English

About Boat Licenses

First-Class Small Boat Operator License

 Features and Benefits

 icon-check-square-oWith the First-Class license, you can operate boats of less than 20 gross tons in all waters, so it is ideal for ocean trips and long-distance cruising on yachts. It is also required to run a recreational fishing boat at sea. (Note: to carry fishing customers, you also need the Specific Operator License and must be registered as a Recreational Fishing Boat Manager.)

Requirements and Exam Content

To obtain the First-Class License, you must be at least 18 years old. The exam has a written test and a practical test. The written test also covers chart work, passage planning and safety.

Second-Class Small Boat Operator License

Features and Benefits

icon-check-square-oThe Second-Class license is for those who mainly enjoy coastal waters. You can go up to 5 nautical miles (about 9.3 km) from shore, or anywhere in smooth water areas such as Lake Biwa, Osaka Bay and Tokyo Bay. As with First Class, you can operate boats of less than 20 gross tons. It is perfect for calm-water boating, fishing and day cruises.

  Requirements and Exam Content

You can get the Second-Class license from 16 years of age. The written test covers basic rules and safe navigation and is a little easier than the First-Class test. There is also a limited license for boats of up to 15 kW (about 20 hp) on lakes and rivers – ideal for rowing club rescue boats, bass fishing or small sailing boats on lakes.

PWC Operator License

Features and Benefits

The PWC Operator License is for operating personal watercraft like jet skis. You can ride close to the shore, and it is popular for the thrill of speed. Watercraft designed for fishing are also available now.

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.

Specific Operator License

Features and Benefits

The Specific Operator License is required to captain boats that carry passengers, such as recreational fishing boats and sightseeing boats. It is for people who already hold a Class 1 or Class 2 license.

Requirements and Exam Content

There are two types: one for smooth water areas only (such as Lake Biwa, Osaka Bay and Tokyo Bay) and one that also covers coastal waters. For the coastal type, you need at least one year of experience on board small boats or vessels of less than 200 gross tons.

  Navigation Area

With a Second-Class license, you can also go more than 5 nautical miles from shore within smooth water areas (such as Lake Biwa and the Seto Inland Sea).

Choosing the Right Boat License for You

We offer boat and PWC (jet ski) license courses for people who do not speak Japanese fluently. First, choose the plan that matches your Japanese level.

Plan A: I speak some Japanese

• You join our Japanese course. Choose any date and any venue from the Japanese schedule.
• In the national exam, only the written exam is in English. The instructor’s explanations and the practical exam are in Japanese.
• Class 2 and PWC: you can choose practical training in the morning and the national exam in the afternoon of the same day, or practical training on a separate day.
• Class 1: the morning-training / afternoon-exam option is not available, because the written exam takes longer (same as the Japanese course).

Plan B: I speak English only

Next season’s dates for both courses will be announced in late December.

Theory (written exam study)

• Class 2: self-study with our English web study site. A theory lecture is available as an option (+15,000 yen); the date is arranged with the theory instructor after you apply.
• PWC: self-study with our English web study site (no theory lecture).
• Class 1: the advanced subjects lecture is included. General subjects are self-study, or you can add a lecture as an option (+15,000 yen). Lecture dates are arranged with the theory instructor after you apply.

How the web study site works

1. Apply for the course.
2. After we confirm your payment, we email you your login ID and password.
3. Log in and study online. You can also download the PDF textbooks and question books there.

Price (tax included)

Contact

For questions or to arrange a theory lecture, contact the instructor directly via the QR codes below, or email info@rivre.ne.jp.