QLD boat licence heads online

Spending eight hours in a classroom to get your Queensland boat licence is now a thing of the past thanks to some computer-savvy inventors from Online Learning Services (OLS).

OLS says it has pioneered the first online boat test in QLD.

The theory part of the QLD boat licence is online, while the practical aspect still needs to be completed on the water. You can sit both licencing requirements via a range of accredited providers listed on this site.

The welcome news is that you can sit that theory test on your iPad, laptop, or home PC, says OLS.

The same amount of theory is involved as when you head to a classroom, as is the strict requirement set forth by the QLD state government departments, but you now have the choice of completing that part of the licence test at home and in all likelihood in a lot less time.

You will still be required to book in for a practical assessment
with a local trainer, however.

"We are making marine training more accessible to more people and the feedback has been fantastic," said Simon McKnight, one of the directors of OLS, who lives on a boat.

"More and more boat training professionals and organisations are signing up and adding the online option to their boat-licencing product, so I expect our coverage to grow beyond Queensland shortly," he hopes.

For those who are not computer savvy, 24-hour phone support is on hand to help with the theory test. To find a local boat trainer in your QLD region see www.olsaust.com.au.