datamile

Anyone done their boat license ? Whats involved ? Is there a book that I need to study beforehand ?

Grew up around boats, but I guess I need to learn all the different bouys, speed limits , rules etc that they have here.

Anyone recommend trainers in Brissy Bayside ?

Thought I might give it a go before having to settle into work etc.

themerlin

I did it not long ago with this mob http://www.abcboating.com/ .

It's a day course, morning was theory, after noon was chart reading and a go in the boat.

It's very easy, there where some very dim people on the course when I did it and they all passed.

This is the question that one of the guys couldn't do and he passed

"If it takes 30 mins to travel a distance at 10knots how long would it take to cover the same distance at 20knots"

Stella340

Hubby and I want to get a jet ski licence but have found out that we have to do the boat licence first
How hard is the practical for someone who's only ever sat on tourist tour boats? I mean it's one thing to be able to drive a jet ski but a boat???
Apparently there is a book you can pick up from the transport centres ... it's referred to on these sites..

http://www.myboat.net.au/Get_Boat_or_Jet_Ski.html
http://www.abcboating.com/index.html

datamile

Book is here for download or $10 at centres

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Home/Publi...kbook_download

Pipers Mummy

I was worried I would have to study beforehand, however, it's sooooo easy. It did go on a bit though in the classroom and I have to say that personally, what I would have liked was practical time on the water. The only thing they are required to have you do practically is a 'figure of eight' at speed. Was a bit worried about that having never driven a boat before but the instructor told you what to do and when so it was easy peasy! It's a requirement and I'm glad that I did it, however, practically it has not helped me out at all....... At least I know which side I need to overtake on though

Stella340

Thanks! I think we'll start revising!

moneypenny20

It's also worth doing your radio operator course. It's quite straightforward and if you intend going offshore in the boat I think you would be daft not to. Lots of places do them, your local VMR might run one - ours does. Not expensive, can't remember how much because mine was free.

cresta57

I used ABC in Noosa, excellent training, small groups of 3/6 people, easy course material etc. Once the classroom stuff is out of the way the actual on the boat part consists of learning a few simple tasks: pulling along side a pontoon or jetty, pulling up slowly to the shore enough to touch bottom & using the motor to reverse out again, a simple MOB drill [picking up a float], usually a few high speed turns are thrown in for good measure as well
The basic boat handling skills are easy to pass, the real challenge is the "crossing bars" course essential if you intend to go "out wide"
As MP says the radio course is also a worthwhile investment.

themerlin

Whats that involve then .

Geelong Gent

At a guess I would think this is crossing sand bars?

Maybe the test should include other practical tasks such as

Fixing a fuel blockage while in open water (a drift)
Extracting a hook from a greedy seagull? (during task above)
How to look/maintain cool after running aground and needing to await high tide to free oneself?

moneypenny20

The third one is totally impossible Don't know about the others.

windog

Unblocking the marine toilet?

datamile

marine toilet ? Thought that was check wide direction and select correct side of boat.

cresta57

Yep windward side for wind only [just to share] leeward side is weeward side

ray2gill

No it's not! You just put out the anchor and make out that you intended to beach the boat there until the tide comes in. Been there done that