The special permit is a restricted boat licence with
conditions, available to children. Children aged at least 12 years but not yet 16 years can apply for a special permit with the consent of their parent or guardian.
Follow these steps to apply
Step 1: Prepare for the test. Prepare for the test by familiarising yourself with boating rules, regulations and safety equipment carriage requirements in the South Australian recreational boating safety handbook.
For more information see
preparing for the boat theory test.
Step 2: Go to evidence of age and identity to organise the identification documents.
Step 3: Prepare medical evidence (if applicable).You must disclose any disabilities and any need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
If you have a medical condition to disclose, you will need to complete section 1 of the medical and eyesight certificate to operate a recreational vessel and obtain a
medical and eyesight certificate (PDF 156KB) from a medical practitioner. Book and attend an appointment with a registered optometrist or doctor. They will assess your condition, and whether you are medically fit to operate a motorboat.
Step 4: Complete an application for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel (PDF 142KB).
Your parent or guardian must also sign the application.
Step 5: Take the completed application,
evidence of age and identity and any medical documentation to any Service SA
customer service centre and pay the appropriate
fee to sit the special permit theory test.
For more information see
preparing for the boat theory test.
The
customer service centre will complete the relevant sections of your application form and return the form to you. You'll need this form in order to undertake the practical test.
Step 6: Practice.Practice operating a boat under the supervision of an adult (18 years or older) boat operator’s licence holder.
For more information about the practical test see
preparing for the special permit practical test.
Step 7: Pass a practical test in a boat. The practical test must be successfully undertaken within six months of passing the written (theory) examination.
Contact a
marine transport safety compliance officer to make an appointment. You will need to provide your own vessel which must be registered and equipped with the required safety equipment. The vessel should be between 3.1 and 6 metres in length and capable of a speed of at least 15 knots.
On the day of the test, you need to take your completed
application for a special permit to operate a recreational vessel (PDF 144KB) and your identity and medical (if applicable) documents. There is no fee for the practical test. Once you have passed the practical test the examining officer will sign and stamp the application form as evidence that you have passed the test.
Step 8: Lodge your application.
Lodge your application at a Service SA
customer service centre, with the following:
After the application is processed, you will receive a permit.
Permit conditions
The special permit to operate a recreational vessel entitles the holder to take sole charge of a motorboat during the hours between sunrise and sunset if:
- the vessel is of less than four metres in length with a potential maximum speed of 10 knots, and
- the special permit holder and any passengers on the vessel are wearing an approved personal flotation device
or - a motor boat of greater length and/or maximum speed while under the direct supervision of a licensed operator who is at least 18 years old.
A permit holder is not permitted to:
- operate a personal watercraft - eg jet ski
- operate a boat that is towing a water skier. They may however act as an observer if the operator is at least 18 years old.
For more information about licence and permit requirements see boat operators, licences and permits.
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More information
Contacts
Marine transport safety contactsService SA customer service centre