BWSW Ski Boat Driver 1, 2 and 3, and the ICC

• What it is: BWSW's three driving awards for towing riders safely, plus the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).
• What you need first: SBD1 and SBD2: BWSW membership, age 16 or over, and some supervised experience driving for skiers (or lessons). SBD3: SBD1 or SBD2 and broad driving experience.
• What you'll learn: Slow manoeuvring, towing, theory and, for SBD2, coastal navigation, tides and the collision rules.
• How long it takes: SBD1 takes roughly 2 to 3 hours if you're experienced. SBD2 is roughly a day. SBD3 is self-paced against a checklist.
• Cost: BWSW lists a recommended price of £150 for SBD1 and £250 for SBD2, though centres vary. On top: SBD2 registration £40, ICC £60 (renewed every 5 years), or £70 for SBD2 and ICC together, plus membership (checked October 2026). If you keep your membership up with no gaps, BWSW renews the ICC at no charge. Otherwise renewal is £60.
• What's next: Coaching track: SBD2 plus 10 hours driving opens the Level 1&2 boat coach. Driving track: SBD3 and its specialist modules, including Module W for wakeboarders.

Why it exists

BWSW says there's no UK law or licensing for ski boat drivers, unlike much of Europe. Its awards are designed to fill that gap. It also says anyone towing a skier or rider has a duty to be qualified and insured.

SBD1 (inland)

• The benchmark for driving at inland clubs.
• An hour's tutoring, a 17-question paper, a 30-minute familiarisation, then two 15-minute assessments: slow manoeuvring, and driving for a skier or wakeboarder.
• It doesn't give access to an ICC.

SBD2 (coastal)

• The benchmark for coastal clubs, and required to become a qualified water ski and wakeboard coach.
• About 4 hours of theory, a 30-minute multiple-choice paper, then the practical assessment.
• Once you've passed, you can apply for the coastal ICC. An inland waters (CEVNI) endorsement is a short extra test.
• BWSW says its ICC is the only qualification the Maritime and Coastguard Agency recognises for towing water skiers on coastal waters.

SBD3

• Module A shows a high general level of driving for skiers, wakeboarders and beginners on the training boom. BWSW says it lines up with the driving requirement for a Level 2 coach.
• Specialist modules follow, including Module W: holding a constant speed for advanced wake tricks without the boat's speed control, and judging ballast and speed. A wakesurf module is being developed.

Qualifications may need re-testing, including at age 70, and you must tell BWSW about any medical condition that could affect your driving.

Source: Boat Driving, SBD 1, SBD 2, SBD 3 and ICC, BWSW; Boat Safety Recommendations and Cable Tow Safety Recommendations, BWSW; Beach safety and Float to Live, RNLI; checked October 2026.

Governing body: British Water Ski and Wakeboard (BWSW). It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for wakeboarding, so it's the official place to find out more.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.