Alcohol

Before you Go

PWC LICENCE

In NSW it is compulsory for every person operating a PWC to hold a current PWC Licence. There are two types of PWC licence:

  1. PWC Licence for those aged 16 years and over.
  2. Young Adult PWC Licence for people aged from 12 to less than 16 years.

A Young Adult PWC licence is subject to the following restrictions:

  • Be accompanied by the holder of a PWC Licence when travelling at 10 knots or more
  • Never exceed 20 knots
  • Never travel at 10 knots or more when towing a person
  • Not drive in any aquatic event with out NSW Maritime approval

Licence Period

A PWC Licence is available for either one (1) or three (3) years. Young Adult Licenses are only available for one year. All PWC licences are issued as plastic photo identity cards.

Note: A PWC Licence includes a General Boat Licence.

More information on how to obtain a PWC Drivers Licence is available at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au

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Remember.
You must carry a PWC licence when operating a PWC. Owners of PWC must be able to identify the person driving their vessel at all times, even if the owner is not onboard the PWC at the time.

Holders of a PWC licence are permitted to drive any other recreational vessel (certain restrictions may apply), but holders of a General Licence are not permitted to drive a PWC at any speed.

PWC REGISTRATION

PWC registration letters and numbers must be no less than 100mm high; displayed clearly on both sides of the PWC, well above the normal waterline and in a position that can be seen when you are underway. The numbers cannot be displayed on the control arm of your PWC.
The registration numbers displayed must be in a contrasting colour to hull, solid characters (not outlines), in a clear font or style and displayed in upper case so they can be clearly identified.
If the PWC has many decals it may be necessary to mount the numbers onto a 'blockout' sheet and apply this to your vessel.

Registration label

The registration label that is sent to you annually on the payment of your registration fee should be applied to the port side, that is, the left side of your PWC, adjacent to the letter 'N' of your registration.

PWC Behaviour Label

The owner of a PWC must ensure that the PWC is not operated by any person unless it has a PWC Behaviour Label firmly affixed to it that is clearly visible from the steering position at all times and is not defaced, obliterated or concealed.
This label is designed to ensure the basic rules are clear to the driver. It also ensures that anyone who uses your PWC will be immediately aware of the rules and that the PWC can only be driven by a person holding a current PWC Licence.
The label must be displayed in front of the driver, in a position that can be seen clearly by the driver at all times.

BEFORE YOU GO CHECKLIST

  • Check the weather before you go out
  • Check that your PWC is in good condition and that it is free of weeds and other debris.
  • Open the engine compartment and allow any fumes to vent. Sniff for fumes.
  • Make sure you have sufficient water and fuel for the duration of the trip.
  • Let someone know where you are going, how many people are with you, and when you intend to return.
  • Make sure you know how to handle your PWC, especially in the waterway that you're using. If in doubt, get information from locals or contact your local NSW Maritime operations centre.