Introduction to Pleasure Craft Licensing

1. Introduction

Pleasure craft means any craft which is intended for use within the port exclusively for sport or pleasure purposes but does not include any craft which is used to carry passengers on sightseeing tours within the port for which each such passenger is charged a separate and distinct fare. All pleasure craft to be used in Singapore port waters must be licensed. Pleasure craft licensed with MPA shall be prefixed with the following letters:

SZ – in the case of a pleasure craft for private use; and

SZH – in the case of a pleasure craft for commercial use.

2. Craft’s Mooring/Storage Base

Owners of pleasure craft are required to store their craft at established boatels, yacht clubs, marinas or designated pleasure craft mooring sites. Confirmation letter of mooring from such boatel, yacht club or marina is to be submitted at the time of application. Owners whose craft are found moored illegally will be prosecuted.

3. Applying for a pleasure craft licence 

When applying for a pleasure craft licence, the applicant is required to submit the application via digitalPORT. The following documents are required during the application for a new pleasure craft licence.

The following documents are required upon submission of application:

3.1 Proof of ownership

Registry; or

Builder’s Certificate; or

Hull Receipt or Invoice

      3.2 Proof of origin of vessel

Proof of GST payment;

Cargo Clearance/Import Permit; or

General Arrival Declaration   

3.3 Insurance Policy

Insurance policy is applicable to all mechanically propelled pleasure craft equipped with outboard or auxiliary engine, and non-mechanically pleasure craft which are 7 metres and above in length. The policy must cover the third-party liabilities including wreck removal, personal injuries, etc. e.g. under Clause 11 of the Institute Yacht Clauses (IYC) (1/11/85). The minimum sum insured is S$25,000/- for any one accident or occurrence. It should cover the period up to the next expiry date of the craft licence. The insurance company must be a Singapore-registered company. If the insurance company is a foreign one, a letter from the local representing office confirming same must be submitted.

3.4 Craft’s manning

All pleasure craft are to be operated by holders of Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) or Advanced Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (APPCDL)

3.5 Mooring letter or approval letter from the owner of the premises.

3.6 Installation of Automated Identification System (AIS) – For all power-driven craft.

3.7 Arrange for craft inspection.

3.8 Craft must be in port when application for new pleasure craft licence is made.

3.9 Any other documents or requirements as may be required by the Port Master.

4. Change of ownership

      Unless the transfer of ownership is completed through digitalPORT, the previous owner remains liable for any violations of applicable    regulations, as well as for all outstanding dues and fees associated with the vessel. The required documents for ownership transfer      are as follows:

4.1 All new owners are required to open a MPA account via digitalPORT before assuming ownership. If the new owner does not have a MPA account, please apply for one at https://www.mpa.gov.sg/finance-e-services.

4.2 The seller shall initiate the ownership transfer process by entering the new owner's details into digitalPORT and uploading the Bill of Sale, bearing the acknowledgments of both parties.

4.3 Upon submission of the application by the seller, the new owner must complete the process by uploading the required documents via digitalPORT. These documents include, but are not limited to, the vessel Registry, insurance certificate, and mooring letter, all issued under the new owner's name.

4.4 Once the application is approved, the new owner will be notified via digitalPORT to proceed with the payment.

 4.5 Once payment has been successfully made and all required   documents are verified to be in order, MLP will proceed to  generate a new craft licence under the new owner's name.   

5. When a craft is no longer in use

 When a craft is no longer in use, approval must be obtained to dispose of or store the craft on land.

 To delicense a craft, please submit the application via https://go.gov.sg/delicence. Once approved, an email confirmation of cancellation will be issued.

6. Driving a powered pleasure craft

Drivers of powered pleasure craft must possess a valid Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) or an Advanced Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (APPCDL) issued by the Port Master.

If you are holding an expired PPCDL, please note the procedure to renew the PPCDL as follows. You are required to retake the PPCDL course conducted by any of the recognised PPCDL centres listed in Appendix 1 or retake the PPCDL examinations. The licence will only be renewed with the Certificate of Attendance issued by the PPCDL centre or the PPCDL Examination Result.

All licence holders are required to pass a medical examination, commencing from age 65, and once every three years thereafter, that is 65, 68, 71, 74, 77, 80 and so on.

Table 1: Classes of pleasure craft driving licences

7. MediSave Contributions under Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board’s Self-Employed Scheme

Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board’s Self-Employed Scheme encourages self-employed persons (SEPs) to save for retirement and healthcare needs, in the absence of regular MediSave contributions from an employer. 

Under the Self-Employed Scheme, all SEPs who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents and earn an annual net trade income (NTI) of more than $6,000 need to contribute to MediSave. 

MPA will only process your licence application/renewal if your MediSave payable is up-to-date, that is, you have either paid your MediSave in full or have an active GIRO arrangement with CPF Board to settle your MediSave payable.

To find out more about the Self-Employed Scheme or check your MediSave payment status, visit cpf.gov.sg/selfemployedmatters.

8. Reporting of incidents to MPA

In the event of any incidents, such as collisions, damages to craft, any injuries or any loss of life, the owner, master or the person in charge of the craft must report such incidents to the Port Master within 48 hours of the incident. Please email the Marine Environment & Safety department at pms@mpa.gov.sg.

9. Enquiries for licensing matters of pleasure craft licence

For enquiries for pleasure craft licensing matters, you may contact our hotline 1800 272 7777 or send us feedback at https://www.mpa.gov.sg/feedback.

      10. Exemption for Canoes and Kayaks

 Since 2 June 2003, canoes and kayaks owned by individuals and organisations (except commercial operators) do not need to be   licensed by the MPA. “Organisations” here refers to either:

1. an organisation not operated or conducted primarily for profit, which is engaged in or connected with the promotion of sports; or
2. an education institution not operated or conducted for profit, which is engaged with or connected with the advancement of education; or
3. a public authority or society not operated or conducted for profit, which is engaged with or connected with charitable activities that benefit the community as a whole.

For safety guidelines: Safety Guidelines for Canoeing and Kayaking (.pdf, 436 KB).