How big a boat can I drive without a license?



Spending time on the water comes naturally to Australians. You can enjoy activities such as driving a boat or a PWC. However, sufficient experience and expertise are needed to drive a boat of any size, which is why there are regulations in place. One stringent law is the requirement for a license, so if you are without one, you need to know what size of craft you can drive without a license. Here are your options, which are different for different states:

NSW and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Here, the size of the craft does not matter, speed does. If you are going to drive a boat at a speed of 10 knots or more, you will need a license for a general boat. If driving a PWC, you require the driving license for a PWC.

Northern Territory (NT)

The requirements and rules are simple; you do not need credentials to drive a boat as there are no recreational laws to prevent you from doing so.

Queensland

Here, getting a license depends not on the size of the craft but on its engine power. The government of QLD rules a ship with more than 4.5 KW should have a driver with a boat license or a PWC license. The operator is required to hold both a PWC license and a recreational marine license.


South Australia (SA)

In SA, driving a boat with an engine requires a license irrespective of the size of the craft. There are a few exceptions for a master certificate or coxswain certificate, or if you drive a kayak that has an engine.


Tasmania (Tas)

Driving a boat here at an engine capacity of less than 4 HP is possible without a license. It only applies recreationally and not if you operate a hire and drive service.


Victoria (Vic)

Everyone who operates a recreational boat that is powered, irrespective of the boat size, has to have a license in Victoria.


Western Australia (WA)

Here, if you were to drive a boat with an engine power of more than 6HP, you will need to have the Recreational Skipper’s Ticket. It is similar to a license in WA. Also, the license holder must be at the helm during the full duration of the ride.

As evident above, different states in Australia have different rules for a boat or PWC license. So as long as you follow all the rules, including proper precaution, there should be no impediment to you having a great experience.
Location: Australia

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