State-by-state fees, length thresholds and the Boat Code "pink slip" inspection — everything you need to put your Aerowave on the water legally, in every Australian state and territory.
Every Aerowave arrives almost registration-ready — CE-plated, HIN-stamped and compliant with ISO 6185-3 + EU Directive 2013/53/EU. The last step is your state's first-rego inspection: the Boat Code Certificate.
Australia doesn't have one boat licence. Each state and territory runs its own registration office, sets its own fees and decides which vessels need a first-rego inspection. Below is the plain-English version, plus a printable Boat Code checklist you can take to the inspector on the day.
Our inflatable boats are manufactured and certified in accordance with the European Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU and applicable EN ISO 6185-3 requirements.
Under the National Standard for the Australian Builders Plate, inflatable boats carrying a plate certifying compliance with EU Directive 2013/53/EU are specifically excluded from the application of the ABP Standard.
Each boat is supplied with the manufacturer's European compliance plate and Declaration/Statement of Conformity, providing the relevant vessel identification, capacity, engine and compliance information.
Customers should retain this documentation with their vessel's permanent records. A Boat Code certificate is still required for state registration — the Boat Code certifier checks the CE plate and the Statement of Conformity, then issues the certificate ("pink slip") you take to your state authority.
Fees and rules change yearly — always confirm with the linked authority before you pay. These figures reflect the 2026 schedules at time of writing.
The Boat Code is Australia's national standard for verifying the identity and safety of a recreational vessel before its very first registration. Think of it as the boating equivalent of a pink slip on a car — but unlike a pink slip, it's a one-time inspection, not annual.
Typical cost: $120–$180 for a mobile certifier, or free with a workshop service. Allow 30–45 minutes on the day.
Print this page and put it in your boat bag. Tick each item before the surveyor arrives — most failed inspections fail on missing paperwork, not the hull.
Two ways to get your Boat Code Certificate. Both are equally valid — pick whichever fits your weekend.
| Mobile Boat Code certifier | Marine workshop / chandlery | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $120–$180 (call-out fee included) | Often free with a service or accessory fit |
| Where | Comes to your driveway | You tow / carry the boat to them |
| Boat state | Can inspect deflated & bagged | Usually inflated on a trailer |
| Lead time | 1–2 weeks in metro areas | Same week if you're booked for service |
| How to find | Search your state's marine authority website for 'approved surveyors' | Any chandlery that fits outboards or services trailers can usually refer you |
Tip: most mobile certifiers will inspect an Aerowave while it's still bagged on the trailer — saves you a 20-minute inflation just for the paperwork.
Once the Boat Code Certificate is signed and your state has issued an AKX-style number, you've got three ways to put it on the tube: vinyl decals, DIY PVC spray stencil, or a professional sign writer. Step-by-step photos in our companion guide.
Read the rego-numbers guide →
We keep a running list of trusted Boat Code certifiers in every capital city. Ring us and we'll text you two or three contacts within an hour.
Call +61 2 4335 1603Explore our boats and their included cover · Built to last. Made to explore.
