Licencing, registration, and safety

The links below provide boaters with essential information about boating in Tasmania, including safety requirements, safety gear, including life jackets, licensing, vessel registration, navigation rules, and other important information users of our waterways must know.

Licence and registration for motor boats and personal water craft

Get started with everything you need to know about motorboat and PWC licensing, training, tests, and the steps to get you safely out on the water.

How to register a motor boat or personal water craft

Recreational vessels with a motor of 4hp or more, must be registered with MAST before use.

Personal water craft rules and safety

Personal water craft are classified as a motor boat under the Marine and Safety (Motor Boats and Licences) By-laws 2023.

Required safety equipment for recreational boats

The safety equipment needed varies depending on the activity, length of the vessel, and operational area.

Safe boating rules and information

Safe boating starts before you leave the ramp. Take the time to understand the rules before heading out on the water.

Marine communications

Stay connected and contactable when on the water.

Handling and operating a boat

Every trip on the water is an opportunity to improve boating skills and become a safer, more capable skipper.

Trip checklists and tips

Check your vessel, safety gear, weather, and plan before heading out for a safer day on the water.

Motor boat and personal water craft registration check

You can now check your vessel registration online using MAST's online form.

Incidents on the water

If something goes wrong on the water, please let MAST know. Reporting incidents helps make Tasmania's waterways safe.