Downloads and FAQ in English

Yes, in Japan, a license is required to operate motorboats, sailing boats with engines, and jet skis.

In Japan, there are different types of licenses required depending on the type of vessel you wish to operate:

1. First-Class Small Vessel Operator’s License: This allows you to operate vessels with a gross tonnage under 20 tons or 24 meters in length and gives you unrestricted navigation area privileges. It is ideal for those looking to navigate offshore.
2. Second-Class Small Vessel Operator’s License: This is the most common license, suitable for recreational boating and yachting within inland waters and up to 5 nautical miles from the coastline. You can operate vessels under 20 tons as well.
3. Limited Boat License for Lakes and Rivers (Small Output): For vessels with lower engine output up to 15 kW (about 20 HP) and is generally within lakes and river areas.
4. Special Small Vessel Operator’s License: Specifically for jet skis and other small watercraft, allowing operation within lakes and up to 2 nautical miles from the coast.

It is important to choose the license that fits your specific needs and the type of vessel you plan to operate.

Issued by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.The applicant may apply directly or have a maritime agent apply on their behalf.

Class 1/ 2days – 4days,Class 2/ 1day – 3days,PWC/ 1dat – 2days
*Depends on the learning course

If you have some Japanese language ability, you’ll have more dates and venues to choose from.
Of course, it’s perfectly fine if you don’t speak Japanese.

A copy of your Japanese residence certificate showing your nationality, a passport-style photo, and a power of attorney for the application.If you do not have Japanese residence registration, please consult with us.

A.Those who cannot speak Japanese
Class1,Class2 Osaka
PWC MArina Rivre
B.Those taking only the written examination in English
Class1,Class2 Osaka,Rivre,Kishiwada,Hikone
PWC MArina Rivre,Settsu,Kishiwada,Hikone

It will arrive approximately one week after the announcement date.
It will be mailed via registered mail.

Renewal is required every five years. You can renew starting one year before the expiration date.
Complete the renewal training course and proceed with the renewal process.

Passing the 14-question written exam allows you to advance to class 1.
There is no practical exam.

In Japan, the boat license examination can be taken in Japanese, English, or Portuguese, but there is no Class 1 small boat pilot license examination in Portuguese.
In the case of English, there are two types of examinations: one in which only the written examinations are given in English, and the other in which all the practical examinations and commentary are given in English.
In the case of Portuguese, only the academic examination is given in Portuguese, while the commentary and practical test are given in Japanese.

Foreign nationals residing in Japan are eligible. In most cases, a copy of the Japanese resident card(Juminhyo) is required.It is difficult for short-term travelers to obtain a Japanese license.

A Japanese license is not required when entering from outside the territory of Japan and leaving again from that port outside the territory, but a Japanese boat license is required to move to a different port in Japan.

It may be possible to acquire it if certain requirements are met. It depends on the case, so please contact us.

It may be possible to acquire it if certain requirements are met. It depends on the case, so please contact us.

For those who are subject to the Basic Resident Registration Act, a copy of the resident card(Juminhyo); for those who are not subject to the Basic Resident Registration Act, a passport, etc., as well as mail addressed to the applicant and documents proving that the applicant is staying there (e.g., a document made by the head of the family household, etc.).

The exam schedule is set for the entire year, but please consult with the instructor in charge of foreign students to determine the training dates and venues.
If you study the theory on your own and only take the practical training course, you will have more options available to you.
Trainning venues can be selected from Ibaraki City(only theortical), Settsu City(only PWC practical), Osaka City(only boat practical), Kishiwada City, Otsu City, and Hikone City.

If you can study the theory on your own, you can participate in the same practical training and exams as Japanese students. The theory exam can be taken in English.
Also, even instructors who aren’t specialized in foreign languages can teach practical training in English.
However, please don’t expect perfect English conversation.