How to Get Your Boat Licence in TAS
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
There’s no better way to experience Tasmania than from the water. Whether you’re navigating its rugged coastline, casting a line in a quiet river, or cruising across a glassy lake, having your TAS boat licence ensures you can do it all safely and legally. If you’re new to Tassie or finally ready to get licensed, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, making the process simple so you can start planning your adventure.
Licensing Requirements in Tasmania
In Tasmania, operating a motor boat with an engine power of 4hp or more requires you to hold a valid motor boat licence, except when piloting a hire and drive vessel.
Navigating the Licensing Process
Getting your motor boat licence in Tasmania involves completing a BoatSafe Practical Course through an accredited provider. This practical course is designed to equip would-be boaters with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate a motor boat, and emphasises critical safety, navigation, and operational guidelines.
Licence Validity and Renewal
A Tasmanian motor boat licence is valid for a three-year period, with all licences sharing a common expiry date. It’s worth noting that while carrying your licence on board is not mandatory in Tasmania, you must be able to produce it within 14 days upon request, in accordance with Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) by-laws.
The Move Towards Digital
Reflecting modern trends towards digitalisation, plastic licence cards are no longer automatically issued in Tasmania. However, should you prefer a physical licence, you can opt to purchase a plastic licence card. This involves completing an application form and submitting it at any Service Tasmania Service Centre, along with proof of identity and payment of the applicable fee. Interestingly, many hire companies, both in Australia and abroad, have indicated that a plastic licence card is not a necessity for hiring a vessel.
Provisional Licences for Young Mariners
Tasmania also offers provisional licences for aspiring young boaters aged between 12 and 17 years. These provisional licences come with specific restrictions designed to ensure the safety of young boaters and those around them. Upon their 17th birthday, provisional licence holders automatically transition to a full motor boat licence, removing all restrictions and allowing them to operate a boat just the same as any other standard licence holder.
Recognising Non-TAS Licences
For those moving to Tasmania or visiting, MAST recognises a current licence issued in another Australian state. However, if you are moving to Tasmania permanently, you are required to transfer your licence to a Tasmanian Motor Boat Licence within three months of your arrival.
Preparing for Your Licence
To prepare for getting your licence, MAST recommends studying the MAST Safe Boating Handbook. Additionally, an online practice test is available, offering a valuable opportunity to check your knowledge before undertaking the practical course. This test and the handbook are an indispensable asset in preparing applicants for their licence, and can be accessed by visiting the MAST website.
Licence Fees for Boaters in TAS
Being a licensed boater in Tasmania comes with its own set of regulations and fees. Whether you’re applying for a new licence, renewing an existing one, or adding endorsements to your existing boat licence, you must understand the costs involved. This section breaks down the various fees involved in getting and maintaining your motor boat licence in TAS, including the process for those interested in a Personal Watercraft (PWC) endorsement.
New Licence Fees
The fee for obtaining a new motor boat licence or a PWC endorsement in Tasmania is calculated based on several factors, including the applicant’s age and the specific type of licence or endorsement being applied for. An essential component of this fee is its variability, determined by the number of days remaining until the common licence expiry date for all licences, which is currently set at 30 June 2027.
- Licence Fee: This variable fee depends on the time left until the common expiry date for all motor boat licences.
- PWC Endorsement Fee: Similarly, for those seeking a PWC endorsement, the fee varies based on the time remaining until the common expiry date for all endorsed licences.
A handy calculator provided by MAST helps estimate the fee payable, while Service Tasmania staff will determine the exact fee on the day the Evidence of Identity check is completed, and payment is processed. For new licence applicants under 17 years of age, only the application fee is required. Full licence holders will need to pay both the licence fee and, if applicable, the PWC Endorsement fee.
Additionally, new licence holders have the option to pay an extra $5.00 for a plastic licence card if they would like a physical licence.
Renewal Fees
Licence renewal fees are set for a three-year period, ensuring that all boaters are consistently up-to-date with their licensing. The current fees, effective from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2027, are as follows:
- Motor Boat Licence with PWC Endorsement: $99.00, valid until 30 June every three years.
- Motor Boat Licences: $49.50, with the same triennial expiry.
- PWC Endorsements: Also $49.50 for the same duration.
Duplicate Licence Fee
Should you ever need a duplicate of your Motor Boat Licence, a fee of $5.00 is charged, which covers the cost of issuing a new licence.
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