FAQ

Do I need a license to operate a motorboat, sailing boat (with an engine) or jet ski in Japan?

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

What type of license do I need?

It depends on the boat you want to operate:

First Class – boats of less than 20 gross tons, with no limit on the navigation area. Ideal for going offshore.
Second Class – the most common license. Boats of less than 20 gross tons, in smooth water areas and up to 5 nautical miles from the coast.
Second Class (lakes and rivers, small engines) – boats with an engine of 15 kW (about 20 hp) or less, on lakes and rivers.
PWC – jet skis and other personal watercraft, on lakes and rivers and up to 2 nautical miles from the coast.

Choose the license that fits the boat you plan to operate.

Who issues the license, and how do I apply?

The license is issued by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. You can apply yourself or through a maritime agent. When you take our course, we apply on your behalf with the powers of attorney we prepare for you.

How long does it take to get a boat license?

Class 2 – 1 to 3 days. 1 day if you take practical training in the morning and the exam in the afternoon (Plan A); up to 3 days if the practical training, the theory lecture option and the exam are on separate days.
Class 1 – 2 to 4 days, depending on the lectures you take (advanced subjects lecture, general subjects lecture option).
PWC – 1 to 2 days.

The license arrives about one week after the results are announced.

Do I need to know Japanese to take the 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.

Do I have to attend a theory lecture?

No. For Class 2 and PWC, the theory is self-study. After we confirm your payment, you receive a login for our English study site with a web study app and PDF textbooks and question books.

If you would like a lecture, choose the option on the application form:

Class 2 – theory lecture (+15,000 yen)
Class 1 – general subjects lecture (+15,000 yen). The advanced subjects lecture is included in Class 1 Practical Plus.

The date of the lecture is arranged with the theory instructor after you apply. PWC is practical training only.

What documents do I need for the application?

Your Japanese residence certificate (juminhyo) showing your nationality, two ID photos (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm) and the powers of attorney (we prepare them for you). If you are not registered as a resident in Japan, please contact us.

See Documents & Payment for details.

Where are the training and examination sites?

Plan A (I speak some Japanese) – the same venues as our Japanese courses:

Class 1 / Class 2: Osaka, Otsu (Lake Biwa), Kishiwada
PWC: Otsu (Lake Biwa), Kishiwada, Settsu (Osaka), Hikone (Lake Biwa)

Plan B (English only):

Class 1 / Class 2: Osaka
PWC: Lake Biwa (Marina Club Rivre)

Theory lectures are held at our Ibaraki classroom. See Details & Schedule for the dates at each venue.

After passing the exam, how long does it take to receive the license?

It arrives about one week after the results are announced. It is sent by registered mail.

Does the license expire or need renewal?

Yes. The license must be renewed every five years. You can renew it from one year before the expiry date by taking a renewal course.

Can I upgrade from Second Class to First Class?

Yes. Pass the 14-question written exam (advanced subjects) to upgrade to First Class. There is no practical exam.

In which languages can I take the exam?

Japanese, English or Portuguese (First Class is not available in Portuguese).

English – two types: only the written exam in English (Plan A), or everything in English, including the explanations and the practical exam (Plan B).
Portuguese – only the written exam is in Portuguese; the explanations and the practical exam are in Japanese.

I am visiting Japan. Can I get a Japanese boat license during my trip?

The license is for foreign nationals who live in Japan. In most cases a copy of your residence certificate (juminhyo) is required, so it is difficult for short-term visitors to get one.

Do I need a Japanese license to sail a foreign-flagged boat in Japanese waters?

Not if you come from outside Japan and leave Japan again from the same port. To move to another port in Japan, you need a Japanese boat license.

I am not registered as a resident in Japan, but I will work with small boats in Japan. Can I get a Japanese license?

It may be possible if certain requirements are met. It depends on your situation, so please contact us.

I am not registered as a resident in Japan, but I stay in Japan for some time every year. Can I get a Japanese license?

It may be possible if certain requirements are met. It depends on your situation, so please contact us.

What documents can I use to prove my identity?

If you are registered as a resident in Japan: a copy of your residence certificate (juminhyo).

If not: your passport, plus documents showing where you are staying, such as mail addressed to you there or a statement from the head of the household.

When can I take the training? How is the theory lecture scheduled?

The dates of practical training and the national exam are listed on Details & Schedule. Choose one when you apply.

Theory lectures are not on the schedule. The date is arranged with the theory instructor after you apply (they will contact you):

Class 1 – advanced subjects lecture (included in Practical Plus)
Class 1 – general subjects lecture (option, +15,000 yen)
Class 2 – theory lecture (option, +15,000 yen)

Lectures are held at our Ibaraki classroom. PWC has no theory lecture.

I can understand a little Japanese, but I can’t read or write it. Which plan is right for me?

Choose Plan A. You join the practical training and the exam together with Japanese students, on the same days and at the same venues, so you have more dates to choose from. Only the written exam is in English; the explanations and the practical exam are in Japanese. Our instructors can help in simple English, but please don’t expect perfect English conversation.

Study the theory on your own with our English web study site, or add the theory lecture option.

See how your name will appear on the license:
Display of license