Recognition of overseas licences
From 1 January 2012 some overseas boat licences held by international visitors will be temporarily recognised for use in Queensland. International visitors with a recognised licence or qualification from an overseas marine safety administration will not be required to obtain a Queensland licence unless they intend to become an Australian resident. They can use their recognised overseas licence or qualification during their visit.
International visitors who intend to become residents must get a Queensland or interstate licence after three months of either arriving in Australia or Australian waters, or obtaining their resident visa.
For example, if a resident visa was granted before arriving in Australia or Australian waters, the three month period commences from the date of entry to Australia. If a resident visa is granted after arriving in Australia or Australian waters, the three month period commences from the date of obtaining residency. A person's passport will be used to verify when residency was granted and the date of entry to Australia.
For Australian citizens returning from living overseas with a recognised overseas licence or qualification, their Australian passport will be used to verify when they returned to Australia. They will be required to obtain a licence after three months of arriving in Australia or Australian waters.
To obtain a recreational marine driver licence in Queensland, people with a recognised overseas licence or qualification must contact an approved BoatSafe training provider for consideration and assessment under the recognition of prior learning process.
