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Do I need a licence?
Check the legal requirements for your location and activity, then confirm the operator’s experience assessment and briefing. These pages link to the responsible authorities and explain the questions to ask.
QueenslandQueensland’s recreational marine licence threshold is engine power greater than 4.5 kW. Check the separate requirements for your proposed commercial hire.Maritime Safety Queensland · 20 operators listed
New South WalesNSW requires a general boat licence for recreational operation at 10 knots or more. Personal watercraft have separate requirements. Confirm how the rules apply to your hire.Transport for NSW · 14 operators listed
VictoriaVictoria has specific hire-and-drive licence requirements. Check the official guidance for the vessel’s speed capability and your proposed activity.Safe Transport Victoria · 4 operators listed
TasmaniaMAST states that a motor boat licence is required for a vessel with a motor of 4 hp or more, except for a hire-and-drive vessel. Confirm the briefing and acceptance requirements for your booking.Marine and Safety Tasmania · 5 operators listed
South AustraliaUse South Australia’s official boat licence and permit guidance to check the requirements for the boat and activity you plan to book.South Australian Government · 3 operators listed
Western AustraliaWestern Australia has Recreational Skipper’s Ticket guidance specific to hire-and-drive operations. Confirm the applicable requirements with Transport WA and the operator.Transport WA · 7 operators listed
Northern TerritoryThe NT Government says a licence is not required to operate a recreational boat. That does not establish acceptance for a commercial hire or remove other boating obligations.Northern Territory Government · 1 operator listed
Australian Capital TerritoryOn Lake Burley Griffin, powered boats require an NCA permit; non-powered sailing boats do not. Driver requirements and exemptions depend on the use. Other ACT waters have their own arrangements.National Capital Authority and Access Canberra · 0 operators listed
For preparing for the operator’s assessment alongside the applicable licence requirements, see qualifications, charter resumes and briefings. For the framework behind all of it, see safety and commercial vessel rules. Every authority named on these pages is listed on the resources page.