SYCBA Courses
- Course Information
Title: Recreational Powerboat Operator Course
Course Code:
Date: March 6th, 2010
Time: 09:00:00
Price: $285
Course Type: power
Places Available: 12
Course Dates and Times
Saturday March 6th 9am - 5pm Theory Day
Sunday March 7th 9am - 5pm On water practical day.
Category description:
The Recreational Powerboat Operator Course is a nationally recognised course. Participants can obtain the Victorian Boat Operators Licence upon completion of this course. (please refer below for types of licence and obtaining licences in Victoria)
The course runs for a total of 16 hours - two, four hour theory sessions and one day practical.
The theory sessions incorporate the following subject sessions:-
- Rules and regulations
- Safety equipment
- IALA Buoyage System
- Marine radio
- Distress signals
- Preparing for sea
- Craft and engine types
- Collision Regulations
- Marine Emergencies
- Weather and tides
The practical day incorporates the following exercises:-
- Approaching and leaving the dock
- Low and high speed maneuvering
- Person overboard and recovery
- Anchoring techniques
Recreational Boat Operator Licensing
All boat operators require a licence to operate a powered recreational vessel in Victoria. The Marine Act 1988 states that:
- any person who operates a registered recreational powerboat must have a licence
- operators of personal watercraft (PWCs) must have their licence endorsed accordingly
-
interstate licences will be automatically recognised in Victoria.
Types of licence
General Boat Operator Licence
A general boat operator licence applies to operators that are 16 years of age or over of any powered recreational vessel.
Restricted Operator Licence
A restricted licence applies to operators of powered recreational vessels who are 12 years of age or over, but are under 16 years of age.
Restricted Operator Licence conditions
Holders of a restricted operator licence:
a. must operate at speeds of less than 10 knots
b. may operate at speeds of 10 knots and less than 20 knots if:i. accompanied by a person over the age of 16 years who
is licensed appropriately for the vessel being operated
ii. operating between sunrise and sunset(For example, if a PWC is being operated, the licence of the accompanying person must be endorsed for PWC operation)
c. must not operate a vessel that is towing.
Once a restricted operator turns 16, the restricted licence automatically becomes a general boat operator licence.
Please note – it is illegal for persons under the age of 12 years to operate a powered recreational vessel.
Please note – any person operating a powered vessel must carry their licence at all times.