WA Recreational Skipper's Ticket Practice Test 2026
In Western Australia you need a Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) to skipper a boat with a motor over 6 hp (4.5 kW). The RST has a 40-question theory test and a practical assessment with an authorised provider. Practice test 1 covers WA's own rules from the RST Workbook. The other sets cover the national collision rules, lights, sound signals and IALA A buoys.
Quick answer
The WA Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) theory test has 40 questions. Pass mark: At least 34 of 40 (85%), then a practical assessment (56 of 62 criteria). It is run by WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (assessments by authorised providers). Minimum age: 14 (daylight and 8 knots maximum until 16). Fee: $36.90 recording fee for a new RST; the assessment fee is set by the provider. Practise here for free with 90 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
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Question 1 of 30
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Answer: D. 6 hp (4.5 kW)
An RST is needed to skipper a recreational boat with a motor over 6 hp (4.5 kW).
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Question 2 of 30
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Answer: C. 14
You must be at least 14 years old to apply for an RST.
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Question 3 of 30
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Answer: C. Daylight hours only, and no faster than 8 knots
RST holders under 16 may only skipper in daylight hours and at speeds of no more than 8 knots.
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Question 4 of 30
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Answer: D. A consent letter signed by a parent or guardian
Applicants under 18 need a letter of consent signed by a parent or guardian.
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Question 5 of 30
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Answer: A. 40 questions; at least 34 correct
The theory test has 40 multiple-choice questions and you need 34 correct. It takes about an hour.
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Question 6 of 30
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Answer: B. The theory, before you can start the practical
You must pass the theory section before you can start the practical section. They can be done on the same day or different days.
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Question 7 of 30
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Answer: B. At least 56
You act as skipper on a short trip of about an hour and must meet at least 56 of the 62 criteria.
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Question 8 of 30
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Answer: B. 3 months
The assessor gives you an interim certificate valid for 3 months from the date of issue, until your card arrives.
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Question 9 of 30
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Answer: C. For life, with no renewal fees
The RST is valid for life and there are no renewal fees.
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Question 10 of 30
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Answer: C. An RST, and be at least 18
A supervising skipper can be a parent, relative or friend, but must hold an RST and be at least 18.
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Question 11 of 30
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Answer: C. An RST holder aged at least 17, or a person supervised by an RST holder aged 18 or older
The skipper towing a skier must be at least 17 and hold an RST, or be supervised by an RST holder aged 18 or older.
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Question 12 of 30
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Answer: A. 14
The observer on a towing boat must be at least 14 years old.
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Question 13 of 30
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Answer: A. 8 knots
Unless the Department approves otherwise, the limit is 8 knots within 50 m of a moored vessel, a person in the water, a jetty or wharf, or the shore.
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Question 14 of 30
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Answer: C. 8 knots
The 8-knot limit applies within 15 m of a vessel underway.
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Question 15 of 30
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Answer: A. Water less than 3 m deep
The 8-knot limit applies in water less than 3 m deep, in mooring areas and through bridge arches.
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Question 16 of 30
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Answer: C. 10 knots
In the open areas of the Swan and Canning rivers, the limit between sunset and sunrise is 10 knots.
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Question 17 of 30
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Answer: C. 0.05
The BAC limit is 0.05, with higher penalties at 0.08 and 0.15.
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Question 18 of 30
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Answer: A. Waters more than 400 m from the shore
Protected waters are rivers, lakes, estuaries, harbours and waters within 400 m of shore. Waters beyond 400 m are unprotected.
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Question 19 of 30
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Answer: D. A GPS-enabled 406 MHz EPIRB, or a PLB worn by at least one person
In unprotected waters you need a GPS-enabled 406 MHz EPIRB, or a PLB worn by at least one person. It must be in date and registered with AMSA.
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Question 20 of 30
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Answer: D. At least two red and two orange handheld flares
Carry at least two red and two orange handheld flares. An electronic visual distress signal can replace them if a GPS EPIRB or PLB is worn.
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Question 21 of 30
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Answer: A. 4 nautical miles
A VHF or HF marine radio is required more than 4 nautical miles from shore.
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Question 22 of 30
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Answer: A. No closer than 30 m
Freestyling and wake jumping are banned within 30 m of another PWC, within 50 m of another vessel or person in the water, and in speed-restricted areas.
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Question 23 of 30
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Answer: A. On the Swan River upstream of the Windan Bridge
PWC are banned on the Swan River upstream of the Windan Bridge, the Canning River upstream of Salter Point, and in Swan River marine parks.
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Question 24 of 30
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Answer: D. Within 72 hours if there is death, serious injury or the vessel is unseaworthy
Accidents with death, serious injury or a vessel made unseaworthy must be reported within 72 hours.
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Question 25 of 30
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Answer: A. Everyone on board, Level 100 or higher
On registrable vessels under 4.8 m in unprotected waters beyond 400 m from shore, everyone must wear a Level 100 or higher lifejacket.
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Question 26 of 30
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Answer: B. At least 50 m
Stay at least 50 m clear of vessels, buoys or diving signals.
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Question 27 of 30
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Answer: C. Divers are below; keep well clear
International Code Flag A means divers are below. In WA, stay at least 50 m clear.
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Question 28 of 30
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Answer: C. Any vessel with mechanical power, including electric motors
Any vessel with mechanical power, including electric motors and sailboats that can be motorised, must be registered. Some small tenders are exempt.
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Question 29 of 30
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Answer: A. Wear at least a Level 50S lifejacket at all times, in all waters
Everyone on board a PWC must wear a lifejacket of at least Level 50S at all times, in all waters.
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Question 30 of 30
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Answer: C. VHF 16, 27 MHz channel 88, and 000 by phone
The Water Police Coordination Centre monitors VHF channel 16, 27 MHz channel 88 and phone 000.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: At least 34 of 40 (85%), then a practical assessment (56 of 62 criteria)
What to know before the test
- You need an RST to skipper a recreational boat with a motor over 6 hp (4.5 kW).
- The theory test has 40 multiple-choice questions and takes about an hour. You need 34 correct, and you must pass it before the practical.
- The practical is a boat trip of about an hour where you act as skipper. You must meet at least 56 of 62 criteria.
- You can apply from age 14. RST holders under 16 may only skipper in daylight and at no more than 8 knots.
- The RST is valid for life with no renewal fees. After you pass, an interim certificate is valid for 3 months until your card arrives.
- On registrable boats under 4.8 m more than 400 m from shore, everyone must wear a Level 100 or higher lifejacket.
- The skipper's blood alcohol limit is 0.05.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boat licence in WA?
You need a Recreational Skipper's Ticket (RST) to skipper a recreational boat with a motor over 6 hp (4.5 kW).
How many questions are in the RST theory test?
40 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 34 correct. Topics include boating rules, collision rules, buoys, lights, safety equipment, trip planning and distress signals.
Is there a time limit on the RST theory test?
The official page says the theory test takes about 1 hour. It does not state a strict time limit.
How old do you need to be for an RST?
At least 14. Under-18s need a signed parent or guardian consent letter, and RST holders under 16 may only skipper in daylight at up to 8 knots.
Does the RST expire?
No. The RST is valid for life, with no renewal fees.
Can I retake the RST assessment if I fail?
Yes, as many times as you need. The provider may charge a fee for each attempt.