The registration process remains the same, with a range of payment options including online, in person at a Service SA centre, over the phone or via mail.

Boat owners will continue to receive registration renewal notices about six weeks before expiry and a Certificate of Registration in the mail as proof of registration once they’ve paid.

Marine safety officers across the state will also continue to check that boaties’ licences and boat registrations are up to date. If you’re caught operating an unregistered boat, you’ll be fined $215 plus a $99 Victims of Crime Levy.

Local boat owner and RAA employee David Franchitto says the new registration rules make sense.

“Not only are they bad for the environment, but rego stickers also tend to perish in the sun and salt air”, he says.

“This new rule means I don’t have to worry about being fined if I forget to replace the sticker on my boat.”

If you’re not sure your vessel is registered, simply visit Service SA and enter the boat registration number without any spaces or dashes.

Click here for more information on boat registration.