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Operators of recreational vessels on Victorian waters must hold a current recreational boat operator licence. There are two types of licence:
- Recreational boat operator licence: A general boat operator licence is needed by any person over the age of 16 who is operating a powered recreational vessel.
- Restricted operator licence: A restricted boat operator licence is required by any person over the age of 12, and under 16, who is operating a powered recreational vessel.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) endorsement: In addition to holding a recreational or restricted boat operator licence, operators of PWCs must also obtain a PWC endorsement.
Frequently asked questions:
Licence test and fees:
How can I get a licence?
VicRoads administers the recreational boat operator licence test and issues the licence to the applicant.
If you wish to sit the test you must make a booking with VicRoads either in person or on 13 11 71.
You will need to pay for your test when making the booking.
Alternatively, you can attend a approved training course and take the completion certificate to VicRoads to gain your licence.
Who needs to be licensed?
Any person who operates a powered recreational vessel needs to be licensed. That is, any boat equipped with an engine that is used or is capable of being used for propulsion. ‘If your boat is required to be registered you will require a licence to operate it’
What about young people?
Operators 12 years of age and less than 16 years of age must hold a restricted operator’s licence and can only operate under the following conditions:
- At speeds of less than 10 knots
- At speeds of more than 10 knots and less than 20 knots if:
1. accompanied by a person over the age of 16 years and who is licensed appropriately for the vessel being operated; and
2. operating between sunrise and sunset.
- must not operate a vessel that is towing a person, another vessel or any object.
For example, if a PWC is being operated, the licence of the accompanying person must be endorsed for PWC operation.
Restricted operator licences will also have to be endorsed for PWC operation if the holder wishes to operate a PWC.
What licences are required?
General boat operator licence
- All operators of powered recreational vessels (other than PWC’s) over 16 years of age.
General boat operator licence with PWC endorsement
- All operators of powered recreational vessels (including PWC’s) over 16 years of age.
Restricted boat operator licence
- All operators of powered recreational vessels (other than PWC’s) under 16 years of age (must be over 12 years of age; restrictions apply)
Restricted boat operator licence with PWC endorsement
- All operators of powered recreational vessels (other than PWC’s) under 16 years of age (must be over 12 years of age; restrictions apply)
What if I hold an interstate licence or marine qualification?
Victorians holding a current interstate licence are required to have their interstate licence converted to a Victorian licence. Conversions to a Victorian licence are possible at VicRoads offices. Interstate visitors holding current interstate licences will be recognised for up to a period of three months while boating in Victoria.
Victorian recreational boat licence holders are able to use their licence interstate for up to three months. Please contact the relevant marine authority for information on rules and regulations.
Why do we require licensing for low powered engines on inland waters?
Small boats are regularly involved in incidents and accidents with over 80% of all recent incidents/accidents occurring in vessels 6.0 metres in length or under. In the past 4 years 34 recreational boating fatalities have occurred of which over 25% were on inland waters. Of those 34 fatalities, more than 95% were in low powered boats 4.8 metres in length or under.
How do I obtain a PWC endorsement on my licence?
- If you have a current recreational boat operator licence you can gain a PWC endorsement by booking and completing a test at VicRoads
- Attending a training course by an Approved Training Provider
Do the operators of yachts require a licence?
An operator of any mechanically powered vessel including yachts and trailer sailers will be required to hold a recreational boat operator licence. Operators of yachts and trailer sailers are exempt from holding a recreational boat operator licence only when operating under sail power alone.
Do people operating hire boats need to have a licence?
The following people require a licence to operate a hire and drive boat;
- All operators of hire and drive personal watercraft (jet skis) need to hold a boat operator licence with a personal watercraft endorsement
- Persons between 12 and 16 years of age need to hold a restricted boat operator licence if they are operating a hire and drive vessel powered by an engine for propulsion.
- All operators of hire and drive vessels capable of speeds of 10 knots or greater need hold a general boat operator licence.
Can children under 12 years of age operate a powered recreational boat?
The law does not allow any child under 12 years of age to operate a powered recreational boat. They may, however, operate non-mechanically powered boats.
How much does a licence cost?
Annual licence fees are:
- General operator licence only - Adult $29.20
- General operator licence with PWC endorsement - Adult $29.20 + $5.10
- Restricted operator licence only - Young Adult $14.60
- Restricted operator licence with PWC endorsement - Young Adult $14.60 + $2.50
A licence can be issued or renewed for one, three or five years.
What test is required?
Boat operators will need to sit a computerised boating knowledge test, similar to the knowledge test for driver learner permits. You will need to answer correctly a minimum of 26 out of 30 questions to pass.
To operate a Personal Watercraft (eg. jet ski) you will need to have an appropriate endorsement on your licence. This will require an additional knowledge test and you will need to answer correctly a minimum of 13 out of 15 questions to pass. A licence endorsed for PWC operation will allow operation of all types of powered recreational vessels.
Is the test available in other languages?
Computerised tests are available in English only.
Written tests are available in:
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
This is consistent with the languages the handbook is available in and Marine Safety Victoria will continue to monitor the demand for other languages. It should be noted that Interpreters are also available at VicRoads testing offices for most other languages.
English written tests are only be used as a contingency should the computerised system be unavailable or booked out.
What do I need to study to pass the boat operator licence test?
Marine Safety Victoria has published the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook. The handbook includes information and sample questions on the competency areas required, including trip preparation, safe operation and what to do in an emergency. The handbook also has a chapter on personal watercraft operation.
Where do I get a handbook from?
The handbook is free of charge and the English version can be obtained either from any VicRoads Registration and Licensing Offices or you can contact us for a copy. Multilingual handbooks are available online.
Can I do a practice licence test?
Yes. A practice multiple choice test is at the end of each chapter in the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook as well as online.
Online practice licence test:
What if I hold a Training Course Certificate?
Persons who have successfully completed an MSV approved boating safety and education course within 5 years of applying for a boat operator licence can qualify for a licence without the need to sit for a licence test. The certificate alone, however, is not a licence.
What happens to the revenue from licence fees?
Revenue from recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration revenue is re-invested into recreational boating safety initiatives through the Boating Safety and Facilities Program. Over the past five years, the Boating Safety and Facilities Program has already allocated over $26 million to projects designed to make boating safer and accessible to more Victorians.
How do I obtain more information?
Freecall Marine Safety Victoria on 1800 223 022 or contact us.
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