To hire a bareboat you will generally need a recreational boating licence issued by your State or Territory. Some listings will specify if you do not need a recreational boating licence to hire their boats.
To operate legally in Australia as a Master (i.e the Charter Skipper) you require a relevant Certificate of Competency. There are several types of Certificates of Competencies available from the Australian Maritime Authority. The below is a list that would be applicable to operating through this platform;
(N.B To hire a boat as a bareboat rental you only require your recreational licence)
1. Coxswain NC 3 (Formerly Exemption 38) – Inland waters and designated water ski areas
2. Coxswain Grade 1 NC < 12 Meters, Inshore Waters or 5nm of land base
3. Master <24 Meters NC < 24 meters, to outer limits of the EEZ
4. Master Inland Water < 24meters Inland waters
Training Organisations:- https://www.amsa.gov.au/qualifications-training/domestic-qualifications/exemption-38-course-providers
This will depend on the Certificate of Competency you hold from the AMSA and the DCV registration you hold for the vessel.
If you hold an Ex02 registration for your vessel then you can operate on Inland waters and Class D&E waters. Please read the following information provided by the AMSA:
If you hold a Coxswain NC3 (formerly Ex 38) authority you can operate:
If you hold a Coxswain NC 1 you can operate:
Please visit your state maritime safety authority to find information about inland and Class D&E waters.
Email MatesBoat™ we are here to help.
It is a requirement of Masters/Master Mates/Owners to hold a current insurance policy to undertake commercial activities with their vessel. MatesBoat™ has worked with R&M Insurance Brokers to assist in obtaining an insurance policy to cover vessels hired through the MatesBoat™ platform.
Please note MatesBoat™ is not an insurer nor is it an insurance broker.
To register your vessel as a Domestic Commercial Vessel under Ex02 you will need to do the following:
(i) Goto the AMSA website and read the information about Ex02 DCV registration: Ex 02 Information
Make sure you comply with the restrictions before making application. If in doubt, contact MatesBoat™ at info@matesboat.com.au
(ii) Go here to make application: Ex 02 – Non Survey Vessel Application
Domestic Commercial Vessel registration is commercial registration required for all commercially operated vessels. i.e taking a payment for the use of your vessel
If you already have a Coxswin NC3/Ex38 or Coxswain NC1 Certification then you can either get a DCV registration for your vessel or you can sign up to MatesBoat™ Master Mates program.
The Master Mates program introduces qualified Masters with boat owners holding an Ex 02 DCV registration.
The Master Mates will take Mates on chartered trips using a 3rd parties boat.
