Licences & Training
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS
As a recreational boat owner, you are required by law to hold a boat licence & observe basic maritime rules in most states of Australia & New Zealand.
For example, in Queensland, a Recreational Marine Drivers Course takes around 6 hours to complete with a recognized training organization.
In some Australian states, you are also required (by law) to hold a short-range or long-range radio operators’ certificate.
- The Short Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) is required for vessels with VHF radio only.
- The Long Range Operators Certificate of Proficiency (LROCP) is required for vessels operating both VHF and HF radio.
Visit the following links to the various government websites to understand the laws governing boat licencing and radio operation in your state.
Queensland
New South Wales
www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/licence/boat-pwc/index.html
Australian Capital Territory
www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/4755/~/boating-on-canberras-lakes
Victoria
South Australia
Western Australia
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine/recreational-skippers-ticket.asp
Northern Territory
https://nt.gov.au/marine/for-all-harbour-and-boat-users
Tasmania
www.mast.tas.gov.au/recreational/licences-registration/
New Zealand
www.maritimenz.govt.nz/recreational/
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
If you are planning to spend significant time at sea, consider completing a Coxswains Course or Certificate in Maritime Operations.
These commercial courses are specially tailored for recreational purposes and provide an overview of:
- The Australian Boating Manual & seamanship
- Shipboard health & safety skills: Fire training, safety at sea and man-overboard procedures
- Vessel handling
- Docking and anchoring
- Basic engineering workshop & marine engine servicing
- Hull maintenance
- Operating deck machinery
- Safe environmental practices
- Towing
- Coastal navigation
- Collision regulations & the application of general regulations
TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
Below are some suggested training organizations to get you started.