Getting your Boat Driving Licence (PPCDL)
A Boating License or The Powered Pleasure Craft Driving License (PPCDL) is required for driving a boat or jetski in Singapore. The basic PPCDL lesson is $188 and Club Marine Members will enjoy a Enhanced PPCDL Module Free Of Charge. With the enhance module, members will be able to gain experience in intermediate open waters boat handling and navigational trainings to prepare for the practical test.
Captain Hilbert Fernandez
Master Mariner
Lecturer - The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Director - Maritime Education And Training Services
What is PPCDL
The Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) is required for driving of engine powered/jet-propelled pleasure craft (with SZ or SZH licence prefixes) within Singapore port limits.
What if I do not have a PPCDL / Boating License yet?
You will be referred to Capt Hilbert’s training academy, METS, for your PPCDL lessons and Club Marine will assist you in arranging for test and refresher lessons before test dates.
2 Days PPCDL (Boating License) Course:
- min. age 16 years
- 1 day maritime theory lesson
- 1/2 day practical basic boat handling
- theory test held at Singapore Polytechnic
- practical refresher at Poly Marina (optional)
- practical test held at Poly Marina
- welcome to the boating community
- PPCDL allows you to captain boats up to 21 meters in length including jetskis
Can I choose courses offered by other Marinas?
Yes of coz. Here we refer to METS is because their lessons are more regular. However, you may choose courses offered by One°15 Marina, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, SAF Yacht Club or any other MPA approved academies. Club Marine will assist members to make arrangement.
Academy Comparison
Listed below are 3 different places where you can get your licence. Marina Country Club @ Punggol, Sentosa, and RSYC.
| Description | Duration | Description | Punggol | Sentosa | RSYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theory Test Application | NA | General Booking is one month in advance | $21.40 | $21.40 | $21.40 |
| Practical Boat Handling | Full Day | Test oriented practical lesson. Train you to pass the actual practical test | $188 | $320 | $320 |
| Maritime Theory Lesson | Full Day | Test oriented theory lesson. Text book and test questions included. | Included | Included | Included |
| Theory Test | 1 Hr | Computer based 30 multiple choice questions based on PPCDL syllabus | Included | Included | Included |
| Practical Test Registration | NA | Register for practical test after passing of theory test | $53.50 | $53.50 | $53.50 |
| Club Marine Practical Enhancement | 2-4 Hrs | Complimentary extra practical training for members only | FOC | FOC | FOC |
| Practical Test Refresher | 2 Hrs Each | Practical refresher to be conducted before actual test day. Additional lessons is an option @ $240 per 2 hour session. | $240 | $240 | $240 |
| Total | $502.90 | $634.90 | $634.90 | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about PPCDL Courses.
They are excluded because there are members who already obtained their PPCDL / boat license. Hence it is an option.
Yes. Just like taking any exams or test. Retest is payable.
It is a 2 hour practical session where it simulate practical test conditions. This session is conducted by MPA approved instructors. Club Marine is not the service provider. A 2 hour refresher session is $240 and most people took up 2 sessions for assurance.
You will be the best person to access. We have members who did it just with one Refresher session of 2 hours. This is of coz the minority. Majority obtain the license with 2 Refresher sessions. Some will need more.
You can, using our practice boats to practice your berthing and handling before your practical test. Our instructor will be there to guide you making sure you can handle all the procedures at NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES. Members who went through our practice training have no problem with practical handling.
Yes you can, but ever since we have started 2.5 years back, those who have said this, none have passed their PPCDL. Many did not even sign up for the course. All our members are either those who have already passed and join the club. Or those who have joined the club and passed.
In my opinion, I think it is because of commitment. Getting a PPCDL is not a difficult process but a long waiting process. It only takes you 1.5 days to complete the course, but will take you 8-12 weeks of waiting time for the test dates.
Many would have lost patient waiting, loss enthusiasm while waiting, because while waiting, you did nothing but wait.
On the other hand, those who joined us have a more enriched 8-12 weeks. While waiting, they are learning and already participating in boating activities.
With an enriched program, it is very difficult for someone to fail their PPCDL. The interest will only grow as skill sets and experience grows. This is the only explanation I can provide for why those who says “I will take my PPCDL first before joining the club” never come back.
Singapore is not the only country that requires a boating license. Hong Kong, Australia, USA, Europe, all require a certain level of proficiency and accreditations. Around us, only Malaysia and Indonesia need not license.
In fact, Singapore requirements are considered less stringent. In some countries, you are tested on radio communications.
Safety is always top priority. We have one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. If proper training and licensing can better assure the safety of you, your friends and your family, isn’t this worth it?
Furthermore, the licensing is only a one-time thing, while the knowledge and experience is a lifetime thing. Its worth every min of your time invested in a boating license.
Yes you can. We can help to arrange but there might be chances where your dates cannot be confirmed until last min. The reason is because many of the marinas will only start their courses when there is a min of 5 participants.
We acknowledge that some of our members think that they are not good because the speed that the lessons are conducted is too fast. We feel that this is because different people have different expectations. In terms of environment, you cannot expect a nice classroom and brand new boats. You cannot expect to meet people of your professional level because it is open to the public. However, if you want a no frills way of getting your PPCDL. They are one of the options. It really depends what you want. There are alternatives. The best way is to let us know what do you expect and we will recommend the best option, and you will decide.
In general, they are more certainty in terms of seats availability. And their track records are consistent.
In general, the modules should be similar. The differences are the environment of the venue. The training duration also differ.ranging from 1.5 days to 2 days to 4 days. Hence we recommend your choices based on your time availability.
No. Your application will not be approved. The reason is because in marine, most signals are dependent on colour recognition. This is similar to air traffic. MPA will never approved if you have this condition.
The first thing we will do is to register your PPCDL theory test. Next you will choose your dates for your PPCDL. The rest of the program just leave them to us. You will enjoy your boating journey from now on.
- For registration, please contact:
- Joyce Chin
- Operation Manager
- Tel: 6343 4125
- Or drop by our office @ Marina Country Club 11 Northshore Drive Singapore 828670