Disgraced former Sydney Ferries boss Geoff Smith has been sentenced to two years in prison for putting hundreds of thousands of dollars of personal expenses on his company credit card.

The retired rear admiral said he had no choice because he was living beyond his means.

Smith was sacked as chief executive of the state-run operator in 2009.

He spent AUD 273,000 ($256,500) on jewellery, holidays, alcohol, groceries and private school fees, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Smith,