This page will provide you with the information you need to know regarding marine licences and vessel registration before you head out for a safe day on the water.
Anyone operating a powered recreational vessel on Victorian waters requires a marine licence. Licences are administered by Vic Roads – this includes sailing boats and paddle craft with a motor.
Jet ski riders require a marine licence with personal watercraft (PWC) endorsement.
A person who holds an interstate marine licence, restricted marine licence, or PWC endorsed marine licence may operate the equivalent vessel in Victoria for a period of three months. If the visitor’s stay extends beyond three months or the visitor does not have an equivalent interstate marine licence for the vessel they wish to operate, a Victorian marine licence must be obtained.
Note: Interstate visitors are required to observe Victorian regulations including speed restrictions and the wearing of lifejackets at certain times. An exemption applies for visiting vessels for the carriage of safety equipment.
If you are an interstate marine licence holder but have resided in Victoria for more than three months, you must convert your interstate marine licence to a Victorian marine licence. If you have evidence of your equivalent interstate marine licence, you will be exempt from sitting the test run by VicRoads or an accredited training provider.
To convert your marine licence, please bring your existing interstate marine licence and appropriate evidence of identity, to a VicRoads customer service centre (fees apply).
A hire and drive vessel means a vessel (other than a recreational vessel) that is intended to be let for hire and includes vessels hired on a trailer and operated away from the place of hire, including those only capable of a speed less than 10 knots.
The Marine Safety Act requires all masters to hold a marine licence (and any relevant endorsement) to operate a hire and drive vessel capable of a speed greater than 10 knots (18km/h).
A PWC endorsement is required to operate a hired PWC. The hire boat owner will brief clients on the operating requirements of the vessel being hired. All operators, masters and passengers must comply with lifejacket requirements.
Our hiring a charter vessel page provides advice about what to ask before booking a charter to ensure the vessel is safe, operating legally and the crew is qualified.
A person who holds a valid Certificate of Competency, that is not subject to any conditions relating to the person’s health or fitness, is exempt from the requirement to hold a marine licence. However, if the person wishes to operate a personal watercraft they will need to obtain a marine licence and a PWC endorsement.
The definition of a valid Certificate of Competency is as follows:
Below is a list of certificates of competency issued by Australian maritime regulatory authorities. The holders of these certificates are not required to sit the VicRoads marine licence test.