If your yacht is unregistered and you want to participate in races between an Australian port and a foreign port, we, in consultation with Australian Sailing, can grant temporary passes. To be eligible for a temporary pass:

• the race must be conducted by a yachting organisation which is affiliated with Australian Sailing.
• Australian Sailing must provide written confirmation of the affiliation and the details of the race and the participants

You will need:

• One temporary pass is needed for the outgoing voyage and another pass is needed for any return voyage.
• The application forms to can be collected by the race organiser. They can be delivered on behalf of yacht owners or operators and sent to us as a bulk lot to the shipping registration office.

We assess applications on a case by case basis. There may be other special circumstances where a yacht may be granted a temporary pass for a yacht race.

What do I need to do?

To get a temporary pass, you need to:

Complete the form

Application for temporary pass form 218.

You will need to apply for two temporary passes. One for the outgoing voyage, another for the return voyage.

Pay the application fee

Before you send us your application, pay the fee online.

Record your payment reference number in the ‘Submitting your application’ section on your application form.

Lodge your form

Your form can be submitted independently or as part of a group by the race organiser.

Send the original completed forms and confirmation of your payment to:

Shipping Registration Office
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
PO Box 255
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

The race organiser should arrange for Australian Sailing to provide a confirmation letter to us with details of the race and participants.

If your race is not being held by a yachting organisation affiliated with Australian Sailing, you will need to send a letter justifying the need for a temporary pass to us.

Applications for more than one participating vessel can be compiled and sent to us via the race organiser.

Wait for us to let you know

We will let you know if there is any additional information that we require to process your application. If not the temporary pass will be finalised and the certificate posted to you.