Before you apply for the licence

Gather all documents you will need to submit or present to apply for the procedure.

Disclose medical conditions. You must disclose any disabilities and any need to wear glasses or contact lenses. If you have a medical condition to disclose, you will need to complete section one of the [medical and eyesight certificate to operate a recreational vessel form]. This form must be completed by a medical practitioner or optometrist. Book and attend an appointment with a registered optometrist or doctor taking this form to complete this process.

Theory exam

The boat licence theory exam confirms that you know the rules and safety requirements of operating a motorboat.

The exam consists of a series of multiple choice questions, which are based on information in the Recreational Boating Safety Handbook.

The first section of the exam contains questions which must be answered correctly before proceeding with the remaining questions. Practise Online

1. Book an appointment to take the theory exam. For metropolitan bookings, visit your nearest Service SA Customer Service Centre in person. In the country no booking is required. Note: You do not need to sit the exam if exempt or you hold an appropriate qualification or current interstate boat licence.
2. You will need to provide evidence of identity and pay the appropriate fee before taking the exam.
3. The theory exam can be done at any Service SA Customer Service Centre between 9.00 am and 4.15 pm Monday to Friday.
4. After passing the theory exam, complete and lodge the application for a boat operator's licence form at a Service SA Customer Service Centre, along with: evidence of age and identity, evidence that you have passed the theory exam (or if exempt, relevant documentation) and medical evidence.
5. Pay the applicable fee.
6. Your licence will be issued to you on the spot.

• Completed application form
• Evidence of age and identity

South Australia Customer Service Centre

Locations and opening hours

Telephone assistance (available Monday to Friday - local call charges apply):
Registration and driver's licences - phone 13 10 84 (8.00 am to 6.00 pm)
General government information - phone 13 23 24 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)

Email: Reginfo@sa.gov.au

Marine Safety Officer

• Metropolitan: Phone: 8260 0088 Fax: 8260 0061
• Berri: Phone: 0407 713 178
• Kadina: Phone: 0408 851 042
• Murray Bridge: Phone: 8532 8161 Fax: 8532 8140
• Port Lincoln: Phone: 0407 553 010
• Kangaroo Island: Phone: 8553 2064
• Goolwa / Victor Harbor: Phone: 0409 792 751

You will need to obtain a boat operator's licence before you can operate a recreational vessel fitted with an engine regardless of the size of the vessel or its engine, or whether the engine is being used at the time.

Exemption for kayaks

From 23 July 2014 the operator of a kayak fitted with an electric motor manufactured with a maximum capacity of no more than 150 newtons (33.7lb thrust) may be granted exemption from holding a boat operator's licence for a 12 month trial period.

To apply for a boat licence, you must be at least 16 years of age.

Note: Children at least 12, and not yet 16 years of age may apply for special permit to operate a recreational vessel.

Boat operator licence and special permit fees

• Licence issued to person who held special permit: $16.00
• Licence issued to person who did not hold special permit: $37.00
• Special permit issue: $16.00
• Replacement licence/special permit: $16.00

Type of theory test:

• Special permit theory test: $19.00
• Boat operator's licence theory test: $39.00

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Application for a boat operator's licence form

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Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Please provide instructions on obtaining the certificate/documents.
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A list which displays the kind of information which is required to complete the procedure.
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1. Date of Birth.
2. City or County of Birth.

Following are procedures on how you can obtain a boat licence.

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• South Australia Government Website:

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring/boating-and-marine/boat-operators-licences-and-permits/applying-for-a-boat-licence

More information which might help people.