For those considering obtaining a boat license, it might be challenging to determine which license suits them best. Here, we will provide a detailed explanation of the features and differences of the three types of licenses: First-Class Small Boat Operator License, Second-Class Small Boat Operator License, and PWC(jet ski etc.) Operator License.
Application procedure
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the fees (Wire transfer; Credit card – PayPal).
- Prepare, print and send the documents (Attorney letters, photos and certificate of residence – Juminhyou) and send them by post mail, E-mail or online (click here).
If you have sent an image of your certificate of residence (Juminhyou) by e-mail or online, please bring the original to the lessons.
First-Class Small Boat Operator License
Features and Benefits
The First-Class Small Boat Operator License allows you to operate a vessel in all types of waters, making it ideal for those considering ocean adventures or long-distance cruising on yachts. It is also essential for operating recreational fishing boats in coastal waters. (Note: To engage in recreational fishing boat activities, an additional qualification as a Recreational Fishing Boat Manager and a Specific Navigation License is required). This license enables you to operate vessels with a gross tonnage of less than 20 tons. With this license, you can navigate freely in both coastal and open sea waters, enabling a wide range of activities.
Requirements and Exam Content
To obtain the First-Class License, you must be at least 18 years old. The examination consists of a written test and a practical test, with the written test covering various topics including chart reading, navigational planning, and safety measures.
Second-Class Small Boat Operator License
Features and Benefits
The Second-Class Small Boat Operator License is suitable for those who want to focus on enjoying coastal waters. The navigable area is within five nautical miles (approximately 9.26 kilometers) from shore or within the smooth water area(Lake Biwa,Osaka-wan,Tokyo-wan etc.), and the vessel’s gross tonnage is under 20 tons, similar to the First-Class. This is perfect for those interested in calm seas, fishing, or day cruises.
Requirements and Exam Content
You can obtain the Second-Class License starting at 16 years of age. The written test covers basic maritime rules and knowledge for safe navigation and is somewhat simpler compared to the First-Class. Additionally, there is a simple license for operating boats and yachts up to 20 horsepower in lakes and rivers, which is ideal for rowing team rescue operations, bass fishing, or small yacht sailing in lakes.
PWC Operator License
Features and Benefits
The PWC Operator License is for operating personal watercraft like jet skis. The operable area is limited to nearshore waters, but it offers a strong leisure element due to the enjoyment of speed. Recently, watercraft designed for fishing have also become available.
Requirements and Exam Content
This license can be obtained from age 16, and the examination can be completed in a relatively short period. The practical test assesses specific operating skills, while the written test content is simpler than that of the First-Class or Second-Class Licenses.
Navigation Area
In 2’nd Class license you can sail in smooth water areas even more than 5 miles from a shore. (Lake Biwa,Set Nai Kai…)
Choosing the Right Boat License for You
When selecting a boat license, consider the purpose for which you’ll be using the boat. A First-Class License is optimal for extensive voyages, a Second-Class License is more suitable for coastal activities, and a Special Small License is best for leisure with jet skis. It’s also important to consider the costs and study time involved and choose a license that fits your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Each boat license has different features. The First-Class Small Boat Operator License allows for an extensive range of navigation, the Second-Class License is a family-friendly and convenient option, and the Special Small License focuses on leisure activities. Understand the characteristics of each license and choose the one that meets your needs. The enjoyment of navigation can be infinitely expanded by the choice of boat license.
The license to be issued will be displayed as follows. Please check it.
Display of license
The Examination of Boat’s Operator of 1’st and 2’nd Class (2025-26)
This is the schedule in which all the examinations explanations, physical examinations, knowlede examinations, and practical examinations will be conducted in English.
Please consult with your instructor to determine the dates or of the training days and venues corresponding to those exams.
Schedule in 2025(Osaka)
- February 13
- April 17
- June 12
- August 28
- October 9
- February 5 （2026）
The examinations listed above are conducted in English
If you are able to communicate in Japanese in a basic way, you may be able to take the written portion of a Japanese national exam in English. Please contact us for more details.
You will receive textbooks and exercise books written in English.
Location
- Physical examination/written examination site
Otemae-Century Build.:1-5-13 Katamachi Miyakozima-ku Osaka
Google map - Practical examination site
Owada-fishing port(Tifune)
Google map
The Examination of Boat’s Operator of PWC Class(2025)
This is the schedule in which all the examinations explanations, physical examinations, knowlede examinations, and practical examinations will be conducted in English.
Please consult with your instructor to determine the dates or of the training days and venues corresponding to those exams.
Schedule in 2025(Lake Biwa)
- April 7
- May 1
- June 2
- July 7
- August 12
- September 1
The examinations listed above are conducted in English
Location
Marina RIVRE:3-23-19 Imakatata Otsu-City Shiga pref.
Google map
If you are able to communicate in Japanese in a basic way, you may be able to take the written portion of a Japanese national exam in English. Please contact us for more details.
You will receive textbooks and exercise books written in English.
Required Documents for the Examination and Others
Learning Course
First Class
Regular course(4 days)
- Theoretical(General subjects)course – 1 day
- Theoretical(Advanced subjects)course – 1 day
- Practical training – 1 day
- Examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1 day
Advanced subjects and practical course(3 days)
- Theoretical(Advanced subjects)course – 1 day
(Self-study at home for ”general subjects”) - Practical training – 1 day
- Examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1 day
Second Class
Regular course(3 days)
- Theoretical(General subjects)course – 1 day
- Practical training – 1 day
- Examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1 day
Practical Only course(2 days)
- Practical training – 1 day
(Theoretical study should be done at home.) - Examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1 day
Application Form
Special course(1 day)
Applicants must be able to take the practical training in Japanese with a Japanese students and take the written exam only in English (explanation and practical test will be given in Japanese, and only the theory exam will be given in English).
The practical training will be held in the morning for self-study, and the theory and practical examinations will be taken in the afternoon.
- Practical training and examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1day
(Theoretical study should be done at home.) - Please watch the videos of “check before departure” and “Knotting” to learn them beforehand.
You will receive your login password after payment.
You will receive textbooks and exercise books written in English.
Dates are set in advance. It is not the date of the exam in English.
The venues are Otsu(Marina Rivre) and Kishiwada(Hannan Marina).
Second Class Special course Application
PWC Class
Regular course (2 days)
- Theoretical and practical traning – 1 day
- Examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1 day
Practical Only (2 days)
- Practical traning – half day
(Theoretical study should be done at home.) - Examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1 day
Application Form
Special course(1 day)
Applicants must be able to take the practical training in Japanese with a Japanese students and take the written exam only in English (explanation and practical test will be given in Japanese, and only the theory exam will be given in English).
The practical training will be held in the morning for self-study, and the theory and practical examinations will be taken in the afternoon.
- Practical training and examination(physical, written and practical exam) – 1day
(Theoretical study should be done at home.) - Please watch the videos of “Running course” and “Knotting” to learn them beforehand.
You will receive your login password after payment.
You will receive textbooks and exercise books written in English.
Dates are set in advance. It is not the date of the exam in English.
The venues are Otsu(Marina Rivre) ,Kishiwada(Hannan Marina) and Settsu(Force/Yodo-river).
You will receive textbooks and exercise books written in English.
PWC class pecial course application
Expenses
| First Class | Second Class | PWC | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Regular | Advanced subjects and practical | Advanced subjects (promotion) | Regular | Practical Only | Special(One day) | Regular | Practical Only | Special(One day) |
| Lesson fee | 78,550yen | 63,550yen | 21,750yen | 61,900yen | 43,900yen | 45,900yen | 29,850yen | 24850yen | 26,850yen |
| Physical examination | 4,250yen | 4,250yen | 4,250yen | 4,250yen | 4,250yen | 4,250yen | 4,250yen | 4,250yen | 4,250yen |
| Written examination | 10,000yen | 10,000yen | 10,000yen | 4,850yen | 4,850yen | 4,850yen | 4,400yen | 4,400yen | 4,400yen |
| Practical examination | 21,200yen | 21,200yen | – | 21,200yen | 21,200yen | 21,200yen | 19,000yen | 19,000yen | 19,000yen |
| Application fee | 5,000yen | 5,000yen | 5,000yen | 4,800yen | 4,800yen | 4,800yen | 4,500yen | 4,500yen | 4,500yen |
| Total | 119,000yen | 104,000yen | 41,000yen | 97,000yen | 79,000yen | 81,000yen | 62,000yen | 57,000yen | 59,000yen |
Tax included
Please consult with our English teachers to determine the dates of lessons.
Bank
- Risona Bank Ibaraki-Branch Savings account 2455644 Rivre Boating co.ltd
- Rakuten Bank Daiichieigyo-Branch（251）Savings account 7291237 Rivre Boating co.ltd Rivre boat license school
- The payment by credit card should be done through the application form
The Location of the Training venues
Marina RIVRE(Otsu-city Shiga)
1’st class,2’nd clas,PWC class
Google map
Accommodation is available at the marina.
5,000 yen per night (tax included), no meals.
HANAN Marina(Kishiwada-city Osaka)
1’st class,2’nd clas,PWC class
Google Map
Force(Settsu-city Osaka)
PWC class
google Map
Contact us
Rivre Boating co,.ltd. 〒567-0875 9-1,Wakakusa-Cho,Ibaraki-City,Osaka
😆 If you need to talk in English or Portuguese, we tell you the dedicated(teacher’s) phone number.
09024757149（After 18：00PM）
Textbooks and materials can be downloaded free of charge from the link page below.
However, there is no exercise book. We do not sell it.
FAQ
Download of textbooks and others in English
Those who would like to request an exam application and a license application only
Yes, in Japan, a license is required to operate motorboats, sailing boats with engines, and jet skis.