Do I have to get a license to ride a Jet ski / PWC?

Whilst a jet ski license may not be a requirement in the area you are looking to ride your PWC we would always recommend undertaking jet ski training to help you become a proficient and safe water user. You may find our article explaining the advantages of undertaking a RYA Jet Ski Proficiency Course a useful read.

If you are looking to jet ski abroad across the Mediterranean, jet ski regulations have become a lot stricter and many countries now require a license. For an up to date list please download our Worldwide Jet Ski Regulations document.  

What qualification do I get on the completion of the RYA Jet Ski (PWC) Proficiency Course?

On successful completion of the course students gain their RYA Proficiency Certificate or ‘Jet Ski License’ as it were (image below). Whilst the RYA qualification is widely recognised across the world, some students on completion of the course will also apply for their Jet Ski ICC (International Certificate of Competence) which is also widely recognised worldwide. If an RYA member (2019 membership costs are £45 or £25 if under 25) application for the ICC is free. For non members application for the ICC is currently £45.

Will my Powerboat Licence cover me to ride a jetski?

People will often contact us saying that they have undertaken a RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course and then when applying for their ICC there is the option to also select it to cover Personal Watercaft use.

Whilst this is an option and there are certain crossovers between the Powerboat and Jet Ski Training Courses we would always recommend undertaking additional Jet Ski Training if you plan to use a PWC. The crossover between courses include things such as the different rules on the water between different craft and also navigation techniques, but nothing can beat learning on the type of vessel you intend to use.

A simple analogy would be how many adults who hold a car licence can automatically drive a 50cc moped without any additional training. The questions is though, how comfortable would they feel suddenly swapping over without any additional training and how aware of the different types of dangers on that new type of vehicle would they be? Therefore if you want to feel confident riding solo on a jet ski I would certainly recommend doing a specific training course on one before using it.

What are the benefits of getting a Jet Ski License

There are plenty of benefits to undertaking a RYA Jet Ski Training Course and getting certified. Firstly the information and techniques you learn on the course will help you become a safer, more competent rider and hopefully ensure you make more educated decisions when considering when and where to ride your jet ski. It will also give you more opportunities to potentially rent a jet ski when travelling abroad or joining a scheme such our Jetski Club which offers a hassle free and cost effective way of regularly riding a jet ski at one of our UK bases.  Visit our Jetski Club page for more information.

If you have any further questions about Jet ski Training please feel free to contact our team of expert RYA instructors.