Commercial Moorings

A Commercial Mooring Licence permits the licensee to occupy navigable water with a registered vessel.  The licence is issued for a period of 12 months and is renewed on payment of the relevant fees. Reviews are conducted to ensure the licence is used in accordance with the approved purpose.

A commercial mooring can generally be identified by a red or orange buoy and is subject to standard conditions. Special conditions may also apply. 

There are two types of Commercial Mooring Licences:

Commercial Moorings are only issued to:

Transferring

Some Licences may be transferable on sale of the business subject to NSW Maritime and any other statutory approvals required. However you should first check with NSW Maritime.

Mooring Apparatus

Cost for the purchase, installation and servicing of the mooring apparatus is the responsibility of the mooring licensee.  On cancellation, the licensee is responsible for removing the apparatus from the seabed. 

Mooring Buoys

Mooring marker buoys must clearly display, at all times, the issued mooring licence number in characters at least 50mm high. NSW Maritime recommends that you use one of the commercially available buoys supplied by ship chandlers or mooring contractors.

Mooring Maintenance

Moorings must be kept in such a condition as to secure your vessel in the worst conditions.

To help ensure your mooring is installed correctly, NSW Maritime recommends you engage an experienced mooring contractor and use only quality materials. The mooring must be serviced as a minimum, once a year, to maintain it in good order and condition.

Failure to maintain your mooring apparatus in good condition may result to mooring failure and set the vessel adrift with expensive consequences. Penalties may apply.

Proof of mooring service must be produced to NSW Maritime on request.
Failure to service your mooring may result in cancellation of the Private Mooring Licence and the liability insurance being null and void.

How to apply?

When applying for a Commercial Mooring Licence the applicant must:

NOTE: The applicant can only apply for one (1) site per area. Once the licence is issued a further application can be made.

Priority Waiting Lists exist for each designated mooring area where mooring sites are not immediately available. These lists have been developed to ensure fair and equitable access for all users. 

Change of Address

The Mooring Licensee must promptly advise NSW Maritime of any change to the Commercial Mooring Licence details. Change of address/contact telephone number may be advised by phone, however all other changes must be advised in writing.