Registration, licencing and regulatory questions

| Registration of boats | Boating regulations | Boat trailers and towing |
| Licencing of boat operators | Hull identification | Surveys of commercial craft | 
 | Fishing regulations - bag, size and boat limits |

Safety, insurance, weather and general boating questions

| Safe boating | Rescue and emergency services | Insurance |
| Weather information | Maps and charts |
| Tide information |

Registration of boats

All recreational boats fitted with an engine are classed as motorboats and must be registered in South Australian waters.  When a registered motorboat is sold, the new owner must apply to transfer the registration within 14 days of the sale.

Transport SA deals with all registration matters.  You can access Transport SA by calling their registration hotline on 13 10 84 or visiting their website at www.transport.sa.gov.au/registrations.

Boating regulations (back to top)

Transport SA regulates boating rules and regulations in South Australia.  It is important to stay up-to-date with changes, so remember to check the Transport SA site periodically.  Their site is www.transport.sa.gov.au.

Boat trailers and towing (back to top)

Transport SA publishes a booklet containing requirements and tips for safe trailer use.  The booklet details legal requirements, travel and safety tips, equipment, launching and maintenance information, and is available at www.transport.sa.gov.au/personal_transport/you_and_your_boat_trailer/index.asp

It is important to remember that different rules and regulations apply in different Australian states.  If you are taking your boat interstate, remember to contact that state’s transport authority for advice.

Licencing of boat operators (back to top)

In South Australia you must have a Boat Operator’s licence to operate any boat fitted with an engine.  It is an offence for a person without a licence to operate a motorboat.  Exceptions apply.

You must be at least 16 years of age and pass a written test to obtain this licence, or at least twelve years old to obtain a provisional licence.

Exceptions do apply to all of the above, so it is important to visit the Transport SA website, www.transport.sa.gov.au/licences_certification, to ensure that you receive accurate, up-to-date advice.

Hull Identification (back to top)

BoatCode is an identification system for registered recreational boats, designed to protect boat owners from thieves. Under the scheme, every boat is assigned a unique Hull Identification Number (HIN) permanently attached to the hull.

If you are registering a vessel in South Australia for the first time or applying for a change of ownership, you are obliged by law to apply for a BoatCode ID Plate.

To apply, visit a Transport SA Customer Service Centre.

Surveys of commercial craft (back to top)

Any vessel used for commercial purposes, such as fishing vessels, tourist/charter boats, dive boats, houseboats (for hire) and fishing vessels must hold a valid Certificate of Survey for the particular service offered and for the area of operation.

The certification process ensures quality construction and maintenance of vessels.

Visit www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/marine for more information.

Fishing regulations - bag, size and boat limits (back to top)

Fish size, bag and boat limits are set by the Department of Primary Industries to ensure that recreational fishing is sustainable for years to come.

Fishing limits change periodically, so make sure you check the current rules before each fishing trip.  Primary Industries and Resources SA publishes details of size, bag and boat limits.  Visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing for more information.

Safe boating (back to top)

Safe boating saves lives.

A set of minimum standards is enforced in South Australia, including the requirement that all boats carry certain items of safety equipment.

Transport SA provides detailed information on boating safety, including advice on legal requirements and guidelines on safe boating practices.  Visit their website at www.transport.sa.gov.au. 

Additionally, the Australia New Zealand Safe Boating Education Group (ANZSBEG) coordinates education programs to promote safe recreational boating. Their website www.safeboating.org.au encompasses safe boating tips and information in relation to trip planning, communication and equipment issues.

Rescue and emergency services (back to top)

The South Australia Police, Volunteer Coast Guard and the Sea Rescue Squadron provide rescue and emergency services.  Most rescue services in South Australia are operated by highly trained volunteers, giving up their own time and often vessels to provide protection to boaties in South Australian waters.

A list of distress radio frequencies is available at http://users.chariot.net.au/~mattb/scan/marine.htm

Insurance (back to top)

It is not compulsory to hold boat insurance in South Australia, although it is highly recommended.  Even small accidents resulting in minor property damage can result in serious injuries, incurring significant compensation and legal expenses.

You can search for BIASA member insurance agencies through our Suppliers' Directory.

Weather information (back to top)

You should never embark on a boating trip without first having checked an accurate weather forecast. Newspapers, television and radio are all good sources.

For coastal boating forecasts, check the South Australian Office of the Bureau of Meteorology's marine forecasts at www.bom.gov.au/weather/sa.

The bureau also operates the following hotline services:

SA Coastal Waters Forecasts:

ph: 1900 969 975 or fax: 1902 935 280

SA Coastal Warnings Service:

ph: 1300 659 215

Marine Warnings:

fax: 1902 935 078

Maps and charts (back to top)

The BIASA has developed a complete collection of maps and charts encompassing all of South Australia's inland and coastal waters called South Australia's Waters: An Atlas and Guide.

Tide information (back to top)

You can access tide charts at the website of the National Tidal Facility Australia, www.ntf.flinders.edu.au.

Transport SA also publishes the annual Tide Tables for South Australian Ports.  The 2006 publication is now available from all good fishing and boating outlets.