Frequently asked questions - RST
What is the Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST)?
The RST is a certificate of competency for recreational boaters. It is not a licence. It is a "one off" assessment of boating skills and knowledge. There will not be an ongoing renewal fee.
What is it based on/how did you set it up?
The RST is a qualification based on the National Marine Safety Committee's (NMSC) Guidelines for Recreational Boat Operator Competencies. A copy of the Competencies can be found on the NMSC website (external link).
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Does everyone on board have to have an RST?
No, only the skipper has to have an RST. In the same way that a captain is in charge of a ship, this doesn't mean that they must be at the wheel the whole time. It does mean they are responsible for what happens on the boat during the voyage.
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What regulations are there? What is the legal basis for the RST?
The RST is being introduced under Regulation 47 of the Navigable Waters Regulations 1958. The regulations require the person in charge of a vessel with a motor that exceeds 4.5 kilowatts (6 HP) (called an RST vessel) to hold a Recreational Skipper's Ticket. A copy of the regulations is available in Publications.
When do the regulations come into effect?
People aged between 14 and 25 must obtain an RST before 1 April 2007. Over 25s will have until 1 April 2008 before they are required to hold an RST.
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Are there restrictions?
- Yes. A person under the age of 10 CANNOT DRIVE ANY powered recreational vessel, either alone or under supervision.
- Anybody 10 or older can drive a vessel with a motor UP TO 4.5 kilowatts (6 HP)
- A person aged between 14 and 16 cannot be in charge of an RST vessel (ie with a motor that exceeds 4.5 kilowatts (6 HP)) unless they hold an RST. Restrictions also apply to this age group - vessels may be operated only during daylight hours and at a maximum speed of 8 knots.
Do you have to have an RST if you own a boat or before you are able to buy a boat?
No. The RST is only required when driving a boat on the water, and then only the skipper has to have an RST. It is the same as a car. You can own a car without having a driver's licence, but you cannot drive it yourself on the road without a licence.
How do people get the RST?
The assessment of the RST is in two sections: theory and practical. People will need to book in for assessment through an Authorised Provider. The Department maintains a list of RST Authorised Providers which is available in Publications.
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What resources are available?
The RST Workbook is available online and free of charge from authorised assessors and most Department offices (including all regional offices, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Mandurah Fisheries office, and Marine House in Fremantle). The Workbook and other resources are available in Publications.
How long will it take?
It all depends on what people want to do. People will not be forced to do a course, they can elect to read the RST Workbook and just do the assessments. They do not have to do both assessments on the same day, nor do they have to do the both assessments with the same provider. However, they must do the theory assessment FIRST.
Assessment only
The theory assessment on it's own takes about an hour. The practical assessment also takes about an hour to complete, so experienced and knowledgeable boaters could do the whole thing in two hours.
Standard Theory Course
The standard theory course should take about 5 hours, including the time to take the assessment.
Standard Practical Course
The standard practical course should take about 4 ½ hours, including the time to take the assessment.
Advanced Courses
Some assessors will offer advanced courses. These will include the theory and practical assessments, but may vary in time depending on how much is being taught. People are encouraged to ask their assessor details of the course they are running.
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How much will it cost?
The RST authorised assessor will charge a fee for assessment. This fee is not regulated by the Department so people are encouraged to shop around for the best deal. People may re-sit the assessment as many times as required; however, will be required to pay the assessment fee on each attempt. There are no government fees or charges associated with the RST and the ticket is valid for life.
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What do I need to take to the assessment? What is the process?
Before assessment can take place, people must complete an RST Application Form (available only from authorised assessors) and provide the authorised assessor with certain declarations (eyesight and medical) and Proof of Identity (POI). A photographic WA Motor Driver's Licence (MDL) will be accepted as full POI. People without a WA MDL will need to provide primary and secondary POI as per application for an MDL.
You MUST do the theory assessment before the practical assessment.
People under 18 must have a letter of consent signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to assessment. If the surname differs from the parent's or legal guardian's surname, primary identification must be produced to prove the relationship. A proforma of the letter of consent is available in Forms.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes. If you hold a recognised commercial marine qualification or one listed on our website you will not be required to undergo further assessment to obtain an RST. You will need to present your qualifications to an assessor, undergo a proof of identity check and complete an application form. The assessor may charge a small fee for this. If the qualification is acceptable the Department will send out the RST.
See the skills recognition page for more information. For details of where to present qualifications, refer to the where can I be assessed page.
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How does the RST affect Hire and Drive vessels?If you’d like to hire a boat and operate it yourself you should be aware of the following:
Hire and drive vessels that do not require a Recreational Skipper's Ticket to be driven include;
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any hire and drive vessel that operates with an engine capacity of 4.5 kW (6Hp) or less, or does not have a motor attached, and
- any hire and drive vessel hired from an “on-site hire and drive licence”, including houseboats, pontoons, dinghies and personal water craft (PWC) operating in restricted areas regardless of engine capacity, subject to appropriate alternative safety interventions being in place. This can be in the form of a safety briefing that is approved by the DPI and must be given to each person operating the hired vessel. In addition, operations hiring out PWC’s will need to ensure each water craft has an operating safety cut out system on each vessel.
Hire and drive vessels that do require a Recreational Skipper's Ticket or its overseas or interstate equivalent for the person having the responsibility of skipper/master to be driven include;
any vessel hired from a “trailerable hire and drive licence” (that is hook up the boat and trailer, drive away and go wherever you want in the boat) with an engine capacity in excess of 4.5 kW (6Hp)
Check out the skills recognition page on our website to see if your overseas qualification is recognised as an equivalent to the RST. This requirement will apply from 1 April 2008.
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Do I need an RST if I have an interstate boat license an want to holiday in WA?
If you hold a current, interstate boat drivers license and you intend to holiday in Western Australia for a period of less than three months you will not be required to hold an RST (make sure you carry your license with you). If you intend to stay longer than 3 months you will be required to obtain an RST through the Skills Recognition Scheme.
Navigable Waters Regulations Rule 47E
Interstate or overseas ticket valid for 3 months
A person who holds a foreign skipper’s ticket and enters Western Australia, whether as a visitor or with the intention of permanently residing in the State, is taken to hold a recreational skipper’s ticket until 3 months have elapsed since the person entered the State.
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