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Safety Boat Operator Course

Details

Thu 23 Jul 2026 09:00 - 15:00
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Waters of the Whitsundays
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Australian Sailing - Powerboat: Safety Boat Operator

Course information

The Australian Sailing Safety Boat Operator (SBO) course teaches you how to support on-water activities, lay race courses, and perform dinghy, kayak, and windsurfer rescues.
 
The certification requires completing the online Powerboat Program Essential Skills module before attending a 1-day, face-to-face practical session. 
 
The comprehensive syllabus covers fleet management, righting capsized craft, towing, and risk assessment. It is an essential credential for sailing coaches, club volunteers, and watersports instructors.
 
Cost:
$0.00 for Volunteers
$150 for Members and Staff
$220 for Non Members 

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.