Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook
Why this handbook matters
The Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook is the official guide every skipper should keep on hand. Compiled by Safe Transport Victoria, it explains your legal duties, required safety equipment, collision-avoidance rules, weather planning and emergency procedures. Whether you run a 4 m tinny or a 40 ft cruiser, knowing this material keeps you safe, compliant and confident on the water.
Access the official 2024 edition
Click the button below to grab the latest, fully searchable PDF direct from Safe Transport Victoria. The file is free, about 10 MB and works on any phone or tablet for offline use.
What’s inside
- Required safety gear by vessel type and operating zone
- PFD types and when they must be worn
- Navigation lights, day shapes and sound signals
- Victorian speed and wash limits (5 kn within 50 m rule)
- Trip preparation – weather, fuel, float plans
- Emergencies, distress calls and EPIRB activation
- Environmental care – waste, fuel and marine life
Quick-reference table
| Topic | Inland waters | Enclosed waters | Coastal waters |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFD carriage | Type 1, 2 or 3 for each person | Type 1 for children under 12 | Type 1 for each person |
| Flares | – | 2 red, 2 orange hand | 2 red, 2 orange hand |
| EPIRB | – | – | 406 MHz if operating more than 2 nm offshore |
See full table in the PDF for craft over 12 m and special-use exemptions.
Learn the rules – then get licensed
The handbook tells you what the rules are; our 100 percent online Boat + PWC Licence course shows you how to apply them.
- Study anywhere on desktop, tablet or phone
- Self-paced modules – pause and resume around work and family
- 99 percent pass rate
- Zero-risk refund – unlimited quiz attempts and your money back if you cannot earn the certificate
- Instant certificate endorsed by Safe Transport Victoria – valid for VicRoads lodgement
- Accredited RTO 22587
Price: $125 (Boat + PWC) or $80 (PWC only) – secure checkout, no hidden fees
More resources & support
- Notices to Mariners – live navigation alerts for Victorian waters
- Marine Licence FAQ – age limits, renewals, medicals
- Safety Blog – passage-planning templates, VHF guides, weather windows
- Contact – fill out our form and we’ll get back to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get the most up-to-date Victorian Boating Safety Handbook?
Safe Transport Victoria hosts the master PDF. We link directly to the latest edition above and update our link whenever a new version is released. Always download a fresh copy before studying or planning a trip.
Is reading the handbook mandatory before I sit the licence test?
The VicRoads knowledge test is closed-book, but every question is drawn from the handbook. Reviewing it beforehand is the fastest way to pass first time and avoid having to retest.
How often is the handbook updated?
A new edition is usually published every two years or when significant rule changes occur. Check the cover date on your copy and replace it if it is more than two editions old.