What is the Recreational Skipper's Ticket?
The Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) is a nationally-recognised certificate of competency which shows that the holder has the minimum knowledge and practical skills needed to operate a powerboat safely.
It is the minimum qualification needed to operate a powerboat in Western Australia. The WA Department of Transport overseas compliance with this requirement.
Note: The RST is not a licence, so there is no need to renew the Ticket or pay ongoing fees.
Background
Regulation 47 of the Navigable Waters Regulations 1958 (WA) requires the person in charge of a vessel with a motor that exceeds 6 hp (4.5 kW) in power to hold a Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST).
Workbook (See the eBook available on this site)
The Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) Workbook contains all the material that you will need to know for the RST. It covers both the theory and practical sections of the RST assessment.
The workbook organises all the relevant information into the following chapters:
- Recreational Skipper's Ticket (introduction and overview).
- Rules and regulations.
- Collision avoidance.
- Maintenance.
- Safety equipment.
- Trip planning.
- Emergency situations.
- Practical assessment.
At the end of each chapter there is a set of self-test questions, with answers in the back. These questions are similar to those used in the theory assessment. If you can answer all of them correctly, you should be able to pass the assessment.
Documents
These are a sample of the supporting documents available from the WA Department of Transport website. Explore the site yourself for more information.
Recreational Skipper's Ticket Workbook
See the eBook available on this site OR download your own copy (below).
Practice Quizzes
The six practice quizzes below are taken from the current Recreational Skipper's Ticket workbook. The quizzes consist of multiple choice questions based on the RST course material.
Please select one of the following links to get started.
 RST Quiz 1 |
RST Quiz 2 |
RST Quiz 3 |
RST Quiz 4 |
RST Quiz 5 |
RST Quiz 6 |
Resources
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| How to get an R.S.T. | Boating Safety | Boating Safety Resources |
Videos: Power Boating
The Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) is a nationally-recognised certificate of competency which shows that the holder has the minimum knowledge and practical skills needed to operate a powerboat safely. It is the minimum qualification needed to operate a powerboat in Western Australia.
SOURCE: WA Dept. of Transport, Clickview, Rated PG, Duration: 46:29 mins.
SOURCE: Fremantle Port, Clickview, Rated PG, Duration: 8:57 mins.
Prepare for launch: Prepare the boat away from the launch so you will not block any boaters who are waiting to launch or retrieve their boat. Preparation may involve removing all tie-downs except the winch line, loading additional supplies and equipment into the boat, inserting the drain plug if not already done, disconnecting trailer brake lights so you don't burn out the bulbs, removing the motor travel supports if applicable, and putting the trim up to prevent hitting the prop when launching. Attach a bow line to steady the boat upon release. This may not be required if two persons are launching the boat, and one is in the boat. Release the winch line and slowly reverse the boat off the trailer. Secure the boat to the dock, and then promptly move the tow vehicle and trailer away from the launch to avoid keeping other boaters from waiting. If you anticipate problems with your boat engine, start the engine and let it warm up while the boat is still attached to the winch line. It is much easier to retrieve the boat when it is still on the trailer. Back into the water far enough that the lower unit cooling water intake holes are submerged. (NOTE: use the parking brake on the towing vehicle at this point, and do not allow the tow vehicle's wheels in the water unless necessary.)
IF THE RAMP IS STEEP, ENSURE SOMEONE "SPOTS" FOR YOU AS YOU DRIVE UP THE RAMP. BE AWARE OF PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER BOATS. Proper etiquette: Unload fuel and equipment away from the ramp, if possible. Prepare vehicle and trailer for retrieval, and wait your turn. Back the trailer into the water until two-thirds of the bunks or rollers are submerged. (Make sure the towing vehicles' wheels stay out of the water, if possible.) Attach a bow line to steady the retrieval. Maneuver the boat close to, or drive it onto, the trailer and attach the winch line. Shut off the engine, and trim or raise the outboard or stern drive. Pull the boat completely onto the trailer by cranking the winch line. Stay out of the direct path of the winch line, in case it should break. After retrieving the boat, pull the trailer out of the water and well away from the boat ramp, out of the way of others. Begin your preparation for the road once more, remembering to remove the drain plug and pump or drain any water out of the bilge first, and drain the live wells or bait wells, if applicable. Be sure to rinse off any aquatic nuisance species if present before you leave the water way.
