Recreational vessels are desirable targets for thieves and can be the subject of disputed ownership.

To further reduce vessel theft and re-birthing risks, from 1st March 2008 Proof of Ownership is required for all recreational boat registrations involving initial registrations or a change of ownership.

This change will work with the BoatCode System to protect the security of your vessel by making it harder to rebirth and reregister boats without appropriate documentation.

From 1st March 2008, you will need to show one of the following documents when applying to register a boat in your name for the first time (either: a Registration Transfer; New Owner Registration; or Initial Registration of a Motor Boat):

• Completed “Application for Transfer of Registration” on the vessel’s current South Australian Certificate of Registration, signed by the Current and the New Registered Owner;
• A Bill of Sale, Receipt or Purchase Contract signed by and showing the Current and New Owner’s names and including a description of the vessel, including the Registration number (if applicable);
• Interstate Australian Register of Ships Certificate of Recreational Registration, in the name of the proposed New Owner;
• Certificate of Commercial Vessel Registration in any Australian State, in the name of the proposed New Registered Owner; or
• Statutory Declaration of ownership of the Recreational Vessel, signed and witnessed by a Justice of Peace (JP) – this document will only be acceptable if none of the above is available.

For more information on Proof of Ownership requirements, contact:

Your nearest Customer Service Centre on 13 10 84; or

Recreational Boating Unit
Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure
PO Box 1, Walkerville SA 5081
Phone: (08) 8343 2898
Email: dtei.recboating@saugov.sa.gov.au