How to Get Your Boat License in TAS

Securing your TAS boat license is an essential step for anyone looking to navigate the picturesque waterways of Tasmania. This guide is designed to simplify the process of obtaining your recreational boating license, ensuring that you can enjoy Tasmania’s beautiful lakes, rivers, and coastal areas safely and legally.

Understanding the Requirements

In Tasmania, operating a motor boat with an engine power of 4hp or more mandates holding a valid motor boat license, except when piloting a hire and drive vessel. This requirement underscores the importance Tasmania places on maritime safety and the responsible operation of vessels in its waters.

Navigating the Licensing Process

The journey to obtaining your motor boat license in Tasmania involves completing a BoatSafe Practical Course through an accredited provider. This practical course is designed to equip prospective boaters with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate a motor boat, emphasising critical safety, navigation, and operational guidelines.

License Validity and Renewal

A Tasmanian motor boat license is valid for a three-year period, with all licenses sharing a common expiry date. It’s worth noting that while carrying your license on board is not mandatory in Tasmania, you must be able to produce it within 14 days upon request, in accordance with MAST by-laws.

The Move Towards Digital

Reflecting modern trends towards digitalisation, plastic license cards are no longer automatically issued in Tasmania. However, should you prefer a physical representation of your license, you can opt to purchase a plastic license card. This involves completing an application form and submitting it at any Service Tasmania Service Centre, along with proof of identity and the applicable fee. Interestingly, many hire companies, both in Australia and abroad, have indicated that a plastic license card is not a necessity for hiring a vessel.

Provisional Licenses for Young Mariners

Tasmania also offers provisional licenses for aspiring young boaters aged between 12 and 17 years. These provisional licenses come with specific restrictions designed to ensure the safety of young boaters and those around them. Upon reaching the age of 17, provisional license holders automatically transition to a full motor boat license, facilitating a seamless continuation of their boating journey.

Recognising Non-TAS Licenses

For those moving to Tasmania or visiting, it’s reassuring to know that MAST recognises a current license issued in another Australian state. However, it is required to transfer your license to a Tasmanian Motor Boat License within three months of your arrival.

Preparing for Your License

To prepare for the licensing process, MAST recommends obtaining and studying the MAST Safe Boating Handbook. Additionally, an online practice test is available, offering a valuable opportunity to assess your knowledge before undertaking the practical course. This test and the handbook are instrumental in preparing applicants for successful completion of their licensing requirements and can be accessed by visiting the MAST website.

Understanding License Fees for Boaters in TAS

Navigating the waters of Tasmania as a licensed boater comes with its own set of regulations and fees. Whether you’re applying for a new license, renewing an existing one, or adding endorsements to your boating credentials, it’s essential to understand the associated costs. This section breaks down the various fees involved in obtaining and maintaining a motor boat license in TAS, including the process for those interested in a Personal Watercraft (PWC) endorsement.

New License Fees

The fee for obtaining a new motor boat license or a PWC endorsement in Tasmania is calculated based on several factors, including the applicant’s age and the specific type of license or endorsement being applied for. An essential component of this fee is its variability, determined by the number of days remaining until the common license expiry date for all licenses, which is currently set at 30 June 2024.

• License Fee: This variable fee depends on the time left until the common expiry date for all motor boat licenses.
• 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 licenses.

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 license applicants under 17 years of age, only the application fee is required. Full license holders will need to pay both the license fee and, if applicable, the PWC Endorsement fee.

Additionally, new license holders have the option to pay an extra $5.00 for a plastic license card, a tangible representation of their boating credentials.

Renewal Fees

License 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 2021 to 30 June 2024, are as follows:

• Motor Boat License with PWC Endorsement: $99.00, valid until 30 June every three years.
• Motor Boat Licenses: $49.50, with the same triennial expiry.
• PWC Endorsements: Also $49.50 for the same duration.

Duplicate License Fee

Should you ever need a duplicate of your Motor Boat License, a fee of $5.00 is charged. This fee covers the cost of issuing a new copy of your license, ensuring that you have the necessary documentation for your boating activities.

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For more information on how to get your marine licence, check out our guides for Western Australia, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.