Recreational Skipper's Ticket

Ready to explore the stunning waters of WA with confidence?

At Top Gear Training, we make obtaining your Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) straightforward, practical and enjoyable.

Backed by years of real-world boating experience, our training is designed to prepare you for the conditions you’ll actually face on the water. Our experienced, qualified assessors focus on building confidence, practical skills and safe boating habits in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Whether you’re a first-time boatie or looking to build on existing knowledge, we provide hands-on training and assessments for students aged 14 years and over. Based in the Kimberley and operating throughout Western Australia, Top Gear Training is here to help you gain the skills, confidence and freedom to safely enjoy life on the water.

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Getting your Licence

Step 1- Learn the rules

The Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) Workbook contains all the theory and practical information that you will need to learn.

The Transport Department website provides 6 practice quizzes. The questions are multiple choice and are based on similar questions that will be asked in the theory test.

Once you have familiarised yourself with the workbook and practiced the quizzes, you can move on to the next step!

RST Workbook

Step 2 – Book Your Course & Complete Online Training

Once your booking payment has been completed, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Top Gear Training with all the details for your upcoming Recreational Skipper’s Ticket course.

You will then receive a separate email from Sea Soaring Marine containing your login details for the online pre-course learning portal.

Students are required to complete all online training prior to attending their practical assessment day.

This pre-learning is designed to help you feel prepared and confident before your practical training session and includes:

  • A 5-part video series covering theory revision

  • Practical training information and what to expect on the day

  • Key boating safety knowledge to review before your course

Completing the online training before attending ensures students arrive prepared for both the theory and practical components of the assessment.

Step 3- Attend the assessment day

On the day of the assessment, you will need to bring along the following:

  • Proof of identity documents.

  • Provide eyesight and medical documents.

  • Get a letter of consent from a parent or guardian if you are under 18 years of age.

Documents To Provide

Please Note:

Students who successfully complete their assessment will receive an interim certificate on the day, allowing them to legally operate a vessel immediately. The official Recreational Skipper’s Ticket card is issued separately by the Department of Transport and may take up to 10 weeks to arrive.

What to bring

-Identification (passport, car licence, birth certificate, etc)

-Eyesight Test (if required)

-Medical (if required)

-Consent Form (if under 18 years of age)

-Drinking Water

Useful links

Skipper’s Ticket Workbook

Eyesight/ Medical Declaration Forms

Consent Form - Under 18 years of age

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A Recreational Skipper’s Ticket (RST) is required in Western Australia for anyone operating a recreational vessel

    powered by a motor greater than 6hp.

    The RST allows you to legally operate boats, tinnies, centre consoles, pontoon boats and jet skis (PWC).

    Top Gear Training provides both the theory and practical assessment required to obtain your WA Recreational Skipper’s Ticket.

  • You can complete your Recreational Skipper’s Ticket from the age of 14 years old in Western Australia.

    Participants aged 14–15 years old can operate a vessel during daylight hours only and at approved speeds under WA regulations.

  • No experience is required.

    Our courses are designed for complete beginners through to experienced boaters wanting to become legally certified.

  • The course is completed in two parts:

    Theory Session:

    8:00am – 10:00am

    Includes boating rules, navigation, safety equipment, emergency procedures and boating responsibilities.

    Practical Assessment:

    Conducted on the water in two separate sessions:

    • Group 1: 10:00am – 12:30pm

    • Group 2: 12:30pm – 3:00pm

    Five participants per group with approximately 30 minutes each behind the wheel under instructor supervision.

  • Participants should bring:

    • Photo ID

    • Hat

    • Sunglasses

    • Water bottle

    • Sunscreen

    • Comfortable clothing

    • Enclosed footwear recommended

  • Acceptable identification includes:

    • Driver’s licence

    • Learner’s permit

    • Passport

    • Student ID (for younger participants)

    If unsure, please contact us prior to booking.

  • No - the assessment is relaxed, supportive and designed for everyday recreational boating.

    Our instructors focus on safety, confidence and practical skills.

  • Top Gear Training uses a range of modern recreational vessels depending on the session and conditions,

    including:

    • Centre console boats

    • Pontoon-style vessels

    • Personal watercraft support vessels

  • Students who successfully complete their assessment will receive an interim certificate on the day, allowing them to legally operate a vessel immediately. The official Recreational Skipper’s Ticket card is issued separately by the Department of Transport and may take up to 10 weeks to arrive.

  • Top Gear Training is locally owned and operated in Broome with extensive experience delivering marine training,

    driver training and practical safety education.

    We focus on small group sizes, hands-on practical learning and real-world boating confidence.