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The Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia have a unique South Australian Powerboat licence course which offers a practical test to pass, instead of the usual theory. This may suit a lot of people who prefer to learn in a more hands on style, but it also will give many people more confidence by actually learning out on the water.
Why choose this course?
Primarily used for their members to attend races, the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia, based in North Haven offer their Powerboat Courses to the general public through it’s Marine Academy and is a course recognised by Transport SA to allow you to gain a recreational boat licence with no further testing.
The course is aimed for people who want to operate a small powerboat and includes:
- Learning pre-launch checks
- Start up and low speed manoeuvres
- Docking
- Man overboard situations
- High speed planing
A theory pack is issued before the day for pre-course learning, which allows for most of the course day to be spent on the water. It is a full day from 7.30am until 5.30pm and groups are a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 8.
The course is a full day of practical experience and a hands on practical assessment at the end of the day. So make sure you’ve had enough sleep the night before!
It is a more costly way to gain a boat licence in south Australia but being the only fully practical course on offer in SA, this is a great price to gain tricks and tips to be a safe, diligent and confident Powerboater. No theory course can physically teach you these essential skills needed out on the water.
Remember to become familiar with the SA Recreational Boating Safety Handbook before you go.
If you prefer not to be within a group, you can book a ‘Start Powerboating with a Friend’ course which is a private course for two people only. You can also book a 1:1 private course. These courses are available anytime with a least 2 weeks notice given in advance of the booking.
Check out their website for the next available powerboat licence course and more information.
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