Apply for a commercial mooring licence

Introduction

A commercial mooring licence allows marine businesses and clubs to moor vessels on NSW waterways. The licence is valid for 12 months.

Mooring sites are determined at the discretion of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and may involve approvals/permits from other agencies. The sites are subject to an ongoing range of assessment factors including:

• safety of navigation
• the environment
• the amenity of the area.

Based on these factors, some sites may not be permitted to proceed, and existing moorings can also require relocation or removal. 

If there are no moorings available when you apply, you'll be added to a waiting list.

Eligibility

You can apply if the:

• business is providing marine-type services to the boating public or can only be accessed by water, or
• club or association is registered.

What you need

• either application form:
  • Application for Initial or Transfer of a Commercial Mooring Licence – PDF, or
  • Application for Club Mooring Licence – PDF
• proof of identity for the business/club, and the nominated representative.
  Note: Sole traders and partnerships without a registered business name must provide a copy of the ABN Advice Certificate or Statutory Declaration stating the nature of their business, with the licence issued in the name of the sole trader
• written authorisation of the nominated representative on business/club letterhead
• a detailed description of your proposed usage of the mooring site on business letterhead.

How to apply

1. Download and complete either:
   • Application for Initial or Transfer of a Commercial Mooring Licence – PDF, or
   • Application for Club Mooring Licence – PDF.
2. Gather the required documents.
3. Submit your application in person at a Service NSW Centre, or by post or email to the details on the form.

More information

• Note: A commercial mooring licence is not a lease of the sea bed. There is no guarantee of tenure.
• Once your application has been assessed, TfNSW will let you know the outcome.
• Licence fees are payable when the licence is issued.
• You can apply for one mooring site per area. Once the licence has been issued you can make a subsequent application.
• Any costs associated with the purchase, installation and servicing of mooring apparatus are your responsibility.
• Licence categories include:
  • Marinas
  • Boat dealers/repairers
  • Large commercial vessels
  • Small commercial vessels
  • Boating club members/guests
  • Ski/caravan park
• Tourism or hospitality.