SA gets six-month rego

The South Australian State Government introduced a six-month boat registration option on October 3 for vessels up to seven metres in length and personal watercraft such as jet skis.

The option effectively halves the cost of registration for people who only use their boats in the summer months.

About 236,000 people participate each year in recreational fishing in South Australia as well as water skiing, jet skiing and other activities. Many of SA’s 59,000 registered boat owners only use their vessels during summer and put them away in the winter.

The six-month boat registration amendment will see:
>> Owners of vessels up to six metres save up to $68 for new registrations ($69 for 6 months as opposed to $137 for 12 months), and $57 as opposed to $113 for renewals
>> Owners of vessels greater than six metres and up to seven metres save $119 for new registrations ($119 for 6 months as opposed to $238 for 12 months), and $107 as opposed to $213 for renewals
>> Jet ski owners save $173 for new registrations ($173 for 6 months as opposed to $346 for 12 months) and $160 as opposed to $320 for renewals.

The registration renewal will be available online through EzyReg.

Previously, any unpowered or human-powered vessel fitted with an engine or motor was required to be registered.

However the trial period allows operators to apply for exemptions from the registration, licence and specified safety equipment requirements.

To be eligible for an exemption, kayaks fitted with an electric motor must not exceed 150 newtons (33.7lb thrust) and must be maintained to the original manufacturer’s specifications.

Conditions of the exemption include that the power source for the electric motor must be a marine grade closed cell 12 volt battery and the kayak must be equipped with the safety equipment specified for a human-powered kayak.

A correctly fitted personal flotation Device (life jacket) must be worn by each person in the kayak.

To apply for an exemption from registration, licence and safety requirements, go to the kayaking and canoeing page on sa.gov.au and fill in the application form.

The trial, although for an initial 12 month period, may be extended further while its success is evaluated.

Further information is available from DPTI Transport Safety Regulation Directorate, Boating Safety Unit, by telephoning 1300 183 046 or by email to dpti.recreationalboatingunit@sa.gov.au

For more information boaters can visit www.sa.gov.au/boatingmarine or call 13 10 84. More information will also be available at the Club Marine SA Boat and Fishing Show at Wayville Showground 24-26 October.