why run, when you can walk?

Saturday, August 16, 2014; 9:49 PM; hello ppcdl!

* I'm only publishing this post on the day I pass my PPCDL :] so I'm pre-writing as much of the entire journey prior to the actual pass date (in case i keep failing haha)

Those reading may wonder.. What is PPCDL? Its "Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence"! aka boating licence :D there's 2 parts that you need to pass before you can get the licence, firstly theory exam, before you can take the practical exam.

I only passed on my 3rd theory test booking (1st time i failed, 2nd time I was very ill on that day so I had to miss it, and i passed the 3rd time!)

Then recently I was thinking what were some of the things that I have yet to complete, and since I passed my theory component on 5th Feb 2014, I almost forgot that there is still the practical component to pass in order to get the actual card haha. So 2 days back (this was typed on 5th July), I finally decided to take the practical and i really want to pass it on the first try! After all I started my journey before I started work lol.

My journey and expenditure so far...

0. Compulsory Health Check up + Doctor Endorsement - Did it at UHC on 9May 2013 (~SGD25? can't remember)
1. PPCDL Course @ MCC 20& 21 May 2013 (SGD $151 nett on Qoo10)
2. 1st Theory Test 9 th July 2013 (SGD $21.40 with gst)
3. 2nd Theory Test 14 Aug 2013 (SGD $21.40 with gst)
3. 3rd Theory Test 5 Feb 2014 (SGD $21.40 with gst)
4. Optional Refresher Course @ 15 Aug 2014 (SGD$240 for 2 hours)
5. Practical Assessment 16 Aug 2014 (SGD $53.50 with gst)
6. Card fee upon passing (SGD $20)

hence if i pass on 16 Aug 2014, total amount spent on this would be... Approximately SGD$553.70! Okay lah, compared to a car driving licence, its definitely more affordable. I also took advantage of the online deal and student health check up prices, so that I could spend lesser since I'm paying for this entire course on my own.

I choose to spend on the optional refresher course to recap all that I have forgotten lol, and to reduce chances on failing/wasting more time/spending potentially more $. It's also a lifetime licence, so why not? :D

Riding a jetski in SG requires a PPCDL, unlike other countries, so I guess that's one reason why I decided to go for the test. Also, my dad has the licence too! Although our boat has been sold since my dad's knees aren't good anymore, so maybe with this licence we can reintroduce another boat to the family! Personally I enjoy driving vehicles a lot, so that's another motivation for me to get the licence :)

Balancing work and this at the same time, so I hope I can clear this challenge in one go! :D

*update: i passed on my 1st attempt! :) i was very nervous, and even forgot some answers during my oral test.. but i think i was VERY VERY lucky to be tested by a kind and friendly examiner. I did okay during my practical, managing to do MOB and berthing portside alongside at one go, but stumbled abit during the oral component. was asked about 4/5 questions, recognizing lights/shapes on vessels, sound signals, and there were 2 styrofoam mini boats for testing the collision question. just mailed out the form, photo and $20 card application fee! hope to get it in the next month :D onto the next challenge!