How do I Change a Boat's Name in Queensland?

Recreational boats with motors over four horsepower must be registered in Queensland

Changing the name of your boat can be risky business, according to superstition. Every sailor knows that defying the gods by renaming your boat can result in bad luck at sea. However, aside from purging your boat's old name from the Ledger of the Deep and appeasing Poseidon through a renaming ceremony, there are no official requirements to change your boat's name in Queensland. Instead, registration numbers are much more important, as far as the rules go.

Things You'll Need

• Queensland Recreational Ship Registration Application
• Registration fee money
• Boat registration numbers

Instructions

1. Complete a Recreational Ship Application form from the Queensland Government website. All of the boat's information is to be included on the form. There is a space on the form for your boat's name so if you are changing the name of your boat, this is your opportunity to get its new name on record.

2. Submit your application at the Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre. There are several offices throughout Queensland and the one nearest is on the Queensland State Government website.

3. Pay the applicable fee. This sum may vary depending on the length of your boat and whether you are a pensioner or senior card holder.

4. Purchase boat registration numbers. Once your application is approved, your boat will be designated with a unique registration number. Queensland law requires that when your boat is on the water it must display its registration numbers well enough to be read from 100 feet away.

5. Apply the registration numbers to your ship. They must be displayed on both sides, in highly visible lettering in a contrasting color to the hull of your ship.

Tips & Warnings

• If your boat is already registered in Queensland, renaming your boat is a simple act of changing any name decals you may have - and avoiding the wrath of the gods.

• You may want to record the name change in your ship's log.

References

• Queensland Government
• Boat Names Australia