Many South Africans enjoy boating, and it’s easy to understand why given the nation’s stunning coastline and countless rivers and lakes. However, you must make sure you have the required license if you intend to use your own boat on the water. So what is the price of a boat license in South Africa?
Depending on the kind of license you require, a boat license in South Africa might cost different amounts. The inland license, the coastal license, and the Category R license are the three primary licensing kinds that are offered. While the coastal license allows you to boat in the ocean, the inland license permits you to do so on dams, rivers, and lakes. For recreational boaters who wish to control a small vessel in tidal waters, a Category R license is required.
A Category R license now costs R230 in South Africa, while an inland or coastal boat license costs R345 at the moment. You will also need to pay for a medical exam, which typically costs between R250 and R500 in addition to the licensing price. The medical check, which includes a hearing and vision test, is necessary to make sure you are suitable to operate a boat.
What therefore is a day skipper license good for? A coastal license known as a “day skipper” enables you to sail vessels up to 9 meters in length up to 5 nautical miles from the shore during the day. You can use your boat for fishing excursions, recreational cruising, and water sports with a day skipper license. However, you will need to upgrade your license to a higher level if you intend to operate a boat at night or more than 5 nautical miles from the coast.
In conclusion, getting a boat license in South Africa is inexpensive and required if you intend to operate a boat. You will also need to pay for a medical exam, and the price of the license varies based on the type of license you require. You can engage in boating activities during the daytime within 5 nautical miles of the coast if you have a day skipper license.