Queensland Boat Licence (RMDL)

The Queensland Boat Licence (RMDL) course is designed for anyone who wants to legally operate a recreational marine vessel in Queensland and requires a Recreational Marine Driver Licence.

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The course combines theory training, practical instruction and competency-based assessment. Candidates learn the essential knowledge and practical skills required to operate a boat safely and responsibly, including vessel preparation, safety equipment, navigation, marine rules, vessel handling, manoeuvring, emergency procedures and safe operation in varying conditions.

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PRACTICAL
 

The practical component provides candidates with hands-on experience operating a boat under the guidance of a qualified trainer. Candidates must demonstrate the required skills and competencies to successfully complete the BoatSafe assessment.

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Upon successful completion, candidates receive the relevant BoatSafe Statement of Competency and can then proceed with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads licensing process.

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The boat component covers the knowledge and practical skills required to operate a recreational marine vessel, including:
 

• Vessel preparation and pre-start checks

• Safety equipment and procedures

• Queensland boating rules and regulations

• Navigation and understanding waterways

• Vessel controls and operation

• Steering, manoeuvring and turning

• Speed and safe operating practices

• Berthing and departure procedures

• Emergency and man-overboard procedures

• Safe operation in varying weather and marine conditions

​Candidates undertake practical boat training under the supervision of a qualified trainer and must demonstrate the required competencies during the assessment.

 

THEORY

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The theory component covers the essential knowledge required to safely prepare, operate and manage a recreational vessel, including:

• Preparing a recreational vessel for operation

• Safety equipment and procedures

• Queensland and applicable marine rules and regulations

• Navigation and understanding waterways

• Weather conditions and forecasts

• Operating mechanical and electrical equipment

• Safe vessel operation and manoeuvring

• Emergency and safety management procedures

• Responsibilities of the skipper

• Safe and responsible boating practices

 

Candidates must successfully complete the required theory assessment before being deemed competent in the theory component.

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WHO IS THE BOAT LICENSE (RMDL) SUITABLE FOR?

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The Recreational Marine Drivers Licence and/or Personal Water Craft Licence course is suitable for:

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• First-time applicants wanting to obtain both licences.

• People who want to operate boats and jet skis recreationally.

• New boat or Jet Ski owners.

• Fishing, boating and water sports enthusiasts.

• Experienced boaters or personal water craft operators who require formal BoatSafe training and assessment.

• People who require a boat and/or Jet Ski licence for work or employment purposes.

• Workers whose employment involves operating recreational marine vessels or personal watercraft where the relevant marine licence is required.

• Anyone wanting to develop their knowledge, confidence and practical skills across both boat and PWC operations.

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PREREQUISITES

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Before commencing a Queensland Recreational Marine Drivers Licence (RMDL) or a Queensland Personal Water Craft Licence (PWCL) BoatSafe course, candidates must meet the applicable eligibility, safety and training requirements.

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Candidates must:
 

• Be 16 years of age or older to be issued with a Queensland Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL).

• Have sufficient English language proficiency to understand instructions, safety requirements, course material and assessment questions.

• Be physically capable of safely participating in the practical training and assessment.

• Complete the required BoatSafe theory training and assessment.

• Meet all applicable vessel safety, weight and PFD requirements.

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Candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet the relevant prerequisites before booking. Where a candidate is unsure whether they meet the requirements, they should contact the training provider before making a booking so that their circumstances can be discussed and any necessary arrangements confirmed in advance.

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• Upon successfully completing the required Queensland BoatSafe training and competency-based assessment, candidates will receive the relevant BoatSafe Statement of Competency for the licence or licences they have successfully completed.

• The Statement of Competency confirms that the candidate has demonstrated the

  required knowledge, practical skills and competencies in accordance with the applicable Queensland BoatSafe requirements.

• Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL) — Queensland Boat Licence

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QUALIFICATION/CERTIFICATE RECEIVED

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Upon successfully completing the required Queensland BoatSafe training and competency-based assessment, candidates will receive the relevant BoatSafe Statement of Competency for the licence or licences they have successfully completed.

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The Statement of Competency confirms that the candidate has demonstrated the required knowledge, practical skills and competencies in accordance with the applicable Queensland BoatSafe requirements.

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Candidates who successfully complete the RMDL BoatSafe training and assessment will receive a BoatSafe Statement of Competency for the Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL).

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This confirms that the candidate has successfully demonstrated the required knowledge and practical competencies to safely operate a recreational marine vessel in accordance with the relevant Queensland BoatSafe requirements.

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The Statement of Competency is not the marine licence itself. Following successful completion of the BoatSafe assessment, the candidate must complete the required licensing process with Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to obtain their RMDL.

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WHAT DOES THE QUALIFICATION ALLOW YOU TO DO?

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Successfully completing the relevant BoatSafe training and assessment allows you to obtain the corresponding Queensland recreational marine licence, once you complete the licensing process with Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

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A Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL) allows you to operate a recreationally registered boat or other recreational marine vessel in Queensland, subject to the conditions of your licence and Queensland maritime laws.

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With an RMDL, you can operate recreational vessels such as:

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• Runabouts and trailer boats

• Centre-console boats

• Fishing boats

• Bowriders

• Cabin boats

• Other recreational vessels requiring a marine licence

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