newy.com.au – Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage will begin practical boat licence training on 17 October 2026, giving local learners the option of completing both classroom and on water instruction through the service. The first practical course is already fully booked.
The training will be open to people aged 12 and over from the Tilligerry Peninsula, Port Stephens and surrounding areas. Participants will be able to complete both the theory and practical components of General Boat Licence training through Marine Rescue NSW.
For students taking the full course, theory will be taught in the first half of the day before practical training in the afternoon. Each practical session will be limited to three students, taught by experienced Marine Rescue NSW volunteers.
Instruction will cover vessel preparation, safe handling and manoeuvring, navigating narrow channels and anchoring. Students will also learn about navigation, commercial vessel movements, marine radios, basic vessel maintenance and required safety equipment.
The program will reinforce the importance of logging on with Marine Rescue NSW before heading out on the water.
The unit said: “We want new boaters to leave the course with the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to operate a vessel safely and make good decisions every time they head out on the water.”
The practical component costs $180. Theory fees are $145 for students aged 12 to 15 and $165 for those aged 16 and over.
The unit plans to offer courses generally once a month, adding sessions depending on demand. It said taking part would also help support its local volunteer operations.
Prospective students can find upcoming courses and make bookings through the Marine Rescue NSW course calendar. The unit said additional dates and updates would be posted on its Facebook page.
