1. Applicants must prepare for the exam. You will need to familiarize yourself with boating rules, regulations and safety equipment carriage requirements in the Recreational Boating Safety Handbook
2. You may practise answering questions for a boat licence theory exam online. The online exam contains the information that is required for the special permit and confirms that you know the rules and safety requirements of operating a motorboat. Link
3. Gather all documents you will need to submit or present to apply for the procedure.
4. Prepare medical evidence (if applicable). 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.
5. Complete an Application for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel. Your parent or guardian must also sign the application.
6. Submit the completed form along with all other required document.
7. Pay the applicable fee.
8. Take the theory exam at any Service SA Customer Service Centre between 9.00 am and 4.15 pm Monday to Friday. A booking is required for sitting the exam at any metropolitan Service SA Customer Service Centre. You must visit the centre in person to make the booking. The exam consists of a series of multiple choice questions, which are all 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.
9. The Service SA Customer Service Centre will complete the relevant sections of your application form and return the form to you after successful completion of the theory exam. You'll need this form in order to undertake the practical test.
10. Practical test. You must pass the practical test within six months of passing the theory exam. Contact a Marine Safety Officer to make an appointment or contact 8260 0220 to make a booking. You will need to provide your own vessel which must be registered and equipped with the required safety equipment. The vessel should be between 3.1 and 6 metres in length and capable of a speed of at least 15 knots. You do not need to pay to take the practical test. On the day of the test, you need to take your completed application for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel, your identity and medical (if applicable) documents. Once you have passed the practical test the examining officer will sign and stamp the application form as evidence that you have passed the test.
11. Lodge your application at a Service SA customer service centre, with the following: evidence of age and identity, evidence that you have passed the practical test, medical evidence. Submit all required documents and pay the appropriate fee.
12. After the application is processed, you will receive your permit.

• 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

Children aged at least 12 years but not yet 16 years can apply for a special permit with the consent of their parent or guardian.

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

Special permit: conditions

The special permit to operate a recreational vessel entitles the holder to take sole charge of a motorboat between sunrise and sunset under the following conditions:

• Where the vessel is less than four metres in length and has a potential maximum speed of 10 knots, the permit holder and any passengers on the vessel must be wearing an approved personal flotation device.
• Where the motor boat is four metres or more in length, or has a potential maximum speed greater than 10 knots, the permit holder must be under the direct supervision of a person who holds a boat operator's licence and is at least 18 years old.

A special permit holder is permitted to act as an observer in a skiing operation provided the person who holds a boat operator's licence and is at least 18 years old.

A special permit holder is not permitted to:

• operate a personal watercraft - e.g jet ski
• operate a boat that is towing a water skier.

Application for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel - Information

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

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.

A Special Boat Permit is available to children aged 12-15, to allow them to operate a motor boat under specific conditions outlined in clause "Special person conditions" below.

Following are procedures on how you can obtain a special boat permit.

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Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
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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/special-boat-permit-children-12-15-years

More information which might help people.