Getting a boat licence
Boat licence requirements vary in each state of Australia.
Click on a State to select:
If you’re just looking at buying a small boat don’t think you will need a licence it is still wise get one. You will learn lots of interesting and valuable information on safe boating, which may save your life or someone else’s.
You may also find the following pages of interest.....
NSW
If you are going to be driving a boat that will travel at 10 knots (18kms/hr) or more then you will need to get a boat licence.
Getting your boat licence is a four step process, similar to getting your car drivers licence.
- Study the boating manual.
You can pick one up at your nearest NSW Maritime office (click here for locations) or you can call them and ask them to post you one – easy! NSW Maritime 13 12 36 then press 2 to speak to a customer service representative. Ask for the Boating License Handbook.
Or, you can download the PDF’s
- Take the course.
This can be done online at NSW Maritime (cost $10).
- Take the exam.
Once you have completed the course, head to your nearest RTA or Maritime Centre to sit the exam (40 multiple choice)- cost $27. Once you have successfully completed the exam you will be presented with a “certificate of attainment”. This is NOT your licence. It is just the slip that certifies your completion of the theory and exam.
- Get your licence.
You will need to take the Certificate of Attainment along with photo ID to your nearest Maritime authority to get your licence. Cost is $41 for one year or $97 for three years) Young adult (under 16yrs) and concession (pension) licences are also available.
For more information 
There are many organisations that conduct the theory seminar in a class room environment. The exam follows immediately after the theory so all the information is fresh in your mind. Once you have passed you will be given your Certificate of Attainment. Many of these organizations will also offer you practical boating experience as part of the 1 day Course.
Practical experience is not legally required to obtain a boating licence. Yacht and Boat recommend that you to get some one to show you the ropes soon after getting your licence. It will help bring all you’ve learned together and make your first boating experience pleasurable rather than stressful. Or you can take a practical boating course.
QLD
If you are operating a boat with a motor greater than 4.5kW (6 HP) you must have a licence.
Getting your boat licence is a three step process, similar to getting your car drivers licence.
- Study the Boatsafe Workbook.
Download the Boatsafe Workbook
Printed copies are available from Queensland Transport customer service centres and MSQ regional offices for $10.
Some BoatSafe training providers may provide the BoatSafe Workbook as part of their course. You will need to check with your training provider.
- After you have studied the book you are ready to take the course.
View a list of approved Boatsafe Training Organisations.
- Once you have completed the course, you must present the statement of competency (copies are not accepted), a licence application form and proof of identification (drivers licence, passport or similar) in person at a Queensland Transport customer service centre. Cost is $36.90 for a lifetime recreational marine drivers licence.
For more information
VIC
If you are operating a boat with a motor you must have a licence.
Getting your boat licence is a two step process, similar to getting your car drivers licence.
- Study the “Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook”
which is available free from any VicRoads Customer Service Centre or from Marine Safety Victoria or download it here.
Or call 13 11 71.
- After you have studied the book you are ready to take test.
You must make an appointment. You can do this by :
- Calling VicRoads on 13 11 71.
- Visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. View locations.
- Contact an Approved Training Provider.
Don’t forget to bring sufficient proof of identity in the form of:
- Drivers Licence or
- One Primary document - Birth Certificate or Passport AND
- One Seconary document - Medicare card or Credit Card, or Student Identity Card or Bank Statement AND
- Evidence of residence (if not indicated in the primary or secondary documents
SA
If you are operating a boat with a motor you must have a licence. This is regardless of size of the boat or the engine, or whether the engine is being used at the time.
Getting your boat licence is a straightforward process.
- Review the South Australian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook
- Download the application form
- Go to a SA Transport Customer Service Centre
Pass the test (50 multiple choice questions) exam cost - $31.00 and get your licence. Licence cost $30.00
Don’t forget to bring sufficient proof of identity ie. Motor Vehicle Driver’s Licence or similar.
For more information
NT
A licence is not required in the Northern Territory for recreational boating.
WA
At present a licence is not required in Western Australia for recreational boating. However, by 1 April 2008, every skipper of a registerable recreational vessel powered by a motor greater than 4.5kwp (6 hp) (RST vessel) will be required to hold a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket.
To get an RST you will need to be assessed by an authorised assessor. Find your nearest assessor.
There are exemptions, so be sure to check if you meet the exemption criteria.
The RST Workbook contains everything that you can be assessed on from both a theory and a practical perspective. You can collect a free RST Workbook from any Department office, an authorized assessor or you can download Workbook. (3Mb PDF)
Or for more information
The RST is a certificate of competency, not a licence. It is purely about demonstrating the minimum knowledge and practical skills needed to operate a boat safely on the water. It is based on a set of marine safety competencies that have been agreed nationally. The assessment of these competencies will be in two sections: theory and practical. Depending on your prior qualification you may be exempt from the assessment.
TAS
A licence is require in Tasmania when operating a vessel with a motor of 4hp or greater.
As of 1st November, 2004 the way a person gets a motor boat licence in Tasmania has changed. Prior to sitting the motor boat licence test an applicant will need to provide proof of boating experience and knowledge. There are two options available:
- Motor Boat Licence Logbook
Document your sea-time and relevant experience in the Marine and Safety Tasmanian (MAST) Motor Boat Licence Logbook. Applicants must achieve 20 hours of experience in a registered power boat that is under the control of a licensed operator. Download the logbook.
Produce the signed log book at a Service Tasmania Shop or accredited training provider and sit the Motor Boat License test.
- Practical Tuition Course
If an applicant is unable to gain 20 hours experience on a vessel, then they may choose to attend the MAST Practical Tuition for Recreational Trailer Boat Operators course with an accredited training provider.
This involves on-water training in the required competencies. The Course is approximately 4-5 hours in duration.
Once the training provider is confident the applicant has completed the competencies and other components of the course, a Course Completion Certificate will be forwarded to the participant by MAST. This certificate must be presented to the Service Tasmania Shop prior to sitting their licence test.
It is highly recommended that new applicants without boating experience attend the accredited course. Some of these accredited training providers who are conducting the course are also are accredited examiners of the MAST Motor Boat Licence Test.
for more information.
