A boat licence in Australia depends on the state. QLD and NSW do not use the same trigger, which is what catches people out:
NSW triggers on speed: a licence is needed to drive a powered vessel at 10 knots or more (a PWC needs a licence at any speed). Queensland triggers on engine power: a recreational marine driver licence for engines over 4.5 kW (~6 hp), plus a separate PWC licence for jet skis. Victoria triggers on vessel type: anyone operating any powered vessel needs a marine licence (with a restricted licence for 12–15 year-olds). A personal watercraft in Victoria needs a PWC endorsement on that marine licence. You must be 16 or older, and a restricted marine licence cannot carry a PWC endorsement. WA triggers on power too: a Recreational Skipper’s Ticket for motors over 6 hp (4.5 kW). Tasmania triggers at 4 hp or more.
So the same boat can need a licence in one state and not the next. The Crew knows your state’s trigger, your engine and your age, and tells you exactly what (if anything) you need.
The Crew matches your state’s licence trigger (speed in NSW, engine power in QLD/WA/TAS, vessel type in VIC) to your boat and your age, and cites the authority.
- Transport for NSW: boat & PWC licences ↗
- Queensland Government: recreational boating ↗
- Safe Transport Victoria: licensing & registration ↗
- Safe Transport Victoria: personal watercraft (jet skis) ↗
- WA Department of Transport: about the Recreational Skipper’s Ticket ↗
- MAST Tasmania: licence & registration ↗
General information for Australian operators, current as of 2026-10-23. Rules change and recreational rules vary by state. Always confirm against the source(s) linked above (your AMSA, Australian Sailing or state maritime authority). This is not legal advice.