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Recreational ships

In Queensland, all ships with a motor or auxiliary of 3 kW or more (over 4 hp) must be registered when on the water. A completed recreational ship registration application (PDF, 80 KB) form must be lodged at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. Telephone enquiries about recreational ship registration can be made to the call centre on 13 23 80^b.

Fees are calculated on the length of your ship. Exemptions from registration fees are given to totally and permanently incapacitated war pensioners. Current fees are:

The registration fee includes a A$17.75 recreational use fee collected by Transport and Main Roads on behalf of Primary Industries and Fisheries for a range of functions to enhance recreational fisheries. More information is available from the Primary Industries and Fisheries website.

Third party insurance

Third party insurance is not included in the cost of registering your vessel. Independant advice should be sought about insurance if required.

Recreational ships 15 m and over

Applications for new registration, transfer of ownership or change of ship particulars for ships 15 m and over must be endorsed by Maritime Safety Queensland before they can be processed by a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.

• Information for applicants (PDF, 210 KB)

Forms

• Application for new or transfer of ownership or change of particulars of recreational ships 15 metres in length and over (PDF, 79 KB)
• Recreational ship registration application (PDF, 80 KB)
• Recreational ship registration transfer (PDF, 103 KB)
• Change of recreational ship particulars notification (PDF, 131 KB)

Make enquiries at your local Maritime Safety Queensland regional office.

New legislation was introduced on 18 May 2007 requiring all ships over 15 m in length (for example 15.01 m) to have insurance sufficient to pay for potential pollution clean up, salvage and wreck removal. More information about ship insurance requirements.

Registration symbols

Your ship will be allocated registration symbols. These must be clearly visible in plain characters in a contrasting colour to the hull of your ship. 

The size of the characters depends on the type of ship and must be able to be read from a distance of 30 m away:

• ships not capable of planing must have characters a minimum of 75 millimetres (mm) high on both sides or on the stern
• ships capable of planing must have characters a minimum of 200 mm high on both sides
• personal watercraft registration symbols must be:
  • displayed on both sides
  • at least 100 mm high
  • easily seen while the craft is underway.

Find out more about operating a personal watercraft in Queensland.

Unlike motor vehicles, personalised registration numbers are not available for registered recreational ships.

Registration label

Tenders

Tenders to registered recreational ships are exempt from registration provided they are used within two nautical miles of the primary ship. The tender must be marked on the exterior with the word 'tender' and the primary ship registration numbers, at least 75 mm high. If this is not possible, markings should be on the inside of the boat in the largest characters possible. If the tender is used for more than one ship, it may be marked with the owner's name.

Renewing registration

You will receive a notice of renewal in the mail about five weeks before registration is due to expire.

If you do not intend to renew your registration by the due date, you are required by law to remove the registration numbers and apply for cancellation of the registration immediately. Fines apply for driving an unregistered ship.

If your ship registration renewal fees are not received within a short period after the due date, action will commence to automatically cancel the registration. Once automatic cancellation occurs, registration will not be reinstated. You will need to apply for new registration and new registration numbers will be issued.

Selling a ship

When a registered ship is sold, it is the responsibility of the new owner to lodge an application for recreational ship registration transfer (PDF, 103 KB) within 14 days at a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.

Registration may be cancelled if the ship is no longer used in Queensland, is withdrawn from service, or no longer meets registration requirements.

Moving a ship from interstate

If you move to Queensland with a ship that meets registration requirements, you need to apply for Queensland registration within 14 days. Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centres can help you with this.

Registering your boat trailer

For information about how to register your boat trailer contact a Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre.

Licensing

A licence is required to operate a recreational ship with a motor greater than 4.5 kW (over 6 hp). Find out about recreational marine driver licences and personal watercraft licences.

Changing your address or requesting a new registration label

You can change your address or request a new registration label through services online.

Capacity labels

All registrable recreational ships, with the exception of sailing ships, must have a capacity label fitted near each steering position.

Capacity labels are available from Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centres or order online. More information about capacity labels.

Australian Builders Plate

To enhance the safety of new recreational ships, the Australian Builders Plate is required for new and imported recreational ships built from 1 July 2006. It provides essential safety information on the uses and limitations of most new and imported recreational boats.

More information about the Australian Builders Plate.

^bOperates Monday to Friday 8am-5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays. Local call charge in Australia. Higher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. For international callers phone +61 7 3834 2011 this service operates Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm EST (GMT +10) excluding public holidays.