Moorings

Apply for private and commercial moorings and read about the correct mooring type, licence and fees for your vessel.

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Updated Information about Moorings in NSW

Transport for NSW is committed to ensuring safe and sustainable operation of all commercial and recreational vessels on NSW Waterways.

When granting approvals for mooring licences and transfers, we have a legal responsibility to consider the impacts on the environment.

This environmental assessment, called a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) includes the ongoing assessment of factors such as the location, type and size of the vessel, and the sensitivity of the environment.

What does this mean for me?

If you are not making any changes to a vessel or the mooring, no immediate action is required at this time.

Changes to your mooring, mooring licence or moored vessel may trigger a review. This may result in the proposed change being refused, or the mooring being relocated, or cancelled. We recommend you contact us to seek advice before:

  • purchasing a new vessel you intend to place on this mooring
  • selling the mooring apparatus and attached vessel with the intent to transfer your licence to another person
  • changing the existing mooring apparatus
  • requesting to relocate your mooring site within the same bay.

Find out more

Private moorings

A NSW private mooring licence allows you to moor your vessel at a specific site on navigable waters. Here's how to apply and the rules you must follow.

Commercial moorings

Marine businesses and clubs need a commercial mooring licence to moor on NSW waterways. Here's how to apply and the rules you must follow.

Mooring types

Moorings are used to secure a vessel in a particular location. Find out about the different mooring types, their uses and buoy colours. 

Mooring audits

Transport for NSW manages over 23,000 private and commercial mooring sites throughout NSW. Find out about the audit process and the Moorings Reform Program.

Mooring fees

Find out the fees and charges for private and commercial moorings and berthings, along with the different payment options.
 

Suitable vessels and apparatus

To hold a private mooring licence, your vessel must be visually suitable and seaworthy. Here's how to pass an inspection.

Alpine Waters Mooring Scheme

Transport for NSW, in collaboration with Snowy Hydro, have established mooring licencing arrangements for Lake Jindabyne and Lake Eucumbene. Find out about mooring licences on Alpine waters.

Resident only private moorings

Resident only private moorings assist residents whose general means of transportation to the mainland is via water. Understand what's involved in obtaining a resident only private mooring licence.

Documents and publications

Find all the relevant documents and forms for private and commercial moorings.

Related information

Boating Handbook

The NSW Boating Handbook is your practical and essential guide to safe and responsible boating on NSW waterways. Here's how to get a copy.

NSW boat ramps

Search our interactive map online to find the location of all boat ramps across NSW.

Marine notices

Transport for NSW issues marine notices for vessel operators. These notices give safety advice about potential hazards, special events, and closures.

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