NSW Fishing Licence
When fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, you are required by law to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee and carry a receipt showing the payment of the fee. This applies when spear fishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting and prawn netting or when in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters.
All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and spent on improving recreational fishing in NSW. These trusts are regulated by law and overseen by two committees made up of recreational fishers - one for saltwater and one for freshwater.
You can pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee for three days ($6), one month ($12), a year ($30) or three years ($75)
From 1 October 2006 anyone wishing to sit for a general or PWC licence test must first complete a compulsory boating safety course. The Boating Safety Course requirements can be met by one of the following: Attending a Boating Safety course conducted by NSW Maritime or the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard or Volunteer Rescue Associations.
By viewing the Boating Safety Course online. Click here to view the course online.
By purchasing a DVD/video for viewing at home. Click here to purchase a DVD/video.
After completing the Boating Safety Course the applicant must then satisfactorily complete the knowledge test comprising 40 questions (15 compulsory) for the general boat licence and an additional 15 questions (minimum of 12 correct) for the PWC licence.
An alternative to completing a Boating Safety Course for the requirement to obtain a licence and undertaking the licence test, is to successfully undertake a course conducted by one of the following NSW Maritime accredited RTOs. For details of these courses click on the link below:
How to get a NSW Boat Licence
Download your 2009 Fishing Guide
Download the Boating Handbook
Bag and Size Limits
Kids Water Safety Handbook - download pdf