The Types Of Licences And Its Requirements
Firstly, there are 2 kinds of licences, the Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) and the Advanced Powered Pleasure Driving Licence (APPCDL). The PPCDL is required for driving engine-powered / jet-propelled boats shorter than 24 metres within the port limits (including jet skis), and the APPCDL is for boats longer than 24 metres. APPCDL students need to first complete the PPCDL course before they can enrol.
To qualify for the PPCDL, students must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Complete a mandatory weekend course in handling of a Powered Pleasure Craft.
For the APPCDL, students must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a valid PPCDL
- Log at least 24 boating trips in the last 2 years
- Be certified in Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training and Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. (BOSST/STCW)
- Complete a mandatory weekend course in the handling of an Advanced Powered Pleasure Craft, conducted at the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA)
For the PPCDL, learners must produce a valid medical forim that states no physical handicaps and pass a sght test. The form is available on Singapore Polytechnic’s website and can be filled out by GPs and Polyclinics. As for the cost of the eye checkup, it will range from $24 to $60. This is no longer required for an APPCDL since the student would have previously met the medical requirements when they did their PPDCL.
Steps To Getting The License
Step 1: Attend Mandatory Weekend Course
The Maritime Port Authority mandates that all PPCDL and APPCDL learners must book and participate in a weekend course provided by training centres. The course is typically conducted over 2 days, and certificates of attendance will be issued upon completion.
For the PPCDL training centres, they are:
- Changi Sailing Club
- Marina Country Club
- ONE15 Marina Club
- Raffles Marina
- Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
- SAF Yacht Club
- Singapore Polytechnic
- Singapore Powerboat Association
For APPCDL, only the Singapore Maritime Academy is certified as a training centre. APPCDL students must first complete the BOSST/STCW course before attending the mandatory weekend course, which ranges from $190.50 to $490.50 depending on citizenship status.
Step 2: Theory Test
After obtaining the certificate of attendance for the mandatory weekend course, learners must register for the theory test on the Skills Training & Enhancement Portal. The test will then be held at Singapore Polytechnic. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 26.
Do remember to bring along either your NRIC or passport along with the certificate of attendance for the weekend course and the completed medical form. For the PPCDL, the theory test is a flat fee of $21.60. For the APPCDL, the theory test fees are included in the $1199.
Step 3: Practical Test
The practical assessment will be held at PolyMarina where there will be a hands-on and oral test. To pass, there must also be less than 20 demerit points.
Do take note that the original copy of the theory result slip and your NRIC or passport is needed. For the PPCDL, the practical test costs $109. For the APPCDL, the practical test fees are included in the $1199.
Step 4: Application
The final step will be to submit your NRIC or passport and a recent passport-sized photograph along with a copy of the result slip to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s website. The application fee is $20 for both the PPCDL and the APPCDL.
Total Cost
Various factors will affect the total costs of the licence such as which training centre one selects and whether refresher lessons are needed.
PPCDL
|
Activity |
Cost |
|
Weekend Course |
$262.50 – $436 |
|
Eye Checkup |
$24 – $60 |
|
Theory Tests |
$21.60 |
|
Practical Tests |
$109 |
|
PPCDL Application Fee |
$20 |
|
Total: |
$437.10 – $646.60 |
APPCDL
|
Activity |
Cost |
|
Weekend Course + Theory test + Practical test |
$1,199 |
|
APPCDL Application Fee |
$20 |
|
BOSST/STCW Course Fee |
$190.50 – $490.50 (After SkillsFuture funding) |
|
Total: |
$$1,409.50 – $1,709.50 |
Learners who are not confident of passing can sign up for refresher courses costing $100 to practice the skills and be more confident of passing.
More Than A Fishing Licence
With a licence, you can now operate a powered pleasure craft within Singapore’s waters which includes Lazarus Island and Pulau Ubin. Many boat rental companies also offer flexible plans if you do not own a boat and wish to self-pilot the vessel. There is a wide variety of boats available ranging from small dinghies to fishing boats and even jet skis.
However, do take note that many companies will have a compulsory induction program that cost around $190 depending on the company. Companies might also limit rentals to those above 21. The PPCDL is also not recognised overseas which means that boats are not allowed to sail in international waters and open seas.