BOAT enthusiasts will have a chance next month to get free motor boat and jet-ski licences.
Southern Rural Water and the Transport Department are offering a two-day course on April 4-5 for power boat drivers older than 12.
Standard costs for a boat licence range from $30.60 for a one-year licence to $153 for five years.
The course will include rules and regulations, maintenance of boats and engines, handling of vessels and what to do in an emergency.
Participants must provide evidence that they or their family own a boat or jet-ski and must use Pykes Creek or Melton reservoirs or Exford Weir.
“Participants will learn just about all they would need to know about boating, and will gain a better understanding of the level of preparation required before heading off to one of our reservoirs,” SRW compliance officer Col McQuillen said.
Participants will be taught by expert boaters like Marc Durham (pictured) of the Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club, based at Melton Reservoir.
Ports Minister Denis Napthine said the state had more than 330,000 licensed recreational boaters.
“We want them to make boating safety their top priority.”
The training will be delivered by Boating Victoria and is limited to 15 people.
Details: 1300139510
