Boat registration

Most boats must be registered with the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) and are subject to an annual registration fee.

Registration helps in the identification of vessels and the recovery of stolen boats. Registration fees contribute towards launching ramps, building jetties, safety patrols, navigational aids and developing educational programs.

• BoatCode / HIN - craft identification system
• Boats / vessels that must be registered
• Exemptions from registration
• How to register a new boat / vessel
• Expired registration
• Transfer of ownership
• Where to place registration numbers and sticker

BoatCode / HIN - craft identification system

An improved system for small craft identification has recently introduced into Western Australia (WA). The system known as BoatCode, is a unique series of letters and numbers that identifies the hull (the Hull Identification Number [HIN]). This number must be attached via a plate or engraved on the hull of the boat/ vessel.

Further information on BoatCode is available.

Boats / vessels that must be registered

If your boat has a motor, or is fitted for one, it must be registered with DPI and is subject to an annual registration fee. Yachts, canoes, surf skis and other craft without motors and not fitted to carry one, are not required to be registered.

Exemptions from registration

A tender to a larger vessel is exempt provided it fits the following conditions:

• It is no more than 3.1 metres long, has a motor no bigger than 3.73kW (5hp); and is used only as a lifeboat and for ship to shore transport.
   
• If your boat is currently registered in another State, you have three months grace after bringing it into WA. After that time, you must register it in this State.

How to register a new boat/vessel

Owners must complete the New boat registration form (view form) and supply a HIN Certificate which verifies that a hull identification plate has been affixed to the vessel.

You will also need:

Proof Acquisition (POA)

• Copy of a Bill of Sale (which displays the company’s ACN number)  - Consignment Note (no hand written receipt will be accepted by DPI ); or
   
• a  statutory declaration attesting to the terms and method of acquisition (this is most appropriate for persons who manufacture their own vessels).

Proof of Identity (POI)

Full Proof of Identity Documents (POI) (no secondary proof required) either

• Current photographic Australian Motor Driver Licence or

• Current Australian Passport or

• Current photographic identification (Government issued only)

If no full POI available then two secondary forms of identification from the documents noted below are required.

Secondary Proof of Identity Documents – One document must display a signature

• Current Australian non-photographic driver’s licence

• Foreign passport or foreign document of identity that is current or has expired within the last two (2) years.

• Full birth certificate, or an extract of birth certificate (must be certified copy from an issuing body)

• Current credit card/account card, passbook or account statement not more than 12 months old.

• Telephone, gas or electricity bill not more than 12 months old.

• Water rates, council rates or land evaluation notice not more that two (2) years old

• Electoral enrolment card or other evidence of enrolment not more than two (2) years old.

If the vessel is to be registered in a Company name the following documents are also required.

• Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (or a certified copy)

• Document displaying evidence of ACN.

NOTE:  This company application form must be signed by a Director or Company Secretary, and proof of identity for the nominated applicant is required.

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Expired registration

If the vessel’s registration has expired, then the acquisition must be registered by way of a Boat Transfer form  (view form).

Transfer of ownership

The seller's responsibility

The seller of a recreational boat must:

• 'within seven days, tear off and return to "Boat Registrations, PO Box 402, Fremantle" the completed and signed red sellers copy of  the Boat Transfer form (view form); and
   
• give the new owner:
  • the completed and signed purchaser's section and information sheets of the Boat Transfer form;
  • the HIN certificate (if applicable - if the HIN number is not recorded on the Boat Registration Certificate);
  • a receipt, consignment note or bill of sale which should include the purchaser’s name, address, date, registration number of the boat, a description of the boat and the signatures of all the registered owners; and 
  • the Boat Registration Certificate.

The new owner's responsibility

The new owner must, within 15 days of acquiring a registered boat:

• return the completed and signed purchaser's copy of the Boat Transfer form (view form) and associated documents together with the prescribed fee (view fees) to DPI, any Licensing Centre, participating Shire office, Agent; or
   
• Post completed forms and payment to DPI.

Where to place registration numbers and sticker

Numbers must be fixed as follows:

• Power boats: midship on the side or super-structure of a boat / vessel where they are clearly visible and not under the flare of the bow - 150mm high.
   
• Yachts: on the side of the hull immediately forward of the transom - 50mm high.
   
• Tender: must have its parent vessel's number displayed on each side of the boat, forward of the transom.
   
• The registration identification label is to be affixed on the port (left) side of the vessel, outside and immediately adjacent to the registration number.

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