Crossing Coastal Bars

Masters of Class 1 and Class 2 vessels carrying passengers require an endorsement to their Certificate of Competency to cross a coastal bar. Coastal bars are listed in Schedule 6 of the Marine Safety (General) Regulation 2009.

To apply for an endorsement to cross a coastal bar you will need to provide evidence that you have completed at least 10 crossings both inwards and outwards of the port for which the endorsement is sought. For any subsequent endorsement, evidence of only five crossings is required. These crossings are to be completed either under the supervision of a person with an endorsement for the port concerned or as master of a vessel with no passengers.

To apply for an endorsement:

• Completed Maritime Application for Marine Certification form;
• Provide proof of your identity;
• Provide your Certificate of Competency;
• Provide evidence that you have completed the required number of crossings; and
• Pay the endorsement fee

You may lodge an application at any Maritime office or mail an application to Marine Certification, Maritime, Locked Bag 5100, Camperdown NSW 1450. Your Certificate will be sent to you by registered mail.

Application form

Conditions applying to crossing bars

Bar crossings must be made between sunrise and sunset. Crossings must not be made if the maximum wind speed is in excess of 20 knots or the swell height is greater than 2 metres. Masters must ensure that all passengers are in an open area of the vessel and wear an approved life jacket when crossing a bar.

The above requirements do not apply to fishing vessels

Masters of fishing vessels do not require an endorsement to their Certificate of Competency to cross a coastal bar and the conditions described above do not apply.

The Boating Handbook provides information for recreational vessels crossing bars