Marine Licence Training — Boat and jetski licence training

Preparation online. Practical learning with a trainer.

BOATN is a marine training platform operated by OLS Pty Ltd. It brings together online preparation resources and a way to find independent trainers for practical learning. The platform helps learners understand the next steps; it does not issue a marine licence, replace a BoatSafe course or perform Queensland Transport and Main Roads licensing decisions.

For a Queensland recreational marine licence, applicants must meet the requirements set by Transport and Main Roads (TMR). The state says a person must be at least 16 to get a licence, and operating a boat with an engine greater than 4.5 kW requires a marine licence. Read the current official requirements and confirm your individual circumstances with TMR.

Online training heritage backed by independent reporting

BOATN is a trading name of OLS Pty Ltd, which also operates OLS Australia at olsaust.com.au. On 30 June 2014, The Courier-Mail reported on OLS’s online boat and jet ski theory training, describing the online boat licence training launch as an Australian first.

• Read about BOATN and OLS’s history

Choose the learning path that matches your plans

A Recreational Marine Driver Licence (RMDL) relates to operating a recreational boat. A Personal Watercraft Licence (PWCL), often associated with jetskis, has an additional prerequisite: Queensland requires an RMDL as well as the PWCL. The licence names can sound interchangeable, but they describe distinct permissions. Start with the boat licence guide or jetski licence guide before choosing a trainer.

BOATN makes preparation and trainer discovery easier to navigate. Practical course delivery, assessment, locations, appointment availability and prices are set by the independent trainer you select. Ask that trainer directly about course inclusions, requirements, accessibility and what to bring.

A clear route from preparation to application

The broad sequence is to understand the licence type you need, prepare for the course, complete an approved BoatSafe course and practical assessment with a course provider, then make the separate licensing application through TMR where applicable. Course completion and licence issue are not the same event. A trainer can explain their course process; TMR controls licensing applications and requirements.

BOATN's online resources support preparation, but cannot substitute for practical assessment. Use the trainer directory to explore independent providers, compare current options and book through the platform. The trainer delivers the practical course; TMR handles licensing.

Know who does what

OLS Pty Ltd operates the BOATN platform. Independent trainers deliver their own training and set their own service areas, prices and availability. This distinction matters: BOATN is a connection and learning platform, not a regulator, licensing authority or substitute for a trainer's qualifications. Before booking, confirm the provider's current qualifications and BoatSafe accreditation directly with them, and clarify whether the specific course meets the licence pathway you need.

Queensland TMR accredits BoatSafe providers. Its BoatSafe accreditation information is a useful official reference. The requirements can change, so rely on current government guidance and the provider's direct confirmation rather than old posts, assumptions or advice intended for another state.

Explore BOATN

Find practical learning options with the BOATN trainer directory, review Queensland service information, or use the licence preparation checklist to organise your questions. The checklist is educational and is not a substitute for official licensing instructions.

For help using the platform, contact BOATN support at info@olsaust.com.au or 0408 786 518. If your question concerns a specific class, its schedule, price or trainer's qualification, contact the selected independent trainer. For licensing eligibility and application decisions, contact Queensland TMR.

Frequently asked questions