Australia’s marine safety system is shared between the Australian Government and the states and territories. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) looks after safety and pollution prevention for international and interstate shipping and runs the national search and rescue service. State and territory agencies manage local waterways, recreational boating rules, ports and licensing.
This page explains how superyachts fit into this system, which reporting systems apply, and who to contact in each state.
How superyachts are regulated
Privately operated foreign-flagged superyachts
A foreign-flagged superyacht on an international voyage is regulated by its flag State, which is responsible for its survey and certification. While cruising privately in Australia, superyachts are treated as pleasure craft and follow the recreational boating rules of each state or territory they visit.
Commercially operated superyachts
Superyachts operating commercially, including on charter, must hold appropriate flag State certification for a commercially operated large yacht, such as under the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code or the Large Yacht Code (LY3). Foreign-flagged yachts may be inspected by AMSA when they arrive at an Australian port. Owners and operators are responsible for making sure the vessel is properly surveyed, certified and maintained.
More information: AMSA: Australian regulation of yachts. For the customs and licensing side of chartering, see Chartering in Australia.
Reporting systems
| System | Who must report | Where | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| MASTREP (Modernised Australian Ship Tracking and Reporting System) | Foreign vessels, from arrival at their first Australian port until departure from their last. Other vessels are strongly encouraged to take part. | Australia’s search and rescue region | Automatic, using your AIS. No sail plans or final reports are needed. Keep your AIS switched on. |
| REEFVTS (Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service) | Vessels 50 metres or more in overall length, whether on an overseas, interstate or intrastate voyage. Smaller superyachts are encouraged to report voluntarily. | Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, from Bundaberg to the Torres Strait | Entry and final reports, plus position, route deviation and defect reports when needed. Report by Inmarsat C or VHF channel 11 or 14 (call sign “Reef VTS”). Phone 1300 721 293. |
Superyachts navigating the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait should also read AMSA: Navigation through the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait and check the Pilotage Requirements.
State and territory marine safety agencies
Each state and territory sets its own rules for local waterways, speed limits, boating safety equipment, licences and moorings. Contact the relevant agency before cruising in its waters.
| State or territory | Agency | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Maritime Safety Queensland | 13 74 68 | msq.qld.gov.au |
| New South Wales and ACT | Transport for NSW | 13 12 36 | rms.nsw.gov.au |
| Victoria | Safe Transport Victoria | 1800 223 022 | safetransport.vic.gov.au |
| Tasmania | Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) | 1300 135 513 | mast.tas.gov.au |
| South Australia | Department for Infrastructure and Transport | 1300 183 046 | sa.gov.au |
| Western Australia | Department of Transport | 13 11 56 | transport.wa.gov.au |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory Government (Marine Safety) | 08 8924 7100 | nt.gov.au |
Source: AMSA: Marine safety agencies.
Water toys and personal watercraft
Jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWC) are popular with guests, but they are closely regulated in Australia.
- Most states require anyone operating a PWC to hold a PWC licence, and rules on recognising overseas licences vary from state to state.
- Many waterways have speed limits, exclusion zones and restricted hours for PWC.
- Tenders may also need a licensed operator, depending on the state and the tender’s speed.
Check the rules with the state agency before your guests and crew use water toys.
Captain’s Tip
Make sure guests and crew who will use jet skis hold the local PWC licence before you arrive in a cruising area. With the right licences in place, water toys can be used freely in many beautiful anchorages.
Charts and navigation
- Official Australian charts are produced by the Australian Hydrographic Office.
- Some remote areas, including parts of the Kimberley and Lord Howe Island, are poorly surveyed. Navigate with care and consider a local guide.
- Many NSW rivers have challenging bar crossings. Check the state agency’s bar crossing information before entering.
Protecting the marine environment
Australia has strict rules on discharging sewage, garbage, oil and other waste, which are stricter again in marine parks. Never throw waste overboard in Australian waters. See Marine Park & Access Permits.
In an emergency
- Call MAYDAY on VHF channel 16 or use your distress beacon.
- AMSA’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC Australia) coordinates maritime search and rescue: 1800 641 792 within Australia, or +61 2 6230 6811.
- For police, fire or ambulance, call 000.
Common questions about maritime safety
Is my superyacht regulated by AMSA or the states?
Both can apply. A foreign-flagged superyacht cruising privately is regulated by its flag State, follows the recreational boating rules of each state it visits, and reports through MASTREP. Commercially operating yachts must also meet certification requirements and may be inspected by AMSA.
Do we need to report to REEFVTS?
Yes, if your yacht is 50 metres or more in overall length and you are within the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait area. Smaller superyachts are encouraged to report voluntarily.
Do we need to do anything for MASTREP?
Keep your AIS switched on. MASTREP uses your AIS position reports automatically, so no separate sail plans or reports are needed.
Can our guests use jet skis?
Yes, but most states require PWC operators to hold a licence, and local rules on speed and exclusion zones apply. Check with the state agency before you arrive.
Who do we call in an emergency?
Call MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or contact JRCC Australia on 1800 641 792 (or +61 2 6230 6811). For police, fire or ambulance, call 000.
More information
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority
- AMSA: MASTREP
- Maritime Safety Queensland: REEFVTS
- AMSA: Navigation through the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait
- Australian Hydrographic Office
Last reviewed October 2026. Requirements change: always confirm with AMSA, the relevant state or territory agency, or a Superyacht Australia member agent.
