tophatyachts.com

Probably a silly question, But...........Do I need a "Boat Licence" for a Top Hat?

One person at Maritime stated I didn't need it, but on second visit, I was informe that I needed a licence. Which is it?

Nope.

You don't need any licence at all for a sailing boat for your own private use.

Silly isn't it.

Mr Wolf (Russell),
It's not a silly question.
In NSW you don't need a lisence for a sailing boat.
You need a lisence to drive a power driven vessel that is "Capable " of exceeding 10 knots, even though you may not drive it over 10 knots.
If it is over 65ft you need a master 5 certificate I think. Phillip might confirm that.

What might be getting confused is that you need to register a boat that is more than 5m long or one that is moored.

This is one of the last sports that you can buy a vehicle or vessel and just take off around the world. Cycling is the other one.

It is a VERY good idea to do a lisence any way as you will need the information to safely navigate your vessel on any waterway. It also proves that you have the necessary knowledge if anything happens to you. Marine Rescue run courses and you'll be helping them out by doing a course. You may also meet some like minded people.

Thanks Ladies & Gents,

Planning to complete this task soonest. Looking at a TH in Belmont Tomorrow, and another at San Souci in the next couple of weeks, so maybe soon?? I hope so!

Recommendation for Sail School accepted gratefully!!

Russell

Which Top Hat at Belmont are you looking at Russell?

Greg,

Looking at a Mk2 "Sweet Lady" but this is an initial look to compare with a Mk2 at McKay Marine.

Mmmmm,

For us as yachties and not doing a commercial thing you will need a licence with a motor of 10hp or more in some states. Not all mind you. The real problem is when we get into our tenders and put a motor on it and in some cases move more than a specified distance from your yacht, then the rules change.

In this case every state has a different curve on the regulations. I'm not going to detail them here as they seem to be evolving all the time and my recommendation is that you check with your local water police or whatever your state calls them. If you are going interstate you will need to check them out. For instance I believe [have to check the present state of the game] that solo sailing in VIC requires you to be wearing a life jacket 24/7, no matter where or what the state of the sea is.

And the 65 footer, if it's not a commercial vessel, get on with it, no experience necessary at all.

But Russell, get the basic boat licence as it may cover your **** some day!

Phillip.

Something that may come in handy is an iPad app I just got. It's called Imray sailing&boating rules, and covers all kinds of rules for navigation and sailing, including all the rights of way. Worth a look if you have an iPhone or iPad.

Insurers increasingly expect that anyone insuring a boat will have a boat license - they are about reducing risk. Most commmercial marinas will also expect that anyone staying, even for a few nights, is licensed to operate their vessel. This could well be a requirement of their own insurance.

The increaase in boating related injuties/fatalities over the past few years has tighted license requirements and increased the responsibilities of anyoneoperating a boat. The training involved in current boat licensing provides a good background on boat handling, safety and navigation, something every boat owner should be aware of - and it'll make you feel more conmfident in operating your own boat.

Mmmm

Don't need a licence of any type to hire a [say] 45 foot Cat in Queensland, just the briefing which everyone gets reguardless of experience.

Phillip.

PS Heading off to Seaka now for an overnight stay.