Hello to all my friends who have just come to visit Australia. In this guide I am going to discuss about jet ski riding conditions and licensing requirements that differ from one state to another. You need to know certain vital facts and I am going to share all the details in this article very well.
The minimum requirement to ride a jet ski in Australia is 16. If you want to ride the water equipment without any expert supervision, the person has to be at the minimum age group of 16. People who are below such an age group need their parents sitting behind. Also, they are not allowed to receive jet ski licence under any circumstance.
Last year, aaok lake resort allowed children to ride wave runner on lake Bennett. However the place soon witnessed certain changes in rules and now such facilities no longer exist.
Every state in Australia has a different type of licensing requirement and paying close attention to the requirement is very necessary. The available information is according to the latest law system available.
Western Australia
The licence requirement for jet ski in Western Australia is very liberal. Any person who is 14 years of age can easily ride a personal jet ski. However, one should not exceed more than 8 knots during the day hours. The moment you reach out 16 years of age, all the restrictions are put aside. Additionally there is no certain formal jet ski licence in Western Australia but a couple of rules that are dependent on the age group of the rider.
By the way, there is no formal jet ski licence or marine licence, they function based on Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST), which cost around 30-45 AUD per application. Visit local website for application process : How to get RST & process.
New South Wales
You should be at least 12 years of age in order to ride your personal jet ski in New South Wales. It is very important to own the general boat licence and A pass that is achievable only after licence knowledge test.
Victoria
The rules are very strict at this place and you need to be at least 12 years of age in order to acquire a licence. However a person needs to be at least 16 years of age in order to acquire final endorsement. There are total of 15 multiple choice question to be asked out of which a bare minimum of 13 have to be correct. The passing marks are very difficult and remain achievable only after a plenty of practice. Try out : Practice Test
South Australia
South Australia comes with very strict set of rules in which you can use the jet ski only after 8 a.m. The riders have to be at least 16 years of age and possess the boat operator licence. There is no separate licence for jet ski riders in Australia except general rules that are important to be followed like to have registration number and follow speed limit.
Read Instruction here: South Australia PWC rules
Northern territory
Do you want utmost freedom while riding jet ski? The northern territory comes with no jet ski licence requirements for any age group. Even a child as less as 10 year old can take a ride alone irrespective whether they want an adult on their back or not. The place does not require any marine registration for privately owned PWC. However, government promotes to follow all set of safety before taking PWC to water. – (Ref)
Tasmania
You need to first of all have a Boat licence and then you will be allowed for jet ski licence after completing a practical coursework. Any rider who is below 12 years of age may need to have a parent/guardian sitting behind. You will be allowed to ride solo only when you were above 17 years of age.
Below are accredited providers offering PWC Endorsement courses
| Authorized PWC Endorser | Email id |
| Boatbiz | boatbiz-tas@bigpond.com.au (Hobart / Southern Tasmania) |
| Surf Life Saving Tasmania | slst@slst.asn.au (Statewide) |
| David’s Boat Licensing | davidjoy7@bigpond.com (Northern Tasmania) |
| Aquacraft Boat & JetSki Licences | semajed1@gmail.com (North and North East Tasmania) |
Australian capital territory
The Australian capital territory is managed by government act to ensure minimum age requirements are met. You cannot ride a jet ski on Lake Burley Griffin in any condition.
Queensland
Queensland is state with strict rules and regulation for PWC enthusiastics. To obtain a marine licence, you must be at least 16 years of age and successfully complete a Marine Safety Queensland or Boatsafe approved course. In case you are wondering what about jet ski riders below 16, well.. you can only operate a boat or personal watercraft only in supervision of valid marine licence holder. – Reference
Final Words:
Depending on where you plan on operating a jet ski in Australia, you may need to obtain a marine licence. In most states, jet ski operators must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid marine licence. To obtain a marine licence, you may need to complete a boat or PWC (Personal Watercraft) safety course, depending on the state you are in. Additionally, you may need to supply proof of identity, such as a driver’s licence or passport, and pay a fee. Ensure to have all required document in hand before applying.
Hopefully sharing my knowledge & guide on jet ski licence requirements proved worthwhile for all the readers. I am obsessed with Marine industry and eagerly want to help more people so that they can spend maximum time in their personal watercraft around.