New entry-level skipper certificate coming in 2026

This will be a new entry-level skipper certificate for small vessels. It is designed for people operating:

• vessels up to six metres in length
• within two nautical miles of shore within defined limits
• on low-risk activities, where current skipper certificates are not a good fit.

What this means

• This is a non-passenger certificate – you can’t carry paying passengers.
• You can carry workmates (up to six people) during daylight hours.
• It applies to small non-passenger and fishing vessels.

We expect to introduce the certificate in the first half of 2026. Training and experience requirements are being developed. If you’d like to register your interest, please send your contact details to [email protected] and we’ll be in touch when more details are available.