Registration labels are no longer required to be displayed on boats, under a change introduced by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport at the start of this month.
This follows feedback from boaties that the discs, which were required to be replaced annually, faded and cracked over time, especially since they were often exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Boats still need to be registered annually, either online, at Service SA centres, over the phone or via mail. Renewal notices are sent approximately six weeks before expiration.
Marine Safety and Compliance Manager Gordon Panton said the change marked a new era of easy and streamlined registration.
“By eliminating the need for annual replacement and display, we're not only making things more convenient for boaties but also taking another step forward in reducing our environmental footprint," Mr Panton said.
Prior to registration labels being cast off, more than 60,000 were printed each year.
Barry Brown, deputy chair of RecFish SA - the state's peak body for recreational fishing - welcomed the change.
“Boat use for recreational fishing and other water-based activities is very popular and provides valuable social, economic and wellbeing outcomes,” Mr Brown said.
“Registration discs can be difficult to remove and salt spray and exposure to the elements can lead to label deterioration.
"Anything that makes life easier for boaties is most welcome, and removing the need to display boat registrations is a step in that direction.”
Marine Safety Officers actively monitor boat ramps and waterways to ensure all boats are registered and operated in a safe manner.
For more information visit Department for Infrastructure and Transport, or to check when your registration is due visit Service SA.
