MANLY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Earn Your NSW Boating Licence: Hands‑On Theory and Practical in Manly
A full-day, instructor-led course that pairs a 2-hour on-water practical with an afternoon theory session and the NSW powerboat theory test — ideal for beginners and experienced boaters seeking formal certification.
Earn Your NSW Boating Licence: Hands‑On Theory and Practical in Manly.
Set against the harbour entrances of Manly, this blended course from Manly Sailing distils licence essentials into a single, focused day: practical boat handling on the water followed by classroom theory and the powerboating test. It’s built to give novice and experienced skippers the confidence and knowledge needed for safe, competent boating and to secure an NSW boating licence.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Receive your NSW boating licence
The course culminates in the Power Boating theory test so you can be signed off for your NSW licence; participants are eligible from age 12 upwards, and the structure is set to get you through both practical and theory on the same day.
Two hours of on‑water instruction
A qualified instructor leads practical drills covering safety and preparation, low- and high-speed manoeuvres, collision rules and emergency procedures — all taught on the water to build real handling skills.
Comprehensive theory and navigation
The afternoon theory session covers boat types and terminology, engines and basic maintenance, launching and tides, personal equipment, weather, collision regulations, buoyage and passage planning to prepare you for practical decision-making and the test.
What the day feels like
How the day unfolds
The day moves from sea to shore: a focused two‑hour practical on the water trains you in manoeuvres, safety and emergency responses, then you return for an afternoon classroom session that consolidates boat systems, navigation and collision rules before attempting the official theory test.
THE LICENCE
Receive your NSW boating licence
The course culminates in the Power Boating theory test so you can be signed off for your NSW licence; participants are eligible from age 12 upwards, and the structure is set to get you through both practical and theory on the same day.
THE HANDS‑ON
Two hours of on‑water instruction
A qualified instructor leads practical drills covering safety and preparation, low- and high-speed manoeuvres, collision rules and emergency procedures — all taught on the water to build real handling skills.
THE CLASSROOM
Comprehensive theory and navigation
The afternoon theory session covers boat types and terminology, engines and basic maintenance, launching and tides, personal equipment, weather, collision regulations, buoyage and passage planning to prepare you for practical decision-making and the test.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day program totalling 7 hours, combining a morning practical session on the water and an afternoon theory session culminating in the Power Boating theory test. Meet at Manly Sailing on the ground floor of Manly Yacht Club, East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
Notebook and pen; boating log book if you have one; water bottle; loose, comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes.
Parking in Manly can be tricky — leave extra time if you’re driving to find a spot and arrive punctually for the scheduled meeting time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the course take?
The full course runs for 7 hours combining practical and theory components.
Where do I meet for the course?
Meet at Manly Sailing on the ground floor of Manly Yacht Club, East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
What happens during the practical session?
The two-hour practical covers safety and preparation, low- and high-speed manoeuvres, use of lines and anchoring, towing, collision regulations while underway and emergency drills such as man overboard procedures.
What topics are covered in the theory session?
Theory includes types of craft and handling characteristics, boat parts and terminology, engines and basic maintenance, launching and tides, personal equipment, weather, collision regulations and buoyage, navigation and passage planning, and trip preparation.
What should I bring?
Bring a notebook and pen, your boating log book if you have one, a water bottle, loose comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes — participants must be aged 12 or older to attend.
What if I fail the theory test?
You are allowed two attempts on the day; if you don’t pass you can return on subsequent days to try again.