Introduction to Pleasure Craft Licensing

Craft used for pleasure purposes may apply for a pleasure craft licence. The granting of the licence is subject to terms, conditions and safety requirements.

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.

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.

When a craft is no longer in use

When a craft is no longer in use, the pleasure craft licence must be surrendered to the MPA One-Stop Document Centre (OSDC) and approval must be obtained from the Port Master to dispose of or store the craft on land. See our delicensed form.

Driving a powered pleasure craft

Drivers of powered pleasure craft must possess a valid powered pleasure craft driving licence (PPCDL) or an Advance powered  pleasure craft driving licence (APPCDL) issued by the Port Master.

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

Table 2: List of PPCDL and APPCDL Training Centres

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 contact Marine Safety at Tel: 6325 2488 / 9.

Exemption for Canoes and Kayaks

Since 2 Jun 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.