Queensland law states that a licence is required to operate a recreational boat which is powered by a motor greater than 4.5 kW (over 6HP) (read more). So if you wish to operate a vessel such as this without the supervision of a licensed person you will need to obtain a Recreational Boating Licence.

On Magnetic Island, Boat Safe (read more) courses are conducted by Mr Daniel Daniel a highly qualified and experienced instructor with Master Class Five qualification.

There are many good and varied reasons to take a Boat Safe Recreational Boating Licence course with Daniel. They include:

*Maritime Safety Queensland approved.

*Daniel has qualified over 800 people in Queensland and Western Australia, into the safe world of boating and seamanship.

*Very experienced mariner, sailed a variety of vessels, some singlehanded. Sailed on square rigged sailing ships including MV Bounty to England 1987.

*Yacht deliveries and still acts as a charter boat skipper locally, regularly going up to the beautiful Palm Islands

*Master Class five Qualification.

*Daniel has a natural wit and amusing "old salt" style. The courses are good humoured, and good fun. Class participation is insisted upon. Everyone in Daniel's course is considered a skipper right from the very start. They are each encouraged to ask their crew (the other students) if they can help sort out their (boating) problems - a great way to get all the students talking and thinking.

*The course covers more than required by MSQ.

*Reasonably priced.

In class with "Old Salt" Daniel

Some things you will learn
*That learning the art of safe boating can be lots of fun and entertaining - even in a classroom situation.

*The importance of having an vessel with an easily pronouncable name.

*Preparing your vessel for sea

*Pre-departure checks

*The importance of passage planning. Distance, speed, time.

*Procedures for informing people about where you are going , and your expected time of return.

*Manoeuvring your vessel

*Emergency response

*Emergency communications

*Chart work, navigation, compasses

*Outboard motor maintenance

*Trailer maintenance

*Safety equipment required in various areas. And correct usage

*Refuelling safely

*Weather: the basics of interpreting the weather map. how sometimes you can still go out in your boat, even though a strong wind warning has been issued.

*Alcohol and boating

*Skipper's responsibilities

*Correct use of the marine radio. Why we don't say, "Over and out".

*IALA bouyage system

*Collision regulations, the rules of the "road"

*Vessel recognition by day and by night.

*And much more theory

Practical knowledge is essential

Practical Boating Lesson
A surveyed vessel is used in the safety of Nelly Bay Harbour.

Daniel will show what is required of you, then he will invite the most experienced students to take charge and handle the vessel for testing and, so they can learn as they watch, Daniel tests the least experienced last.

You don't have to have driven a boat before, Daniel will show you skills such as:

*correct anchoring

*What do you do when someone wants to anchor right on top of you

*Boat handling at speed

*Emergency stop

*Person over-board

*Picking up a buoy

*Picking up a buoy in reverse

*Coming along side

*How to tie a vessel up correctly.

Most students reach a satisfactory and safe level of handling on the course and gain confidence from then on.

Hand signals are vital if you cannot be heard in a storm

Daniel says, "I can't teach experience, but you can learn from my experiences."

If the student requires more experience in the practical side of boat handling, extra tuition is available on a one-to-one basis until the student reaches the required Boat Safe standard but this tuition is not covered by the Recreational Boating Licence course costs.

The course is operated in a fun type manner for such a serious subject. A lot of anectdotal evidence is used. Some previous course participants have said the stories are the best part of the course. Others say no, the free morning tea is the best part.

The course is conducted in a professional manner, and to his knowledge, none of Daniel's previous students have ever had to be rescued although Daniel himself had to be rescued when he was shipwrecked in Antarctica. You will have to participate in one of his courses to find out how it happened.

When are the courses conducted?
Courses are conducted on an "as required" basis. A minimum of three students are required. If, for example, one person wanted to get their boat licence, Daniel would then advertise for more students to participate. Therefore the earlier people notify Daniel, the more time he has got to get more students.

What other things you should know
*You don't need to own a boat to do the course.

*It is much better to do the course before you purchase a boat.

*Licences are for life and are valid Australia-wide. If you are travelling to another state the Department of Transport will give you a printout of your licence.

*No actual licence is given out, it is all entered on to your vehicle data base.

*If you lose your vehicle licence, you lose your boat licence, and vice versa.

*Daniel encourages wives and girlfriends to get their boat licences, It is surprising how a day out in the boat is improved if a couple know what they are doing. This creates a friendlier and safer atmosphere.

What you should bring to the course

*A yearning to learn all about safe boating

*Large bottle of water, Daniel will refresh it as required.

*Pen

*Writing pad

*Something to eat at lunchtime (morning tea is provided)

*A good night's sleep beforehand

*Money to pay for the course

*Instructional material is supplied

*A sense of humour

How much does the course cost:
This will be discussed when you make enquiries about the course. Normally a non- refundable deposit is required. This guarantees the person will turn up.

Other services provides by Daniel:
Jetskis or Personal Water Craft (PWC) require a separate licence to a recreational boat and Daniel is Magnetic Island's only tutor for PWC licences.

And if sailing is your passion Daniel provides sailing tuition as well.

Tuition for a Marine Radio Licence qualifications are also available from Daniel.


See you on the next course:
Phone /Fax (07)47581618
Mobile 0419936030
email: daniel.daniel8@bigpond.com

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