SA.GOV.AU - Boat licences

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If you hold a current commercial qualification like a coxswain or master certificate you can operate a recreational vessel fitted with an engine.</p><p>Operators of <a href="https://marinesafety.sa.gov.au/your-safety-and-operations/paddlecraft">kayaks and canoes</a> fitted with an electric motor of not more than 150 newtons and who are aged 16 or over don't need to hold a boat licence. For other motorboats a licence is not required if you are at least 12 years of age, are under the direct supervision of a person with a boat operator's licence and do not exceed 10 knots.</p><p>If you are visiting South Australia and have a current interstate boat licence, you may operate a motorboat in South Australia for up to 90 days. After 90 days you need to apply for a South Australian boat operator's licence.</p><p>If requested by an authorised person, you must present your boat operator's licence, permit or commercial certificate within 48 hours.</p><h2>Digital licence</h2><p>Store a digital boat licence using the <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/mysagov/my-sagov-mobile-app">mySAGOV app</a>.</p> </div> <div id="content_container_666277"> <div class="subtopics_wrapper container_version"><div class="subtopics_listing container_version container_columns_2"> <a id="accordion-control-706769" href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/boating-and-marine/boat-operators-licences-and-permits/boat-licence/apply-for-a-boat-licence" class=" js-accordion-button"> <div class="subtopic_title">Apply for a boat licence</div> <div class="subtopic_description"><p>Steps to apply for a boat operator's licence.</p></div> </a> </div><div class="subtopics_listing container_version container_columns_2"> <a id="accordion-control-706773" href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/boating-and-marine/boat-operators-licences-and-permits/boat-licence/apply-for-a-special-permit" class=" js-accordion-button"> <div class="subtopic_title">Apply for a special permit</div> <div class="subtopic_description"><p>Children aged between 12 and 15 may apply for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel.</p></div> </a> </div></div></div> <div id="content_container_706789"> <h2 class="accordion">Update licence details</h2><div><p>If you have a boat operator's licence, special permit or boat registration you must notify a change of name, address or medical condition within 14 days. An authorised person may require you to produce your boat licence or special permit within a specified period, usually 48 hours.</p><p>If you have changed your name, lost or destroyed your licence you will need to replace your licence.</p><h3>Changing your address</h3><h4>1. Supporting documents</h4><p>You'll need your SA vehicle licence number or client number. If you don't have one you must use the options below:</p><ul><li>registration papers</li><li>full name</li><li>date of birth</li><li>previous address.</li></ul><h4>2. Fill out and lodge the form</h4><p>Fill out <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/17389/MR41-Advice-of-Change-of-Address-and-or-Name.pdf" target="_blank">advice of change of name or address <span class="document_link">(76.8 KB PDF)</span></a></p><p>Take the form to a <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/directories/customer-service-centres/locations-and-opening-hours">Service SA centre</a> or post to:</p><p>GPO Box 1533<br />Adelaide SA 5001</p><h3>Changing your name</h3><h4>1. Supporting documents</h4><p>You must provide one of the following:</p><ul><li>marriage certificate issued by Registrar Births, Deaths and Marriages (commemorative certificates are not acceptable)</li><li>change of name registration with Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry</li><li>deed poll certificate (previously issued by Lands Title Office)</li><li>divorce papers - Decree Nisi or Absolute (indicating the name being reverted to).</li></ul><h4>2. Complete the form</h4><p>Fill out <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/17389/MR41-Advice-of-Change-of-Address-and-or-Name.pdf" target="_blank">Advice of change of name or address <span class="document_link">(76.8 KB PDF)</span></a>.</p><h4>3. Lodgement</h4><h5>In person</h5><p>Take your form and original copies of your supporting documents to a <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/directories/customer-service-centres/locations-and-opening-hours">Service SA centre</a>.</p><h5>Post</h5><p>GPO Box 1533<br /> Adelaide SA 5001</p><p>You may send in copies of evidence of identity documents that have been certified by a <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/rights-and-law/rights-and-responsibilities/justices-of-the-peace">Justice of the Peace</a>.</p><h3>Change to a medical condition</h3><p>If you hold a boat licence or special permit you must notify a change in your medical condition within 14 days.</p><p>You can provide notification of any physical or mental impairment that may affect your ability to operate a boat or other vessel by visiting a Service SA centre or by phone on <a href="tel:13-10-84">13 10 84</a>.</p></div><h2 class="accordion">Replace a boat licence</h2><div><p>If you have lost or destroyed your licence, or changed your name you will need a replacement licence.</p><p>A fee is payable for a replacement boat licence unless the replacement is required because of a change of name.</p><h3>1. Evidence of identity</h3><p>Collect the original documents to provide your <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/licences/tests/evidence-of-identity">evidence of identity</a>.</p><h3>2. Application form</h3><p><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/5761/MR163-Application-for-replacement-boat-operators-licence-or-special-permit-to-operate-a-recreational-vessel.pdf" target="_blank">Replacement boat operator's licence or special permit to operate a recreational vessel <span class="document_link">(316.0 KB PDF)</span></a></p><h3 style="border: 0px currentcolor; border-image: none;">3. Lodgement</h3><h4>In-person</h4><p>Take your application and originals of your evidence of identity documents to a <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/directories/customer-service-centres/locations-and-opening-hours">Service SA centre</a> with the fee payable.</p><p>Payment can be by cheque, Visa or Mastercard.</p><h4>Post</h4><p>GPO Box 1533 <br />Adelaide 5001<br /><br /> You may send in copies of evidence of identity documents that have been certified by a <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/rights-and-law/rights-and-responsibilities/justices-of-the-peace">Justice of the Peace</a>.<br /><br />Send the fee by cheque.</p></div><h2 class="accordion">Fees</h2><div><p>Fees are effective from <strong>1 July 2024</strong>.</p><h3>Theory tests</h3><ul><li>Special permit theory test - <strong>$23</strong></li><li>Boat operator's licence theory test - <strong>$52</strong></li></ul><p>There is no fee for the practical test to obtain a special permit however, the applicant must provide a suitable boat and safety equipment.</p><h3>Licences and special permits</h3><ul><li>Licence issued to a person who held special permit - <strong>$20</strong></li><li>Licence issued to a person who did not hold special permit  - <strong>$49</strong></li><li>Special permit issue -<strong> $20</strong></li><li>Replacement licence or special permit - <strong>$20</strong></li></ul></div> </div> <div id="component_850689"> <div id="component_851040"> <h2>Need help?</h2><p><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/directories/customer-service-centres/locations-and-opening-hours" class="action">Contact Service SA</a></p> </div> </div> <div id="content_container_706787"> <div><hr /><h2>Related information</h2><h3>Contact</h3><ul class="without_bullets"><li><a href="https://marinesafety.sa.gov.au/compliance/marine-safety-officers">Marine safety officers</a></li></ul></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="page_info clearfix"> <hr> <div class="left"> <div class="providedbyshow">Provided by: <a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/about-sa/government/departments/infrastructure-transport">Department for Infrastructure and Transport</a></div> </div> <div class="right"> Page last updated 14 May 2024 </div> </div> </div>  </div> </div>   <div class="footer clearfix container" id="footer_251117"> <div class="clearfix"> <div class="left"> <ul class="footer_links"> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/disclaimer">Disclaimer</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/privacy">Privacy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/accessibility">Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/acknowledgement-of-country">Acknowledgement of Country</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/site-map">Sitemap</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/about-us">About us</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/contact-us">Contact us</a></li> </ul> <p>SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a <a 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SA.GOV.AU - Boat licences