FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about Recreational Skipper’s Tickets please check out our FAQs below, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for contact us or one of our Assessors.
What is an RST and who needs one?
What is an RST?
The Recreational Skipper’s Ticket, RST, is a qualification based on a set of competencies that have been adopted by all government marine safety authorities in Australia to contribute to and promote:
- Safe use of waterways, and
- Awareness of boating safety
There is a theory and practical assessment of these competencies.
Who needs one?
How old do I have to be to get an RST?
You must be 14 years or older to hold an RST.
RST holders aged 14 to 16 years of age are restricted to operating during daylight hours and at a speed not exceeding 8 knots.
Do I need to have boating experience?
No! Our qualified trainers and assessors are highly experienced, they deliver comprehensive training to get you out on the water safely.
Do I need my own boat?
No, you don’t need to have your own boat. Most of our RST assessors supply their own vessel for training and assessment.
Can I use my own boat?
Yes, you can use you own boat, providing it:
- is registered
- complies with the WA Marine Act 1982
- is capable of performing the practical assessment tasks
- is insured
Your RST Assessor will make sure the vessel is suitable before conducting the assessment.
What is the cost?
Each of our RST Assessors operates with a different model and they can customise training options to suit individual clients and groups.
It is best to touch base with your individual assessor to discuss specific details regarding your RST course, find an assessor near you ->
When is your next course? Do you have a course near me?
We have around 50 RST Assessors operating from Kununurra and Broome in the north, through to Esperance in the south, and most places in between.
We don’t always have RST Assessors based permanently in every location, however we provide reasonable and regular coverage across the state, so if you still can’t find an assessor just get in touch and we’ll see what we can do.
I have another qualification, is there skills recognition?
Yes, the Department of Transport recognises specific commercial, interstate, and overseas qualifications as equivalent to the Recreational Skipper’s Ticket.
What is the process for getting an RST?
To obtain an RST, you must have your knowledge and skills assessed by an authorised assessor, to achieve this you must successfully complete both a theory and practical assessment.
Theory Assessment
The theory component consists of 40 multiple choice questions to assess your knowledge and understanding of the following:
- Rules and Regulations
- Collision Avoidance
- Navigation Lights
- IALA Buoyage
- Maintenance
- Safety Equipment
- Safe Operations
- Emergencies
You will have a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the theory assessment. To progress to the practical component you must answer at least 34 questions correctly.
If you answer between 30-33 questions correctly, you may attempt a different set of questions on the same day, a maximum of two attempts are allowed in one day.
If you answer less than 30 questions correctly, you will need to attempt the assessment on another day.
Visit the Resources page for more information on how to prepare for the theory component.
Practical Assessment
During the practical assessment you will demonstrate your skills, safely and competently skippering a vessel during 11 tasks. The specific tasks are:
- operating the vessel within the marine safety rules and regulations throughout the assessment
- checking the condition of a vessel’s berthing and mooring equipment and securing the vessel
- conducting a safety briefing for all on board
- preparing and starting the motor safely
- logging a voyage plan
- safely departing a berth
- safely retrieving a simulated man overboard
- determining your position by using navigational marks, transits, and other landmarks
- performing a controlled stop
- returning to a berth and securing the vessel
- logging off
You will be assessed on 62 criteria across the 11 tasks and you must obtain competency in at least 56 of these criteria.
If you are deemed competent in less than 56 criteria you will need to undertake the practical assessment again on a different day. Only one attempt at the practical assessment is permitted each day.
Once you have successfully completed the theory assessment and competently demonstrated the practical tasks to the Department of Transport’s standards your assessor will issue you with a receipt of completion. This entitles you to immediately skipper a recreational vessel with a motor over 6hp (4.5kW).
Your assessor will send the documentation to us as the authorised provider, which we process and submit to the Department of Transport. Once your records are approved and processed by the Department of Transport, an RST card will be sent to your home address.
What documents do I need to provide?
On the day of assessment the Department of Transport requires you to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Letter of consent (if younger than 18 years of age)
- Proof of eyesight requirement (if applicable)
- Medical Fitness requirement (if applicable)
Proof of Identity
Before any assessment can take place, you must provide the assessor with proof of identity to verify your name and signature. You will need to bring the original document(s) or verified certified copies.
The most common forms of identification that meet the requirements are:
- Australian Driver’s Licence (current and valid)
- Learner’s Permit (current and valid)
- Australian Passport (not due to expire for at least 2 years)
If you don’t have one of these forms of ID, you will be required to provide additional proof of identity, see the DoT website for further information.
Letter of Consent
If you are under 18 years of age, you must provide a letter of consent signed by your parent or legal guardian.
You must use this form on the DoT website and provide the original wet signature copy to your assessor (we cannot accept copies or digital/electronic signatures).
Eyesight Requirements
The minimum vision standard required is the same as to operate a motor vehicle in WA; 6/12 in one eye, with corrective lenses.
Providing your assessor with your valid Australian Driver’s Licence or Learner’s Permit meets the eyesight requirement.
If you don’t have the above, then you must provide the Eyesight Declaration Form, again you must use the DoT form and provide the original wet signature copy to your assessor (we cannot accept copies or digital/electronic signatures).
Medical Fitness Requirements
Certain medical conditions could affect your ability to operate a recreational vessel safely.
When you complete the Application Form with your assessor, you will provide a medical declaration stating that you do not have any of the following:
- epilepsy, fits, giddiness, fainting or seizures
- heart disease
- high or low blood pressure
- arthritis
- type 1 diabetes
- any physical or mental disability.
If you have any of these medical conditions, you must submit a Declaration of Medical Fitness completed by a medical practitioner, using the DoT form and provide the original wet signature form to your assessor (we cannot accept copies or digital/electronic signatures).
