Safety Boat Operator - Elearning + Sunday 15th November 2026 (9am - 5pm).

Details

Sun 15 Nov 2026 09:00 - 17:00
Australian Sailing - Powerboat: Safety Boat Operator

Course information

Registration for this course closes at Fri 13 Nov 2026 15:00.

Course Cost: $359

eLearning Requirement:
The online theory course must be completed before attending this Powerboat Handling face-to-face course. Simply log in to your Australian Sailing account to complete it. If you’ve forgotten your password, you’ll need to reset it, you’ll receive a new password by email. You need to complete the module: Powerboat Program Essential Skills e-learning.

For more details, click on this link: eLearning

⚠️ Please note: If your eLearning is not completed on time, you will not be able to attend the course and will be required to pay a $75 rescheduling fee in line with our cancellation policy.

Course Cost: $359

This Course Will Cover

Planning & Preparation

Plan powerboat trips safely, select suitable equipment and provisions

Prepare the boat and crew, including launching your vessel

Safe Boat Handling

Mooring, anchoring, and maneuvering in confined spaces

Managing wind, current, and berthing strategies

Understanding fire hazards and emergency procedures

Low speed and high speed exercises

Operating Engines

Understand how to start, run, and manage outboard or inboard engines

Practice maneuvering at both low and high speeds

Safe Voyage Execution

Navigate a planned route, return to berth safely

Apply collision regulations, local laws, and environmental best practice

Vessel Knowledge

Maintain hull, decks, bilges, engines, and safety equipment

Respond to emergencies like person overboard and fire on board

Duty of Care

Asses and manage risks

Understand your responsibility on the water

Know and follow the rules

Reduce impact on marine environments

 

After clicking "Register", if you don't already have a free Australian Sailing account, click "Sign Up". Select "New Member", enter your details, and then complete your course booking.

Creating an Australian Sailing account is completely free. Please register using the name of the person attending the course.

What to Bring

Keelboat and Powerboat Courses: Waterproof clothing such as a rain jacket, gloves and boots (or old sneakers), warm clothing, and sun protection (cap, sunglasses and sunscreen),

Dinghy Courses: A wetsuit if you have one, if not, we have a limited number available to borrow (subject to availability and sizing), so please arrive a little earlier and don't hesitate to ask our team for assistance. Also bring old sneakers (thongs/flip-flops are not permitted), warm clothing, sun protection (cap, sunglasses and sunscreen).

Special Requests?

For any inquiries, information, or special requests (such as enrolling in a course that is currently in progress), please contact us by email, to training@rmys.com.au. Since we are often out of the office, emailing our training department ensures a quicker response. 

Cancellations and Rebooking

Please note that courses cancelled by email with at least 5 days notice will not incur a rescheduling fee. Cancellations made with less than 5 days notice will incur a $75 charge. If cancelling due to illness, this charge may be waived upon provision of proof.

Minimum Attendance Requirement

This course requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed. If this number is not met, we will contact you in advance. You will then have the option to be rebooked for a future session at no extra cost, or to receive a credit or voucher

Weather Notice

Please note that sailing is heavily influenced by weather conditions. There may be instances where training needs to be cancelled or postponed at the last minute. The instructor may also decide to alter the program during the course, not to go on the water, or shorten the course due to weather conditions. However, we will be more than happy to be flexible with any cancellations on our end and find the best solution to reschedule your sailing session.

Important Information

In accordance with Victorian regulations, our sailing academy does not offer refunds. However, we will be more than happy to be flexible with any cancellations on our end and find the best solution to reschedule your sailing session.


Course Overview 

The Safety Boat Operator (SBO) Certificate is achieved by completing two components: 

  • Powerboat Program Essential Skills e-learning – The online theory course must be completed before attending this Safety Boat Operator face-to-face course. 
  • Safety Boat Operator Practical course – A practical course designed to develop the skills needed to support water-based activities at clubs, schools, and outdoor recreation centres. Participants will learn about race course design, practice on-water rescue of dinghies, and gain awareness of techniques to assist kite surfers and kayakers. 

Who should complete this course? 

This practical course is designed for participants to support their Sailing Club as a support boat for either racing or learn to sail courses. Attaining this course is a component of the SBO Certificate and that is also a requirement for becoming a Sailing Coach, and, or a Powerboat Instructor. 

Course Outcome 

You will gain your Safety Boat Operator certificate.