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How to get an RST | |
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How to get an RST
If you do not hold a recognised qualification you must have your skills assessed by an RST authorised assessor. A list of authorised assessors is available in Publications.
Once you pass your assessment the assessor will issue you with an interim certificate, your details will then be forwarded to the Department who will issue you with your RST Card. This may take up to two months.
The assessment
The assessments will test your skills and knowledge in the two following sections:
Theoretical section
The theory assessment will take about 60 minutes and consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You will need to get at least 24 correct before progressing to the practical assessment.
The multiple-choice paper will assess your knowledge and understanding of:
- rules and regulations;
- international collision rules;
- buoyage and other navigation aids;
- navigation lights;
- maintenance of vessel, motor and equipment;
- safety equipment required to be carried;
- trip planning, and responsibilities to passengers; and
- distress signals, and response to distress and other emergencies.
Practical section
The practical assessment effectively requires you to demonstrate a well-conducted boating trip, including preparation and vessel manoeuvring. Specific tasks you will be assessed on include:
- throughout the assessment, operating within the rules and regulations;
- checking the condition of a vessel’s anchoring gear and berthing lines and hardware;
- conducting a safety briefing for all on board;
- starting the motor safely;
- logging a voyage plan;
- safely departing a berth;
- conducting a simulated man overboard operation;
- steering a steady course with the aid of a transit;
- performing a controlled stop;
- returning to a berth and securing the vessel; and
- logging off.
The practical assessment will take about 60 minutes and requires you to skipper a vessel through the above tasks.
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What you must provide to the assessor
Eyesight declaration
To hold an RST you must have a minimum corrected vision standard of at least 6/12, in at least one eye.
A valid Western Australian Motor Driver’s Licence will be accepted as proof of adequate eyesight to be in charge of a recreational powerboat.
If you don’t hold a Western Australian Motor Driver’s Licence you will need to have a medical practitioner or optometrist complete the separate eyesight assessment form.
View Forms.
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Medical fitness declaration
A serious medical condition could conceivably affect your ability to operate a recreational vessel safely. A self-declared medical statement is required before obtaining the RST. You must advise the Department if you suffer from the condition/s indicated below.
- Epilepsy, fits, giddiness, fainting, seizures;
- Heart disease;
- High/low blood pressure;
- Arthritis;
- Type 1 diabetes; or
- Any physical or mental disability that could affect your ability to operate a motor vessel safely.
If you suffer from any of the above listed conditions, you must have a medical practitioner complete a Medical Declaration form.
View Forms.
Letter of consent
If you’re under 18, you must have a letter of consent signed by your parent or legal guardian prior to assessment. If your surname differs from your parent’s or legal guardian’s surname, you must produce primary identification to prove your relationship to them. A proforma letter of consent is available in Forms.
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Proof of Identity requirements
As part of the enrolment process, proof of identity (POI) needs to be established. Applicants must show POI to verify their name and signature.
A valid photographic Australian driver's licence will satisfy the POI requirements. People without a driver's licence will need to provide POI documents.
POI Documents
To satisfy these POI requirements, you must provide either:
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one full POI document; or
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one primary plus one secondary POI document.
You must provide the original documents or certified copies. At least one document must show your signature.
Acceptable "FULL" POI Documents - no other proof required
You can prove your identity with any one of the following current full POI documents:
- Photographic driver's licence issued within Australia;
- Australian passport;
- Document of identity issued by the Passport Office;
- Australian Defence Force photographic identity card;
- Federal or Western Australian police officers photographic identity card;
- Police Warrant Card;
- Proof of Age Card issued by the Department
- Marine Certificate of Competency carrying a photograph of the holder; or
- Western Australian photograph (security) licence issued by or cleared with the Western Australian Police Service.
If you have changed your name, you must provide one of the following:
- a marriage certificate;
- divorce papers; or
- change of name certificate, deed poll papers or licence to change name documentation.
If you cannot provide full POI documents you must provide one primary PLUS one secondary POI document.
Acceptable forms of primary identification are:
- an overseas passport (which can have expired within the last two years);
- an Australian citizenship or naturalisation document or immigration papers issued by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, and local government and Ethnic Affairs documents issued by a passport office;
- Western Australian Firearm Licence;
- Australian Motor Vehicle Learner's Permit;
- a birth certificate, or an extract of the birth certificate (must be a certified copy from the issuing body);
- a consular photo identity card issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;
- Certificate of Aboriginality issued by an organisation (eg Land Council) recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission;
- a photographic licence issued by an Australian driver licensing authority (which can have expired within the last two years); and
- a security licence (which can have expired within the last two years).
Acceptable forms of secondary identification are:
- a current entitlement card issued by a Commonwealth government department (for example, a Medicare card);
- a current card or account card from a bank, building society or credit union;
- a passbook or account statement from a bank, building society or credit union (not more than 12 months old);
- a telephone, gas or electricity account (not more that 12 months old);
- a water or local rate notice or land valuation notice (not more than two years old);
- an electoral card or other evidence of enrolment (not more than two years old);
- Armed Services discharge papers (not more than two years old);
- a certificate or statement of accomplishment or enrolment from a recognised educational institution; and
- a letter (not more than 12 months old) from the principal of a recognised educational institution.
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How much will it cost?
The RST authorised assessor will charge you a fee for assessment. This fee is not regulated by the Department so it would be wise to shop around for the best deal. You may re-sit the assessment as many times as you require; however, you may be required to pay the assessment fee on each attempt.
There are no government fees or charges associated with the RST and the ticket is valid for your lifetime.
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