The process of registering your new or pre-owned vessel can vary a lot depending on where you live (country and state), where the vessel is located, and where you intend to take it.
Please keep in mind this information is general in nature and may not be relevant to your specific situation.
WHERE TO START
- If you’re buying a boat in Australia and plan to use your boat in Australian waters only – go to the state registration section below.
- If you’re buying your boat in Australia and your area of navigation is cruising offshore – go to the AMSA section below.
- If you’re purchasing your boat overseas – go the the AMSA section below.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
- Register your vessel on The Australian General Shipping Register through AMSA (if you are collecting your boat from overseas or taking your boat overseas).
- Apply for an MMSI through AMSA (you will require a Radio Proficiency Certificate to obtain this, details provided below).
- Register your vessel with your State Government Authority (if you will be collecting your boat in Australia or collecting your boat overseas and bringing it back to Australia, and then keeping it in Australia).
- Research the importation process and what taxes will be payable (if you are buying a boat overseas and bringing it back to Australia)
- Obtain insurance quotes.
1: AMSA & The Australian General Shipping Register
AMSA stands for Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
A vessel on the high seas is, under international law, required to have a nationality. Registering your vessel on the Australian general shipping register gives it Australian protection on the high seas and in foreign ports.
If you intend to take an Australian-owned vessel overseas, then it must be Australian registered. It is an offence for an Australian-owned vessel to sail to a foreign port unless it is registered on the Australian general shipping register.
If you purchase a vessel overseas, it is required to be registered before you sail it into Australian waters. If the vessel is being delivered from overseas to Australia, as cargo, then there is no requirement for it to be registered.
If you collect your vessel in Australia and do not intend to take it overseas, you are not required to obtain an AMSA registration.
For more info about AMSA, visit the AMSA website
If you are buying a new or pre-owned vessel you will not be able to complete your AMSA registration until you receive a Builder’s Certificate and Bill Of Sale from the manufacturer or the seller, these documents will not be supplied until you have paid in full for the vessel and the build has been completed.
It is much easier to undertake the registration process in Australia, so it is advisable to have the registration process progressed as far as possible prior to handover. Making an application for registration in advance will also secure the name of the vessel.
To commence the registration process, the following documents need to be lodged with the Shipping Registration Office:
When available the Builder’s Certificate should also be provided. Once this has been received the Marking Note can be issued, with instructions for the marking of the vessel. When markings have been completed the original marking note must be sent to the Shipping Registration Office.
The registration can be finalised when the original Marking Note and an original or a certified copy of the Bill of Sale have been received following the handover of the vessel.
Builders Certificates / Statutory Declarations
If you are buying a pre-owned vessel, you will require the Orignal Builders Certificate in order to obtain AMSA registration, however, if you are unable to provide an original Builders Certificate, a Statutory Declaration can be provided in its place.
Click here for more details about providing a Statutory Declaration in place of a Builders Certificate
Deletion Certificate (De-Flag Certificate)
If you are buying a pre-owned vessel, you will need to supply AMSA with an original Deletion Certificate (sometimes called a De-Flag Certificate) proving the vessel has been deregistered by the previous owner, be aware that depending on which country the vessel has come from, this process can take some time and cannot be actioned by the seller until the sale has been completed.
Please note:
- The vessel name registered with AMSA is unique to your vessel, therefore by starting the AMSA registration application process, you can get a name locked away.
- Be aware that AMSA will only accept original documents which will have to be sent by mail (to their PO Box address) or courier (to their street address). This can be a lengthy process, especially if you are collecting your new boat and documents overseas.
- To avoid further delays, we recommend sending a copy of these documents to AMSA by email to get approval that everything on the documents is correct, before sending the originals by mail (to their PO Box address) or courier (to their street address). Always use an express service with tracking.
Click here to begin the AMSA Registration Process
Choose General Register under “Which register do you wish your ship to be registered on?”
The above page will provide you with a step-by-step guide to the AMSA registration process.
2: MMSI
MMSI is a unique nine-digit number that is entered into certain marine radio communications equipment. When using this equipment to send a distress alert, or to indicate some other emergency, the number assists emergency services to identify you and/or your vessel.
You are required to apply for an MMSI if you have the following equipment:
- fixed very high frequency (VHF) radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
- a handheld VHF DSC
- high frequency (HF) DSC
- automatic identification system (AIS)
Similar to a text message, DSC can be used to establish initial contact between vessels and stations. You are identified by your MMSI number and able to indicate the priority of your message, for instance, whether it is a distress, emergency, security or routine message.
If your equipment is connected to a GPS receiver, the message will also provide the vessel’s position and time at which the position was valid.
DSC equipment is a part of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS).
AIS is an automatic system used on ships and by vessel traffic services for identifying and locating vessels (class A or class B transceiver) and for the safety of navigation.
Proficiency Certificate: To be eligible for issue of an MMSI number you must have obtained an applicable proficiency certificate. Information about which certificates are accepted can be found here.
Please note: If you are buying a new boat, you will not be able to receive your MMSI Number until certain equipment has been installed on your vessel, as the MMSI application process requires the unique codes from these devices.
For more information about MMSI, visit the AMSA website
You can begin the MMSI Application online via the AMSA website.
- Set up an online account with AMSA here
- Once you’ve set up your online account with AMSA, you can apply for an MMSI here
- Once your account is set up, you can complete the process of registering your beacons and other equipment immediately (if you have their details available to you) or whenever you do obtain the details of these items.
Please note:
- If you are buying a new boat, you will not be able to complete the MMSI application until certain equipment has been installed on your vessel, as the MMSI application process requires the unique codes from some devices you have on your vessel. However, it is still a good idea to begin the application process to get the ball rolling.
- You will need to create an account with AMSA Online Services to begin the process.
Click here to create an AMSA Online Account
Click here to begin the MMSI Application process
3: STATE REGISTRATION
The process and requirements for registering a vessel can vary greatly by each Australian state and can change regularly and without notice.
Below you will find some general information about the steps involved and different requirements for each state.
Please Note: Some states do not require you to obtain state registration if you have a current AMSA Registration, check with your local government office for details regarding your specific situation.
Please keep in mind that this information is general in nature and may not suit your specific situation.
State registration is the registration of your boat with a specific state government office instead of or in addition to registering your boat with The AMSA Australian General Shipping Register (international registration).
If you have an AMSA Registration and do not intend to bring your vessel back to Australia, then you are not required to obtain state registration.
All boats used for private recreational use and based in Queensland —including personal watercraft (PWC)—with an engine of 3kW or more must be registered in Queensland.
Submitting Your Application
To complete the registration form you will require the following:
- Current drivers’ licence
- Evidence of the boat’s origin – the Bill of Sale is preferred
- The HIN (Hull Identification Number) or SIN (Serial Identification Number)
- Make & model information
- Shipbuilder
- Ship Seller
- Ship design information
- Hull construction
- Basic specifications of the vessel
- Engine numbers / engine manufacturer / serial numbers
- Your storage intentions for the vessel
- Previous registration details if applicable
Applications should be made in person, click here for a list of Queensland Government Office locations
– For vessels under 15m in length
Complete the Queensland regulated ship registration application form (F3525).
– For Vessels over 15m in length, there are additional steps involved to meet Maritime & Environmental Standards
Applications for vessels over 15m are to be lodged with Maritime Standards. Use the same form as above (F3525), however, to lodge the form, send it to Maritime_Standards@tmr.qld.gov.au
This requirement allows Maritime Standards to identify and proactively manage larger vessels regarding their particular build features and proof of seaworthiness.
Displaying your Registration
Once registered, you must display the registration in a way that it can be read 30m away in a contrasting colour to the hull of the boat.
The registration label must also be displayed on the outside of the boat.
Registering your Tender
You are exempt from registration if your tender is smaller than 6m, is used no more than 2 nautical miles from the parent ship and if you plan to transport people and provisions between the ship and the shore.
In this case, the tender must be marked: “tender to …………….”
Interstate and Overseas Registration in Queensland.
You may operate within Queensland with current interstate or international registration for 12 months or while your boat is undertaking an interstate voyage.
More Information
Click here to visit the Queensland Government Website
Required for all recreational vessels over 6m.
Submitting Your Application
To complete the registration form, you will also require the following:
- Proof of your identity
- Proof of acquisition – Bill of Sale is preferred
- Boat Code certificate – this is provided by an authorized NSW Boat Code Agent, click here to view a list of agents.
- HIN (Hull Identification Number) – will be authorized within the Boat Code paperwork.
- Australian Builders Plate (ABP) if the vessel was built in Australia after 1 July 2006.
Applications are best made in person at a Roads and Maritime Services Centre, click here to find your nearest location.
Applications can also be posted to:
Agency Business Centre
Roads and Maritime Services
PO Box 21
Parkes NSW 2870
Registration Labels
- Vessels are not required to display Registration Labels
- Power Boats – Registration Numbers are required to be displayed on both sides of the hull in figures of 150mm high.
- Sail Boats – Registration Numbers must display numbers on the transom.
- Numbers must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the hull.
- A Safety label (which indicates the maximum number of people allowed on the boat) must be displayed on powerboats and must be displayed for all on board to view.
Australian Builders Plate (ABP)
Power-driven boats including imported vessels must have an ABP affixed before they are registered for the first time. Displaying an ABP does not exempt vessels from the Hull Identification Number (HIN) requirement.
There are two types of ABP, one for vessels under six metres and one for vessels over six metres. The plate must be permanently affixed in a position where it is clearly visible.
An ABP enhances the safety of passengers by providing key safety information that includes:
- Maximum weight and power rating of the engine
- Maximum number of people capacity
- Maximum load (weight) that the boat can carry (including people and equipment)
- Buoyancy statement (for boats up to six metres in length)
- Warning statements
For more information on Australian Builders Plates visit the Australia and New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) website.
More Information
Click here to visit the New South Wales Government Website
Click here to visit the ACT Government Website
What Requires Registration
All recreational watercraft requiring an engine for propulsion in Victorian waters must be registered and seaworthy.
Applications can only be made in ONE name
Paperwork required:
- The type, make and model of the vessel
- The date of manufacture
- The length, breadth and colour
- The construction material
- The number of hulls
- The HIN – Hull Identification Number, where fitted
- The number of engines and their serial number, type, make, horsepower and fuel type
- Any registration number previously assigned to the vessel
- Has an Australian Builders Plate been affixed to the vessel
Submitting Your Application
Applications can be made in person at VicRoads Customer Service Centres: Click here to find your nearest service centre
You will need to:
Or you can post your application:
by sending your Vessel (Boat & PWC) registration form [PDF 247 Kb] and the vessel registration fee to
VicRoads
GPO Box 1644
Melbourne, VIC 3001
You will be given a registration certificate and label with the assigned vessel identification number.
Registration Labels
- The registration label must be kept fixed in a clearly visible position on the outside or upper portion of the vessel.
- The vessel identification number must be displayed on each side of the hull of the vessel, forward of the beam, so that the highest part of each digit starts at a point no more than 75 millimetres (25 millimetres for personal watercraft) below the gunwale, and no less than 150 millimetres high
- Numbers must be displayed in a contrasting colour to the hull.
More Information
Click here to visit the Victorian Government Website
What Needs to be Registered
- All boats fitted with an engine must be registered in South Australia. this includes all motorized and sailboats fitted with an engine.
- Interstate registration will be recognized for 90 days only and the Australia Registry of Ships does not satisfy this requirement.
- When a registered motorboat is sold, the new owner is required to apply for the transfer or re-register within 14 days.
Paperwork Required
To register a boat in SA for the first time, or to register a boat in SA in your name for the first time, you will need:
- Evidence of your identity
Boat Code Hull Identification plates
- Boat Code certificate information, click here to find a Boat Code Agent
- Proof of Ownership – Bill of Sale is preferred
- Hull information
- Basic boat statistics & inventory
- Engine information & serial numbers
- Gas and Electrical Compliance, click here for more info
Submitting Your Application
The application can be made in person at a service centre, click here to find your nearest service centre
Or post the relevant paperwork & payment to:
Service SA
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
More Information
Click here to view the South Australian Website
Click here to view the Data South Australia Website
What Needs to be Registered
Owners of recreational vessels propelled by mechanical power, this includes electric motors and boats which are ordinarily propelled by sail, must be registered.
Boats currently registered in another state receive a three-month period of grace after first being used in Western Australia waters.
Vessels entering from the Northern Territory have 30 days. After this period of grace, the vessel must be registered with the Department of Transport.
Paperwork Required
- New boat registration form
- Hull Identification Number (HIN) certificate
- Australian builder’s plate where required
- Proof of identity
- Proof of acquisition – Bill of Sale is preferred
- Vessel details such as name, colour, storage details
- Engine serial numbers
Submitting Your Registration
To register your new boat, submit your application in person at a DOT Driver and Vehicle Service (DVS) Centre, Regional Centre or at a Regional Authorised Agent. Click here to find your nearest Location
WA Registration Application Forms vary depending on whether the vessel is new, pre-owned, foreign etc., Click here to view the various documents
More Information
Click here to view the Western Australian Government Website
What Requires Registration
Recreational boats with a motor of 4 hp or higher must be registered.
Required Paperwork and Information
- Bill of Sale
- Motor Boat Licence
- HIN Number – Hull identification Number
- Manufacturer / Length / Beam / Draft
- Navigation lights / EPIRB / EPIRB registration
- Engine numbers / engine manufacturer / serial number
- Radio Details & Safety equipment minimum requirements
Submitting Your Application
Download and complete a registration form, also available from MAST (Marine & Safety Tasmania) or Service Tasmania.
A registration fee will apply
Marine & Safety Tasmania Office
Level 1, Port Tower Building
18 Hunter Street,
HOBART TAS 7000
Registering your Tender
Tenders not exceeding 4.5 metres and used within a distance of 0.5 nautical miles of the larger vessel need only carry the registration number of the larger vessel.
Displaying Your Registration Label
On successful application, MAST (Marine & Safety Tasmania) will issue a unique registration number. Registration numbers must be 150 mm high and displayed on each side of the vessel.
A capacity label must also be displayed.
More Information
Click here to visit the Tasmania Government Website
4. IMPORTATION & TAXES
- If you are buying a new boat from Multihull Solutions and it is being delivered to you in Australia, your Sales Consultant will assist you with this process and the importation and taxes will be quoted to you as part of your purchase process.
- If you previously collected your new boat from the factory and are now looking to bring your boat back to Australia, you will need to consider importation and taxes.
- If you are buying a pre-owned boat overseas you should check if any taxes are payable on the boat before buying it, this information is usually clearly listed in the vessel information online.
Below are some handy links that can help you research:
Australian Border Force Website – Entering & Leaving Australia by Sea
Australian Border Force Website – How to Import a Yacht
Boating Industry Association – Thinking of Importing Your Next Boat Guide book
Things to consider:
- If you buy an Australian owned boat overseas, even if it has previously had GST paid on it, you will likely be required to pay GST again when you bring the boat back to Australia.
- We recommend engaging an Importation Agent, as the paperwork can be difficult and the cost is relatively low.
- You should consult your Tax Agent before committing to buying your vessel, this will ensure you are fully aware of what costs you may be liable for.
- Any advice provided by Multihull Solutions website, team or your Sales Consultant is for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon in any way. Seek professional advice.
5: INSURANCE
You should start the process of obtaining insurance quotes now so you have an idea of the costs involved, it will give you a chance to shop around, and in some cases, insurance may be required before you can complete your registration.
Multihull Solutions can assist with obligation-free insurance quotes from the world’s top marine insurance companies.
Click here to complete our online Insurance Quote Request Form
FAQ’s
If you’re buying a boat in Australia and plan to use your boat in Australian waters only, you will only require state registration.
If you’re buying your boat in Australia and your area of navigation is cruising offshore, you will require AMSA registration.
If you’re purchasing your boat overseas, you will require AMSA registration.
The AIS is a maritime communications device. It uses the very high frequency (VHF) radio broadcasting system to transfer data. AIS equipped vessels (shipborne AIS) and shore-based stations (non-shipborne AIS) can use it to send and receive identifying information. This identifying information can be displayed on an electronic chart, computer display, chart plotter or compatible navigation radar.
AIS improves navigation safety and environmental protection by assisting in the effective navigation of ships.
This identifying information can:
- aid in situational awareness.
- provide a means to assist in collision avoidance.
The AIS can handle over 2000 reports per minute and may update information as often as every two seconds.
AIS can be used as an aid to navigation by providing location and additional information on buoys and lights.
For more information about AIS, visit the AMSA website
