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Despite living on an nation surrounded by water, most Singaporeans may have a car licence, but not a boat licence. While a boat licence may not be directly useful in day-to-day transportation unlike a car licence, it is useful for people who wish to go offshore for fishing trips as well as those who wish to go island hopping for leisure. Getting a boat licence is relatively inexpensive in Singapore compared to a car licence, and some people have taken less than 3 months to obtain their licence. Here is a guide to getting a licence, and the costs associated with it. Firstly, there are 2 kinds of licences, the Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) and the Advanced Powered Pleasure Driving Licence (APPCDL). The PPCDL is required for driving engine-powered / jet-propelled boats shorter than 24 metres within the port limits (including jet skis), and the APPCDL is for boats longer than 24 metres. APPCDL students need to first complete the PPCDL course before they can enrol. To qualify for the PPCDL, students must: For the APPCDL, students must: For the PPCDL, learners must produce a valid medical forim that states no physical handicaps and pass a sght test. The form is available on and can be filled out by GPs and Polyclinics. As for the cost of the eye checkup, it will range from $24 to $60. This is no longer required for an APPCDL since the student would have previously met the medical requirements when they did their PPDCL. The Maritime Port Authority mandates that all PPCDL and APPCDL learners must book and participate in a weekend course provided by training centres. The course is typically conducted over 2 days, and certificates of attendance will be issued upon completion. For the PPCDL training centres, they are: For APPCDL, only the Singapore Maritime Academy is certified as a training centre. APPCDL students must first complete the course before attending the mandatory weekend course, which ranges from $190.50 to $490.50 depending on citizenship status.   After obtaining the certificate of attendance for the mandatory weekend course, learners must register for the theory test on the .  The test will then be held at Singapore Polytechnic. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 26. Do remember to bring along either your NRIC or passport along with the certificate of attendance for the weekend course and the completed medical form. For the PPCDL, the theory test is a flat fee of $21.60. For the APPCDL, the theory test fees are included in the $1199. The practical assessment will be held at PolyMarina where there will be a hands-on and oral test. To pass, there must also be less than 20 demerit points. Do take note that the original copy of the theory result slip and your NRIC or passport is needed. For the PPCDL, the practical test costs $109. For the APPCDL, the practical test fees are included in the $1199. The final step will be to submit your NRIC or passport and a recent passport-sized photograph along with a copy of the result slip to the website. The application fee is $20 for both the PPCDL and the APPCDL. Various factors will affect the total costs of the licence such as which training centre one selects and whether refresher lessons are needed.   Learners who are not confident of passing can sign up for refresher courses costing $100 to practice the skills and be more confident of passing. With a licence, you can now operate a powered pleasure craft within Singapore’s waters which includes Lazarus Island and Pulau Ubin. Many boat rental companies also offer flexible plans if you do not own a boat and wish to self-pilot the vessel. There is a wide variety of boats available ranging from small dinghies to fishing boats and even jet skis. However, do take note that many companies will have a compulsory induction program that cost around $190 depending on the company. Companies might also limit rentals to those above 21. The PPCDL is also not recognised overseas which means that boats are not allowed to sail in international waters and open seas.   heymax.ai fast tracks your travel goals for free by rewarding you additional miles on top of your credit card rewards when shopping online. Get an upsized 800 miles bonus (usually 500) when you sign up through our exclusive . Promo ends 30 April 2024.