an equivalent current PWC licence issued by another state. Currently, only New South Wales and Victoria issue a specific PWC licence. Short term visitors can use their boat licence equivalent if that is all that is required to operate a PWC in their home state.
Operating a PWC without a licence
You can operate a PWC without a licence only if accompanied by a licensed operator who is able to take immediate control in case of trouble. Unlicensed drivers must not operate PWC while towing someone else by a line attached to the ship including for example, someone waterskiing or riding a toboggan or tube.
Queensland driver licence marine licence indicator
From 10 July 2006, if you have either a recreational marine driver licence or a personal watercraft licence, you can have a marine licence indicator included on your Queensland driver licence.
You do not need to take any action to have the indicator added to your licence. The marine licence indicator will be automatically added to your driver licence when you renew your licence or obtain a new licence (for example if you need a replacement licence) at a Queensland Transport customer service centre or licence issuing agency.
If you choose to renew your driver licence online, you are issued with a renewal label. The marine licence indicator is not included on the renewal label. If you hold a recreational marine driver licence or personal watercraft licence and would like it included on your driver licence, you should renew your licence in person at a Queensland Transport customer service centre or licence issuing agency.
The recreational marine driver licence is still considered a virtual licence and valid for life. Paper licences and confirmation reports are adequate proof that you have a recreational marine driver licence.
If you do not want to wait for your next driver licence renewal and would like the indicator added to your licence now, you will have to apply in person at a Queensland Transport customer service centre or licence issuing agency for a replacement licence. You will need to pay a fee and a replacement licence will be issued.
Changing licence information
Licence details can be changed at any time. You can do this by:
- Writing to:
Customer Service Direct
GPO Box 2451
Brisbane Queensland 4001
- Going to any Queensland Transport customer service centre.
- Calling Queensland Transport's customer information telephone service.
Queensland residents - 13 23 80. Local call charge in Australia. Higher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. For international callers phone +61 7 3834 2011. Service operates Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays.
- Going to the Queensland Transport homepage
www.transport.qld.gov.au and selecting "Change your address" from the services online section.
