Monthly Archives: August 2019

Whether it is something for you to enjoy alone or an activity for the entire family, recreational boating is an excellent stress buster on the weekends. But before you can do any of that, you must first get a boat licence.

In Queensland, all individuals aged 16 and older, and who wish to operate a vessel (boat or personal watercraft) with more than 4.5kW power, are required to get a marine licence.

The only time you can drive a boat without a licence is when you are supervised by a licenced person. Otherwise, you must obtain a boat licence before hitting the water.

What you need

One of the prerequisites to obtaining a boat licence in QLD is the BoatSafe course.

After completing the course, you’ll be given a statement of competency, which is required for the QLD boat licence application.

Note that he statement of competency is only valid for six months.

The other requirements include the following:

• completed marine licence application form
• Acceptable proof of identity
• Payment for licence fee of $112.85

How to get a QLD Boat Licence

To apply for a QLD boat licence, visit the nearest Transport and Monitoring Customer Service Centre near you.

Another option is to go to any QLD Government Service office that provides boat licensing services.

At the service centre you can submit all the requirements to start the processing of your licence.

You will receive a printed indicator receipt to confirm your boat driver licence or personal watercraft (PWC) licence on the same day as you apply. Afterwards, your licence card will be mailed to your home.

If you have a QLD driver licence, then you will receive a new one with the boat licence printed at the back. You can sign-up for e-reminders to get updates on the posting of your licence.

Validity of QLD Boat Licences

Unlike some other states in Australia, in Queensland, a boat driver licence has lifetime validity. This means you’ll never have to worry about renewing it.

You also don’t have to carry the licence with you all the time. As long as you have a valid proof of identity, any authorised person will be able to verify your licence online.

Should you lose or damage your licence card, you can apply for a boat licence verification certificate online for $7.20.

You can also apply for a replacement card at the same QGAP office or Transport and Monitoring Customer Service Centre where you got your first card.

Other Boat Driver Licences

If you have a boat licence issued by another state or territory in Australia, then you can legally operate a watercraft in Queensland as long as:

• You are 16 years of age or older
• The boat licence is still valid, and
• You operate within your interstate boat licence conditions

When the boat licence expires, you can either renew it at the same Australian state or apply for a QLD boat driver licence instead.

Meanwhile, an overseas boat licence can be used in Queensland if it’s included in the recognised overseas licence list.

If the licence is not in English, then it will have to be translated at an accredited translator by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

You must keep the boat licence translation with the original.

Should the overseas boat licence be deemed unrecognised by the Queensland Government, you’ll need to apply for a boat licence in QLD.

Boat Loans at BoatFinance

With a boat licence in Queensland, you can do all types of recreational boat activities in the state.

As long as you have a well-functioning boat or personal watercraft, you can explore the great waters of QLD.

If you haven’t got one yet, then it’s time to apply for marine finance to be able to shop around for one that suits your needs.

BoatFinance can help you with that. We can provide you with boat financing with competitive rates that will suit your financial status.

Call us today at 1300 880 883 or apply online to get the best rates for boat finance in QLD. 

The waters of New South Wales are some of the best you can find in Australia, and they are great for all types of recreational boating.

But if you’re a first-time boater in NSW, know that you may need a boat licence.

When is a licence required?

The speed at which you plan to drive determines whether a boating licence is required or not. 

Any person planning to drive a vessel at 10 knots (approximately 18.km/h) or faster on NSW waters for recreational purposes should get a boat licence.

A boat licence in NSW has two types: General boat driving licence and Personal watercraft (PWC) driving licence. Their validity duration range between one and ten years. 

A boat licence must be carried whenever required, and must be presented to a Roads and Maritime Boating Safety Officer if requested for inspection.

You must also be able to present the boating licence should a NSW Police Officer or any authorised personnel require you so.

What is the difference between a general boat licence and PWC licence?

A general boat licence allows individuals who are 12 years and older to drive any vessel, except a PWC, at 10 knots or higher. If you have an unrestricted NSW driver licence, then you may be able to combine this with your general boat licence.

On the other hand, a PWC licence permits people aged 12 years and older to drive a personal watercraft at any speed.

A PWC is a vessel with a fully enclosed hull, which can be driven standing up, sitting, kneeling, and lying down. PWCs also have jet-powered surfboards.

A PWC licence also includes a general boat licence. This means obtaining a PWC licence will also grant you the right to drive any other types of vessel at 10 knots or more.

Those who already hold a general boat licence can apply to upgrade for a PWC licence.

What are the application requirements?

Below are the requirements for a general boat licence or PWC licence application:

1. Show evidence of practical boating experience and pass a boating knowledge test.
2. Completed general boat or PWC licence application form.
3. Acceptable proof of identities like a valid Australian passport or a photo driver’s licence.
4. Payment of boating licence fees. Concessional rates apply to applicants aged 16 years old and younger.
5. Two passport photos for PWC licence applicants.

Applicants may get a 50% discount on the licence fee if you hold any of the following:

• NSW Pensioner Concession Card
• DVA Gold Card for Totally & Permanently Incapacitated (TPI), Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA), or war widow/er.
• Evidence from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs that 70% of the disability pension has been received.

How to apply?

Once you’ve completed all the requirements, you can start your boating licence application by going online and booking an appointment at NSW service website.

Select your preferred service centre and schedule of your appointment. Then, confirm your booking by entering your details.

At your  appointment, make sure to bring all the requirements. Go to your chosen service centre and process your application.

Minors must submit their applications together with a parent or guardian, who must present an acceptable proof of identity, too.

Alternatively, if you acquired practical boating experience from a Recognised Training Provider (RTP), then you can post your application to:

Roads and Maritime Services
Agency Business Centre
PO Box 21
Parkes NSW 2870

You’ll receive a notification once your general boat or PWC licence has been granted.

A plastic licence card will be sent to you within a few days but you can still access you licence digitally in the interim by downloading the latest version of the Service NSW app.

 With a boat licence in NSW, you’ll finally be able to enjoy the recreational boating and explore the state’s beautiful waters.

All that’s left to do now is to make sure that your boat or PWC is in great condition.

If you don’t have one yet, start shopping  now for a vessel  that fits your purpose for recreational boating. BoatFinance can help you get the best deal on marine finance.

Call us today at 1300 880 883 or apply online to get the best rates for boat finance in NSW.