Recreational Skipper's Ticket

What is a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket, when it is required, and who has to have one.

You need a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) to operate a recreational vessel with a motor that exceeds 6 horsepower (4.5kW) in Western Australia.

An RST is a nationally-recognised certificate of competency that demonstrates the holder has the minimum knowledge and practical skills needed to safely operate a powerboat. You are not required to renew your RST or pay ongoing fees.

Age restrictions

You must be at least 14 years old to get an RST.  RST holders under 16 years old are restricted to operating a vessel:

• during daylight hours, and

• at a speed less than 8 knots.

Who Needs an RST?

Only the skipper (person in charge of the vessel) needs to have an RST. The skipper is responsible for what happens on the boat during the voyage. The skipper must carry their RST with them at all times when operating a vessel.

You do not need an RST to:

• own a boat that is docked or on land

• operate a vessel that does not have a motor

• operate a vessel with a motor with a power of 6 hp (4.5 kW) or less.

Commercial seafarers:

Seafarers who have commercial certificates of competency still need an RST to operate a recreational vessel with a motor that exceeds 6 horsepower (4.5kW) in WA.  You can get your commercial qualification recognised as equivalent to an RST.

Interstate and overseas skippers:

If you hold a foreign skipper's ticket from another country or Australian state, and you intend to stay in WA for less than 3 months, you do not need an RST.  If you stay in WA longer than 3 months, you must obtain an RST.

To ensure the safety of all water users, recreational skippers must know and understand the rules and regulations that apply within Western Australian waters.

Skipper’s responsibility checklist

1. Check the weather and tides. If in doubt about any of the conditions, don't go out.

2. Log on with your local Marine Rescue Group or at least tell someone where you plan to go and when you intend to return. If your plans change, let them know.

3. Check your vessel, safety equipment and trailer before every trip. Make sure your boat is suitable and capable of making the trip.

4. Carry all necessary supplies such as fuel, food and water in case of an emergency.

5. Study a nautical chart, local boating guide or check Deckee to find out more about the waters where you are travelling.

6. Are you familiar with the many dangers on the water? Check the Safety and Weather Alerts on Deckee for the area.

7. Check speed limits, local laws and information about the environment including obstructions, rocks and issues.

8. Ensure that all safety equipment is operational and in easy reach.

9. Let everyone know what safety equipment is carried, where it is stored and how it works.

10. Maintain stability by centrally loading your boat and check your craft is not overloaded.

11. Check that your marine radio works.

12. Make sure you and your crew can handle the boat properly.

13. Be sure lifejackets fit all passengers properly and are in easy reach.

14. Consider the needs of all of your passengers. Do they have any special medical problems? Are they prone to sea sickness?

15. Be Wake Aware.  Consider how you navigate your vessel to minimise your wake and prevent injuries to people, or damage to vessels, infrastructure or erosion.

Article credit Department of Transport.   Visit https://transport.wa.gov.au for all the boating rules, regulations and guides.

Do you need a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket or an Assessment?  

• Contact Graham, Road2Ocean, Mobile:  0458 575 737, or

• Grant, Australian Boating College, Mobile:  0467 019 723.